阅读说明：本技术 电力/信号传输结构和机床 (Power/signal transmission structure and machine tool ) 是由 林朋希 森村章一 于 2019-08-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种电力/信号传输结构包括：可移动体(48),其具有电气装置(50),且其至少一部分在机床的加工室中移动；机器人(34),其设置在加工室中；第一连接器(28),其中继电力和信号中的至少一者,并且其设置在可移动体(48)中并且电性连接至电气装置(50)；以及第二连接器(38),其中继电力和信号中的至少一者,并且其设置在机器人(34)中,并且在机器人(34)被驱动时可电性连接至第一连接器(28)并且可从第一连接器(28)断开,其中电力和信号中的至少一者通过第一连接器(28)和第二连接器(38)从电气装置(50)的外部向内部或从电气装置(50)的内部向外部传输。(A power/signal transmission structure comprising: a movable body (48) which has an electric device (50) and at least a part of which moves in a processing chamber of a machine tool; a robot (34) disposed in the processing chamber; a first connector (28) that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in the movable body (48) and electrically connected to the electrical device (50); and a second connector (38), wherein at least one of power and a signal is relayed, and which is provided in the robot (34) and is electrically connectable to the first connector (28) and disconnectable from the first connector (28) when the robot (34) is driven, wherein at least one of power and a signal is transmitted from the outside of the electrical device (50) to the inside or from the inside of the electrical device (50) to the outside through the first connector (28) and the second connector (38).)

1. A power/signal transmission structure comprising:

a movable body having an electric device, at least a part of which moves in a processing chamber of a machine tool;

a robot disposed in the processing chamber;

a first connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in a movable body or a holding device that holds the movable body and is electrically connected to the electrical device; and

a second connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in the robot and is electrically connectable to and disconnectable from the first connector when the robot is driven, wherein

At least one of power and a signal is transmitted from the outside to the inside of the electrical device or from the inside to the outside of the electrical device through the first connector and the second connector.

2. The power/signal transmission structure according to claim 1,

the first connector and the second connector at least relay electric power, and

the electric device is a device driven by electric power, and includes at least one of a rotary electric machine, a linear electric machine, a solenoid valve, a secondary battery, an electric cylinder, a peltier element, and a piezoelectric element.

3. The power/signal transmission structure according to claim 1 or 2,

the first connector and the second connector at least relay signals, and

the electric device is a device that transmits and/or receives the signal, and includes at least one of a sensor and a microcomputer.

4. The power/signal transmission structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the movable body is any one of a tool post, a turret, an opposing headstock, a tailstock, a retractable cover, a table, a spindle head, a tool holder, a tool, and a center frame.

5. The power/signal transmission structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the movable body is mounted in the machine tool so as to be inseparable from the machine tool, and

the first connector is provided in the movable body.

6. The power/signal transmission structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the movable body is separable from the machine tool,

the clamping device is mounted in the machine tool so as to be inseparable from the machine tool, and

the first connector is disposed in the clamping device.

7. The power/signal transmission structure according to claim 6,

an intermediate connector for relaying electrical connection between the electrical device and the first connector is provided between the movable body and the clamping device.

8. The power/signal transmission structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the robot is capable of following the movement of the movable body.

9. The power/signal transmission structure according to claim 7,

the robot is mounted in the movable body or a gripping device that grips the movable body.

10. A machine tool, comprising:

a holding device provided in the processing chamber for holding a movable body having an electric device;

a robot disposed in the processing chamber;

a first connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, is provided in the clamping device, and is electrically connectable to the electrical device when the movable body is clamped by the clamping device; and

a second connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in the robot, and that is electrically connectable to and disconnectable from the first connector when the robot is driven.

Technical Field

The present specification discloses a transmission structure for transmitting power and/or signals from the inside to the outside of a movable body or from the outside to the inside of a movable body, which is provided in a processing chamber (processing chamber) of a machine tool (machine tool) and at least a part of which is movable, and also discloses a machine tool capable of including the transmission structure.

Background

The machine tool is required to further improve productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to further add an actuator (activator) to the machine tool, thereby increasing the types of machining and work that can be performed by one machine tool. In addition, the machine tool is required to further improve accuracy. Therefore, it is also necessary to newly add a sensor and a cooling mechanism to the machine tool.

The actuator, the sensor, the cooling mechanism, and the like are generally electric devices (electric devices) driven by electric power. Adding such an electrical device requires new installation of, for example, a power line for supplying electric power to the electrical device and a signal line for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the electrical device. However, such a machine tool may not ensure sufficient space for newly installing wiring, which may make it difficult to add electrical devices.

It should be noted that patent documents (JP 2016-. These patent documents describe the use of a robot for changing tools (tools) and workpieces (workpieces), but do not suggest the use of a robot for the transmission of power and signals.

In other words, conventionally, it is difficult to add an electric device to a machine tool, which reduces the versatility and expandability of the machine tool. In view of this, the present specification discloses a power/signal transmission structure and a machine tool capable of further improving the versatility and expandability of the machine tool.

Disclosure of Invention

The power/signal transmission structure disclosed in this specification includes: a movable body having an electric device, at least a part of which moves in a processing chamber of a machine tool; a robot disposed in the processing chamber; a first connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in a movable body or a holding device that holds the movable body and is electrically connected to the electrical device; a second connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, and that is provided in the robot and is electrically connectable to and disconnectable from the first connector when the robot is driven, wherein at least one of power and a signal is transmitted from outside to inside of the electrical device or from inside to outside of the electrical device through the first connector and the second connector.

In this case, the first connector and the second connector may at least relay electric power, and the electric device may be a device driven by electric power, and may include at least one of a rotary motor, a linear motor, a solenoid (solenoid), a solenoid valve (solenoid valve), a secondary battery, an electric cylinder (electric cylinder), a peltier element (peltier element), and a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element).

Further, the first connector and the second connector may at least relay a signal, and the electrical device may be a device that transmits and/or receives a signal, and may include at least one of a sensor and a microcomputer.

Further, the movable body may be any one of a tool post (tool post), a turret (turret), an opposite headstock (head stock), a tailstock (tail stock), a retractable cover, a table (table), a spindle head (spindle head), a tool holder (toolholder), a tool, and a center rest (steady rest).

Further, the movable body may be mounted in a machine tool so as to be inseparable therefrom, and the first connector may be provided in the movable body.

Further, the movable body may be detachable from a machine tool, the clamp device may be installed in the machine tool so as to be inseparable from the machine tool, and the first connector may be provided in the clamp device. In this case, an intermediate connector for relaying electrical connection between the electrical device and the first connector may be provided between the movable body and the holding device.

Further, the robot may be able to follow the movement of the movable body. In this case, the robot may be mounted in the movable body or a holding device that holds the movable body.

The machine tool disclosed in this specification includes: a holding device provided in the processing chamber for holding a movable body having an electric device; a robot disposed in the processing chamber; a first connector that relays at least one of power and a signal, is provided in the clamping device, and is electrically connectable to the electrical device when the movable body is clamped by the clamping device; and a second connector which relays at least one of power and a signal, and which is provided in the robot, and is electrically connectable to and disconnectable from the first connector when the robot is driven.

According to the power/signal transmission structure and the machine tool disclosed in the present specification, by connecting the second connector to the first connector, at least one of power and a signal can be transmitted from the inside to the outside of the electric device or from the outside to the inside of the electric device. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide an electric wire of "always-on", so that an electric device can be easily added. Therefore, the structure can further improve the versatility and expandability of the machine tool.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a machine tool having a power/signal transmission structure incorporated therein;

fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the machine tool;

fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a machine tool;

fig. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of the electrical configuration of the machine tool;

fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a solenoid actuator as an electric device provided in a holder as a movable body;

fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a peltier element as an electric device provided in a holder as a movable body;

fig. 7 is a diagram showing still another example of the electrical configuration of the machine tool;

fig. 8 is a diagram showing still another example of the electrical configuration of the machine tool;

fig. 9 is a diagram showing still another example of the electrical configuration of the machine tool;

fig. 10 is a diagram showing still another example of the electrical configuration of the machine tool; and

fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of an in-machine robot.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more apparent, the present application is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

Hereinafter, the power/signal transmission structure and the configuration of the machine tool 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a machine tool 10 having a power/signal transmission structure incorporated therein. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the machine tool 10. Note that in the following description, the Z axis indicates a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the work spindle 18, the X axis indicates a direction parallel to the movement direction orthogonal to the Z axis of the tool post 22, and the Y axis indicates a direction orthogonal to the X axis and the Z axis. Further, in the Z-axis, the positive direction is defined as the direction from the work spindle 18 to the tool holder 22; on the X-axis, the positive direction is defined as the direction from the work spindle 18 to the tool holder 22; on the Y-axis, the positive direction is defined as the direction from the work spindle 18 toward the upper side.

The machine tool 10 is a lathe that machines a workpiece 110 (not shown in fig. 1) by pressing a lathe cutting tool 100a held by a tool post 22 against the workpiece 110 that is rotating. Note that in the following description, the lathe cutting tool 100a and the rotary tool 100b are simply referred to as "tools 100" unless particularly distinguished.

More specifically, the machine tool 10 is a turret lathe (turret lathe) including a turret (turret)24, the turret 24 being Numerically Controlled (NC) controlled and holding a plurality of tools 100. The periphery of the processing chamber 16 of the machine tool 10 is covered with a cover 12. The front surface of the processing chamber 16 includes a large opening that is opened and closed by the door 14. Through which an operator accesses each portion within the process chamber 16. During processing, the door 14 is closed. This is to ensure safety, environmental protection, and the like.

The machine tool 10 includes a work spindle device that rotatably holds one end of the workpiece 110; a tool holder 22 holding the tool 100; a tailstock (not shown) for supporting the other end of the workpiece 110; and a retractable cover 32 covering the bottom surface of the processing chamber 16, all of which are mounted in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10. The work spindle apparatus includes a headstock (not shown) containing a drive motor and the like, and a work spindle (work spindle)18 attached to the headstock. The work spindle 18 includes a chuck (chuck)20 or collet (collet) that holds the workpiece 110 in an attachable and detachable manner, and the held workpiece 110 can be replaced as needed. Further, the work spindle 18 and the chuck 20 rotate about a work rotation axis (work rotating draft) extending in a horizontal direction (Z-axis direction in fig. 1).

The tailstock is disposed opposite to the work spindle 18 in the Z-axis direction, and supports the other end of the workpiece 110 held by the work spindle 18. The tailstock is movable in the Z-axis direction to attach to and detach from the workpiece 110. Note that, instead of or in addition to the tailstock, an opposing spindle (spindle) for rotatably holding another workpiece may be provided.

The tool holder 22 holds the tool 100, for example, a lathe cutting tool 100a called a single point cutting tool (single point cutting tool). The entire tool post 22 is movable in the Z-axis (i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis of the workpiece 110). In addition, the entire tool holder 22 is also capable of advancing and retracting in a direction parallel to the X-axis (i.e., in a radial direction of the workpiece 110). Note that, as is apparent from fig. 1, the X-axis is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to move upward while advancing to the rear side as viewed from the opening of the processing chamber 16.

A turret 24 capable of holding a plurality of tools 100 is disposed at the distal end of the tool holder 22. The turret 24 has a polygonal shape as viewed in the Z-axis direction, and is rotatable about an axis parallel to the Z-axis. A plurality of insertion holes for attaching the tool holders are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the turret 24. A portion of the tool holder is inserted into the insertion hole and then fastened to the turret 24 by bolts. The tool 100 is mounted on the turret 24 with the toolholder located between the tool 100 and the turret 24. Note that, in the present example, the turret 24 further includes a first connector 28 and a rotating motor 30 electrically connected to the first connector 28, which will be described later.

In any case, the tool 100 for machining the workpiece 110 can be changed as desired by rotating the turret 24. Further, by moving the tool post 22 in a direction parallel to the Z axis, the tool 100 held by the turret 24 is moved in a direction parallel to the Z axis. Further, by moving the tool post 22 in a direction parallel to the X axis, the tool 100 held by the turret 24 is moved in a direction parallel to the X axis. Further, by moving the tool post 22 in a direction parallel to the X axis, the depth of cut or the like of the workpiece 110 by the tool 100 can be changed. In other words, the tool 100 attached to the tool holder 22 is movable in a plane parallel to the XZ plane.

A retractable cover 32 is provided on the bottom surface of the process chamber 16. The retractable cover 32 is mounted so as to cover the slide member (e.g., rail) and the tailstock of the tool holder 22. The retractable cover 32 prevents swarf from entering the slide member while allowing movement of the tool holder 22 and the like. The retractable cover 32 has a plurality of partially overlapping cover 12 members and can be extended or retracted by moving each cover 12 member in a direction of the surface so as to vary the number of overlapping cover 12 members.

Further, an in-machine (in-machine) robot 34 is provided in the processing chamber 16 so as not to be separable from the machine tool 10. In this example, the built-in robot 34 is an articulated robot having a plurality of arms. In the present example, the built-in robot 34 is mounted on the top surface of the process chamber 16, but the mounting position and configuration of the built-in robot 34 may be changed as needed as long as a second connector 38, which will be described later, can be connected to the first connector 28. For example, the robot 34 may be attached to a wall surface of the process chamber 16, or the tool post 22, the work spindle 18, the tailstock, or the like.

The robot 34 has a plurality of arms connected by joints. An end effector 36 is disposed at the distal end of the in-machine robot 34. The end effector 36 includes a second connector 38 for relaying at least one of power and signals, which will be described later. In any event, movement of the arm of the robot 34 within the machine results in a change in the position and orientation of the end effector 36 and ultimately the second connector 38. Note that, in the illustrated example, only one second connector 38 is provided at the end of the in-machine robot 34, but the number of second connectors 38 and the mounting positions thereof may be changed as needed as long as the second connector 38 is provided in the in-machine robot 34.

Meanwhile, as is clear from the above description, the machine tool 10 of the present example is a lathe (lathe) that machines the workpiece 110 by pressing the tool 100 against the workpiece 110 in a state where the workpiece 110 is rotating. In recent years, such a lathe is required to perform machining other than lathe cutting. For example, a turret lathe is required so that the rotary tool 100b performs rotary cutting on the workpiece 110. In view of this, some have proposed a machine tool 10 in which a rotary motor 30 and the like are provided inside a turret 24 to cause the turret lathe to perform rotary cutting. Such a machine tool 10 allows mounting of a rotary tool 100b on a turret 24. Further, the turret 24 includes therein a rotary motor 30 and a transmission mechanism (such as a gear, not shown) for transmitting the rotational force of the rotary motor 30 to the rotary tool 100 b. Such a configuration allows one machine tool 10 to perform both lathe cutting and rotary cutting, and therefore the productivity of the machine tool 10 can be further improved.

However, in order to provide the rotating electrical machine 30 within the turret 24, wiring is required to supply electrical power to the rotating electrical machine 30 and to send and receive signals to and from the rotating electrical machine 30. However, installation of such new wiring is sometimes difficult due to space limitations. In particular, the electrical device 50 is disposed in a movable body 48, at least a portion of which is movable within the process chamber 16, such as the turret 24. The wiring connected to the electric device 50 provided in such a movable body 48 requires a mechanism for preventing the wiring from being entangled or damaged when the movable body 48 is moved, which tends to complicate the structure.

In view of this, in the present example, at least one of the power and the signal is transmitted to the electric device 50 provided in the movable body 48 by the in-machine robot 34 provided in the processing chamber 16. More specifically, the turret 24 (movable body 48) of the present example includes a rotating electric machine 30 (electric device 50). The rotary motor 30 is connected to an input terminal of a transmission mechanism included in the turret 24. The output terminal of the transmission mechanism is connected to the rotary cutter 100b inserted into the designated insertion hole. When the rotary motor 30 is rotationally driven, the rotary cutter 100b rotates and the workpiece 110 can be rotationally cut.

The turret 24 (movable body 48) also includes a first connector 28, the first connector 28 for relaying at least one of power and signals. In this example, a female first connector 28 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the polygonal turret 24. The first connector 28 is electrically connected to the rotating electrical machine 30 (electrical device 50).

As described above, the built-in robot 34 includes a second connector 38 connectable to the first connector 28. The second connector 38 is electrically connected to a power supply (power supply)40, a signal transmitting/receiving unit, or both (not shown). The robot 34 can electrically connect the second connector 38 to the first connector 28 by driving a driving unit 39 provided in each joint.

The types of the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 are not particularly limited as long as they can relay power or signals or both of them. Thus, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be any known type of connector. Examples of the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 include communication connectors (such as a DS connector and a LAN connector), computer connectors (such as a USB connector and a DIN connector), power connectors, coaxial connectors (such as an SMP connector and an SMB connector), circular connectors, square connectors, and optical connectors (such as an MT connector and an FC connector). Further, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be a power-dedicated connector and a signal-dedicated connector, respectively, or may be connectors capable of relaying power and signals. Furthermore, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be contact connectors or non-contact connectors electrically connected in a non-contact manner.

In the present example, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 are connectors for relaying electric power, and the second connector 38 is connected to a power supply of the machine tool 10. Such a power/signal transmission structure will be further described with reference to fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the machine tool 10. Note that fig. 3 shows only components particularly related to the supply of electric power to the rotating electric machine 30, and other components are omitted. Note also that, in fig. 3, a one-dot chain line indicates power wiring, and a two-dot chain line indicates signal wiring.

As described above, the turret 24 is a movable body 48 that is movable in the processing chamber 16. The movable body 48 (turret 24) includes therein a rotating motor 30 as an electric device 50. The movable body 48 (turret 24) further includes a first connector 28 as a power supply connector. The first connector 28 is connected to the electrical device 50 through a power line.

The robot 34 includes a drive unit 39 for moving each arm and a second connector 38. A drive unit 39 is used to move each arm, and includes a drive motor and a rotational position sensor (such as an encoder) provided at each joint. The second connector 38 is a power supply connector that can be connected to the first connector 28. The second connector 38 is connected to a power source 40 provided outside or inside the in-machine robot 34 through a power line.

Note that the controller 42 of the machine tool 10 controls the driving of the movable body 48 itself and the driving of the driving unit 39. The controller 42 is a computer, for example, a numerical control device, which includes one or more CPUs and a storage unit for storing various data and programs. Note also that the movable body 48 and the drive unit 39 are also connected to the power source 40 and driven by the electric power supplied from the power source 40.

For rotary cutting, the controller 42 drives the drive unit 39 of the in-machine robot 34 to change the position and orientation of the in-machine robot 34 so that the second connector 38 can be connected to the first connector 28. When the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, electric power is supplied to the rotating electric motor 30 inside the turret 24 to drive the rotating electric motor 30. This is ready for rotary cutting.

As described above, according to the present example, electric power is supplied to the rotating electrical machine 30 through the in-machine robot 34. This case eliminates the need to mount the wiring in the turret 24 from the rotating motor 30 toward the power source 40, which can simplify the structure inside the turret 24. Further, when the rotating electrical machine 30 is not used, the robot 34 can be retracted to an unobtrusive position. Even if the turret 24 or the tool post 22 is moved in this state, the wiring is not wound or broken.

Note that, in the above, only the case where one rotary motor 30 is provided in one turret 24 has been described, but as shown in fig. 4, a plurality of rotary motors 30 may be provided in one turret 24. In this case, the first connector 28 is also provided for each rotating electrical machine 30. The controller 42 specifies the rotary motor 30 connected to the rotary tool 100b to be used, and connects the second connector 38 to the first connector 28 corresponding to the specified rotary motor 30, so that the desired rotary tool 100b can be used.

Such a configuration enables a plurality of rotary tools 100b to be provided to one turret 24 without complicating wiring. As a result, this configuration enables machining to be performed continuously using multiple types of rotary tools 100b without intermediate tool replacement, which can further improve the productivity of the machine tool 10.

Note that, in the above, the case where the rotating electrical machine 30 of one type as the electrical device 50 is provided in the turret 24 of one type as the movable body 48 has been described. However, the electrical device 50 electrically connected to the first connector 28 is not limited to the rotating electrical machine 30, but may be any other electrical device 50. It is also noted that the movable body 48 in which the electrical device 50 is disposed may be any body other than the turret 24, as long as at least a portion of the body is movable in the process chamber 16.

For example, the electrical device 50 may be a chargeable and dischargeable battery. Specifically, a battery and a first connector 28 electrically connected to the battery may be provided in the movable body 48 (e.g., the turret 24, the tool post 22, the opposing spindle, and the spindle head). In this case, another electric device 50 driven by electric power supplied from a battery is provided in the movable body 48 or any other member mechanically connected to the movable body 48. Further, a second connector 38 connected to a power source 40 is provided in the in-machine robot 34, and the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, so that the battery can be charged. For example, a chargeable and dischargeable battery and a rotating motor 30 driven by electric power supplied from the battery may be provided in the turret 24. When the charging capacity of the battery is reduced, the second connector 38 provided in the in-machine robot 34 may be connected to the first connector 28 to charge the battery.

Further, the electrical device 50 may be a solenoid valve disposed in the middle of the fluid path. Specifically, a fluid path in which a liquid or gas flows and one or more solenoid valves disposed intermediate the fluid path are disposed inside the movable body 48 (e.g., the opposing spindle, turret 24, tool holder 22, and retractable cover 32). In addition, the movable body 48 further includes a first connector 28 electrically connected thereto through respective solenoid valves and power lines. The robot 34 includes a second connector 38 connected to the power source 40. When the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, electric power is supplied to the solenoid valve. The valve is then opened and the fluid is discharged. The fluid discharged in this manner can be used to cool the workpiece 110 and the tool 100 or to clean chips falling on the bottom surface of the processing chamber 16. Note that this technique can be applied not only to a lathe but also to a machining center (machining center) and a multi-tasking machine (multi-tasking machine). Thus, the above-described solenoid valve, fluid path and first connector may be provided in a spindle head provided in a machining center or a multi-task machine tool and a table on which a workpiece is placed.

Further, another form of electrical device 50 may be a sensor. The sensor may be a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, a non-contact distance measuring sensor (e.g., a laser sensor), an image sensor (e.g., a CCD), etc. Further, the movable body 48 in which the sensor is provided may be the turret 24, the tool post 22, an opposite head base, and a tailstock provided in a lathe, or a spindle head and a table provided in a machining center, or the like. The first connector 28 is disposed in the movable body 48 and connected to the sensor through a signal line. The in-machine robot 34 includes a second connector 38, the second connector 38 being connected by a signal line to a controller 42 of the machine tool 10 or to another computer. When the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, the signal detected by the sensor is transmitted to the controller 42 or another computer. Thus, for example, the vibration sensor and the first connector 28 may be provided in the tool post 22, and the second connector 38 connected to the controller 42 of the machine tool 10 may be provided in the in-machine robot 34. In this case, during machining, the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28 to send a signal to the controller 42 indicative of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor. Then, based on the obtained signal, the controller 42 determines whether the machining state is appropriate and adjusts a control parameter related to machining, which can further improve machining accuracy.

Further, yet another form of the electrical device 50 may be a microcomputer (e.g., an integrated circuit). The microcomputer is provided in a movable body 48 (e.g., turret 24, tool post 22, opposing headstock, tailstock, spindle head, table, etc.). Further, the movable body 48 includes a first connector 28 connected to the microcomputer through a signal line. The in-machine robot 34 includes a second connector 38, the second connector 38 being connected by a signal line to a controller 42 of the machine tool 10 or to another computer. When the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, signals can be sent and received between a computer inside the movable body 48 and the controller 42 or another computer. Note that the microcomputer inside the movable body 48 may control the driving of various actuators (such as the rotary motor 30) provided in the movable body 48, or may collect and analyze signals detected by various sensors provided in the movable body 48.

Note that, in the above, an example has been described in which a body provided in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10 is assumed to be the movable body 48, and both the electric device 50 and the first connector 28 are provided in the movable body 48. However, the movable body 48 may be separated from the machine tool 10, and the first connector 28 may be provided in a clamping device that clamps the movable body 48. Thus, for example, as shown in fig. 5, the solenoid actuator 62 as the electrical device 50 may be provided in a tool holder 102 attachable to and detachable from the turret 24, and the first connector 28 (not shown in fig. 5) electrically connected to the solenoid actuator 62 may be provided in the turret 24.

In this case, the tool holder 102 is inserted into an insertion hole of the turret 24 and held by the insertion hole of the turret 24. The solenoid actuator 62 has a piston that is capable of advancing and retracting in the radial direction of the cutter 100. The piston is urged in the forward direction by a resilient material such as a spring. When the solenoid is de-energized, the piston advances to the side of the knife 100 and engages a portion of the knife 100, thereby preventing attachment and detachment of the knife 100. On the other hand, when the solenoid is energized, the piston is retracted in a direction away from the cutter 100 by electromagnetic force, so that the cutter 100 can be attached or detached. In other words, the solenoid actuator 62 functions as a tool locking mechanism for controlling the attachment and detachment of the tool 100 from the tool holder 102.

In this case, the turret 24 serves as a holding device 49, and the holding device 49 holds the tool holder 102 as the movable body 48. The turret 24 includes a first connector 28 electrically connected to the solenoid actuator 62. From another perspective, in this example, the power line connecting the first connector 28 and the solenoid actuator 62 passes through the turret 24 and the toolholder 102. As used herein, the toolholder 102 is generally attachable to the turret 24 and detachable from the turret 24. Thus, it is desirable that the opposing surfaces of the turret 24 and toolholder 102 include another connector (intermediate connector 80) for relaying the power line in the toolholder 102 and the power line internal to the turret 24.

The robot 34 includes a second connector 38 electrically connectable to the first connector 28. The second connector 38 is connected to a power source 40. Thus, when the in-machine robot 34 is driven to connect the second connector 38 to the first connector 28, the solenoid actuator 62 is energized and the tool 100 is unlocked. As a result, the tool 100 can be attached and detached.

Further, yet another form of the movable body 48 having the electrical device 50 disposed therein may be adapted to hold a tool 100 by the turret 24 with the tool holder 102 interposed between the tool 100 and the turret 24. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of this case. In the example of fig. 6, the peltier element 64 as the electrical device 50 is provided on the surface of the blade 100 serving as the movable body 48. The turret 24 serves as a clamping device 49 for clamping the tool 100, while the tool holder 102 is interposed between the turret 24 and the tool 100. The turret 24 includes a first connector 28 and the peltier element 64 is connected to the first connector 28 by a power line. Note that each of the opposing surfaces between the tool 100 and the toolholder 102 and the opposing surface between the toolholder 102 and the turret 24 includes an intermediate connector 80, the intermediate connector 80 allowing connection and disconnection of electrical power lines.

A second connector 38 provided in the in-machine robot 34 is connected to the power supply. When the second connector 38 is connected to the first connector 28, power flows through the peltier element 64 to effect cooling by the peltier effect. This can suppress a temperature rise of the tool 100 and can improve the life and accuracy of the tool 100.

Further, in still another form, various sensors (electrical devices 50) may be provided in the tool 100 or the holder 102 (movable body 48), and the first connector 28 may be provided in the turret 24 that holds the tool 100 or the holder 102 or the tool holder 22 or the spindle head (clamping device).

Then, with reference to fig. 7 to 10, further description will be made focusing on the electric configuration described so far. Fig. 7 to 10 show the electrical configuration of the signal transmission structure. In each drawing, a one-dot chain line indicates a power wiring line, and a two-dot chain line indicates a signal wiring line. As described above, and as shown in fig. 7, the electrical device 50 and the first connector 28 may be disposed in the movable body 48. Further, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be connectors for relaying electric power. In this case, the movable body 48 may be a main body provided in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10, for example, the turret 24, the tool post 22, the tailstock 56, the retractable cover 32, the opposed spindle 54, the spindle head 52, the table 58, and the like. In this case, the electric device 50 may be a rotary electric machine 30, a linear electric machine 66, a solenoid actuator 62, a solenoid valve 68, a battery 70, an electric cylinder 72, and the like. Further, the movable body 48 of yet another form may be a main body that is provided in the machine tool 10 in an attachable and detachable manner, for example, the tool holder 102, the tool 100, the center frame 60, and the like. In this case, the electric device 50 may be the solenoid actuator 62, the electric cylinder 72, the piezoelectric element 74, the peltier element 64, and the like.

Further, as shown in fig. 8, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be connectors that relay signals. In this case, the movable body 48 may be a main body provided in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10, for example, the turret 24, the tool post 22, the tailstock 56, the retractable cover 32, the opposed spindle 54, the spindle head 52, the table 58, and the like. Further, the movable body 48 may be a body provided in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10, for example, the tool holder 102, the tool 100, the center frame 60, and the like. Regardless, in this case, the electric device 50 is a device that outputs or receives a signal to or from the outside, and examples thereof include a sensor 76 and a microcomputer 78.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, a plurality of first connectors 28 and second connectors 38 may be provided. For example, the movable body 48 may include the first connector 28 for relaying electric power and the first connector 28 for relaying a signal. Similarly, the inboard robot 34 may include a second connector 38 for relaying power and a second connector 38 for relaying signals. In this case, the electric device 50 may be an electric actuator including a microcomputer 78 and a sensor 76, a battery 70, and the peltier element 64, and the like. Further, as shown in fig. 9, the power source 40 and the signal transmission/reception unit 82 may be provided outside the machine tool 10. In other words, one or more input/output connectors 84 may be provided in the machine tool 10, and the power source 40 and the signal transmission/reception unit 82 may be connected to the input/output connectors 84 according to the application.

Further, as shown in fig. 10, the first connector 28 may be provided in a clamping device 49, the clamping device 49 clamping the movable body 48, the electric device 50 being provided in the movable body 48. In this case, the movable body 48 may be a body provided in the machine tool 10 so as to be inseparable from the machine tool 10, for example, a tool holder 102, a tool 100, and the like. Further, the holding device 49 is a device that holds the movable body 48 (and may be, for example, the turret 24, the tool post 22, the spindle head 52, the table 58, and the like). The electrical device 50 may be a device for receiving power and a device for transmitting and receiving signals. Thus, the electrical device 50 may be a rotary electric machine 30, a linear electric machine 66, a solenoid actuator 62, a solenoid valve 68, a battery 70, an electric cylinder 72, a peltier element 64, a piezoelectric element 74, a sensor 76, a microcomputer 78, and combinations thereof. Further, the first connector 28 and the second connector 38 may be connectors capable of relaying both power and signals.

Incidentally, the movable body 48 or the holding device 49 in which the first connector 28 is provided may be moved during when the electric device 50 is used. The robot 34 within the machine, in which the second connector 38 is disposed, needs to track and follow the movement of the movable body 48 or the gripping device 49 in order to maintain the connection between the first connector 28 and the second connector 38. To facilitate the tracking control of such an in-machine robot 34, the in-machine robot 34 may be mounted in a movable body 48 or a gripping device 49 in which the first connector 28 is provided. Therefore, for example, as shown in fig. 11, when the first connector 28 is provided in the turret 24 (movable body 48), the built-in robot 34 may be mounted in the tool post 22. Such a configuration allows the robot 34 to move with the tool post 22, which facilitates control of the robot 34.

Note that the combination of the movable body 48 and the electric device 50 described so far is merely an example, and may be changed as needed. It is also noted that the number of movable bodies 48, electrical devices 50, first connectors 28 and second connectors 38 may also be varied as desired. Thus, two or more moveable bodies 48 may be provided in one process chamber 16, and each moveable body 48 may include one or more electrical devices 50 and one or more first connectors 28. Note also that the number of the in-machine robots 34 is not limited to one, but a plurality of the in-machine robots 34 may be provided, and each of the in-machine robots 34 may include one or more second connectors 38.