Patent Description:
In general, a machine tool refers to a machine used to process metal/non-metal workpieces in a desired shape and dimension using a suitable tool by using various types of cutting or non-cutting methods.

Various types of machine tools including a turning center, a vertical/horizontal machining center, a door-type machining center, a Swiss turning machine, an electric discharge machine, a horizontal NC boring machine, a CNC lathe, and a multi-tasking machining center are being widely used to suit the purpose of the corresponding work in various industrial sites.

The multi-tasking machining center, among the machine tools, refers to a turning center equipped with a multifunctional automatic tool changer (ATC) and a tool magazine in order to perform various types of processing such as turning machining, drilling, tapping, or milling. In the case of the multi-tasking machining center, an operator manually mounts a tool on a tool magazine when loading the tool required for a machining process or changing the tools.

In general, various types of currently used machine tools each have a control panel to which a numerical control (NC) technology or a computerized numerical control (CNC) technology is applied. The control panel is provided with a multifunctional switch or button, and a monitor.

Further, the machine tool includes a table on which a material, i.e., a workpiece is seated and which transfers the workpiece to machine the workpiece, a palette used to prepare the workpiece to be machined, a main shaft coupled to a tool or the workpiece and configured to be rotated, and a tailstock and a steady rest configured to support the workpiece during the machining process.

In general, the machine tool is provided with a transfer unit configured to transfer the table, a tool post, the main shaft, the tailstock, and the steady rest along a transfer shaft in order to perform various types of machining.

In general, the machine tool uses a plurality of tools in order to perform various types of machining, and a tool magazine or a turret is used in the form of a tool storage place for receiving and storing the plurality of tools.

The machine tool uses the plurality of tools in order to perform various types of machining, and the tool magazine is used in the form of a tool storage place for receiving and storing the plurality of tools.

In general, the machine tool is equipped with the automatic tool changer (ATC) configured to withdraw a specific tool from the tool magazine or remount the tool on the tool magazine based on an instruction of a numerical control unit in order to improve productivity of the machine tool.

In general, the machine tool is equipped with an automatic palette changer (APC) in order to minimize the non-processing time. The automatic palette changer (APC) automatically changes the palettes between a workpiece machining region and a workpiece loading region. The workpiece may be mounted on the palette.

Further, the machine tools are generally classified broadly into a turning center and a machining center depending on machining methods. The turning center is provided with a turret tool post used to mount a plurality of tools and index the tools required for the machining process.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a turret tool post for a machine tool generally receives a plurality of tools in order to smoothly machine a workpiece and improve productivity.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art, an optional unit <NUM>, such as a gripper for receiving a workpiece <NUM> as well as the tools, may be attached to or detached from a turret <NUM>.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the optional unit <NUM> such as a steady rest may be mounted on a turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art which is provided with a dual turret tool post.

That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the case of the first turret <NUM> of a first tool post <NUM>, the workpiece <NUM> is fastened to a chuck <NUM>, and the workpiece <NUM> is machined by a tool <NUM> mounted on the first turret <NUM>. In this case, in order to compensate for rattling of the workpiece <NUM> caused by vibration or to support the workpiece <NUM>, the machining process may be performed in a state in which the optional unit <NUM>, such as a steady rest, is mounted on a second turret <NUM> of a second tool post <NUM>.

As described above, flexibility is required for a turret tool post in the related art in a case in which a small number of various types of products are manufactured rather than a case in which a large number of products are manufactured.

However, in the case of the turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art, in order to supply pneumatic or hydraulic pressure for operating the optional unit, a complicated device needs to be additionally mounted inside the turret tool post or a separate device needs to be additionally installed outside the turret tool post in a severe case in which the separate device cannot be mounted inside the turret tool post. As a result, there is a problem in that a reduction in size of the turret tool post for a machine tool cannot be achieved.

Further, in the case of the turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art, the optional unit needs to be removed when the optional unit is not used after the operation of the optional unit is finished, and as a result, there is a problem in that non-machining time is increased and productivity deteriorates.

In addition, in the case of the turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art, an operator needs to manually remove the optional unit and a pressure supply part configured to supply the optional unit with operating pressure, and as a result, there is a problem in that the operator is inconvenienced and machining costs are increased.

Moreover, in the case of the turret tool post for a machine tool in the related art, there is a case in which the device configured to supply pneumatic or hydraulic pressure for operating the optional unit cannot be installed separately, and as a result, there is a problem in that flexibility of the turret tool post is not satisfied, which causes consumer complaint and a significant deterioration in machining precision or the like.

<CIT> describes a turret tool post device according to the preamble of claim <NUM> and method of tool changing thereof.

<CIT> describes a machine tool having a turret tool device.

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a turret tool post for a machine tool, wherein a rotary unit is mounted on a turret so as to be rotated along with a rotation of the turret, a fixing unit is installed on a tool post body, and the fixing unit and the rotary unit are clamped or unclamped by a rotation of the rotary unit and a forward or rearward movement of a cylinder which is moved forward or rearward in a cylinder block of the fixing unit by pressure, such that a supply of pneumatic or hydraulic pressure required to operate an optional unit detachably installed on the rotary unit is allowed or cut off, thereby improving productivity of a machine tool and preventing inconvenience of removing the optional unit when the optional unit is not used.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a turret tool post for a machine tool, according to claim <NUM>.

Further, according to another exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the rotary unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool may include: a base part fastened to the turret; and a main body part provided at one side of the base part and to which the optional unit is detachably coupled.

In addition, according to still another exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the main body part of the rotary unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool may include a first flow path penetratively formed in the main body part; a first fitting part protruding from a front side of the main body part so as to communicate with one end of the first flow path and connected to the optional unit; and a first coupling formed at a rear side of the main body part so as to communicate with the other end of the first flow path.

Further, according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool may include: a housing part installed on the tool post body; a clamping part formed at a front side of the housing part and configured to be clamped with or unclamped from the main body part by a rotation of the turret and a forward or rearward movement of the housing part; and a pressure supply part formed at a rear side of the housing part and having a hydraulic pressure supply part for supplying hydraulic pressure to the optional unit, and a pneumatic pressure supply part for supplying pneumatic pressure.

In addition, according to still yet another exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the housing part of the turret tool post for a machine tool may include: a cylinder having a first fluid inlet groove and a second fluid inlet groove in the housing part and configured to move forward or rearward toward the main body part; a cylinder block configured to surround the cylinder and having a forward pressure supply part for supplying pressure to move the cylinder forward, and a rearward pressure supply part for supplying pressure to move the cylinder rearward; and a third flow path penetratively formed in the housing part.

Further, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the clamping part of the turret tool post for a machine tool may include: a third coupling connected to one end of the third flow path and configured to be clamped with or unclamped from the first coupling by the rotation of the rotary unit and a forward or rearward movement of the cylinder to allow the first flow path and the third flow path to communicate with each other or to block the communication between the first flow path and the third flow path.

In addition, according to another further exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the main body part of the rotary unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool may further include: a second flow path spaced apart from the first flow path and penetratively formed in the main body part; a second fitting part protruding from a front side of the main body part so as to communicate with one end of the second flow path and connected to the optional unit; and a second coupling formed at a rear side of the main body part so as to communicate with the other end of the second flow path, the housing part of the fixing unit may further include a fourth flow path spaced apart from the third flow path and penetratively formed in the housing part, and the clamping part of the fixing unit may further include a fourth coupling connected to one end of the fourth flow path and configured to be clamped with or unclamped from the second coupling by the rotation of the rotary unit and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder to allow the second flow path and the fourth flow path to communicate with each other or to block the communication between the second flow path and the fourth flow path.

Further, according to still another further exemplary embodiment of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the first coupling and the second coupling of the main body part of the rotary unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool may further include elastic members, respectively, for sealing the first coupling and the second coupling when the first coupling and the third coupling are unclamped and the second coupling and the fourth coupling are unclamped as the cylinder moves rearward.

In addition, according to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the rotary unit is mounted on the turret so as to be rotated along with the rotation of the turret, the fixing unit is installed on the tool post body, and the fixing unit and the rotary unit are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder which is moved forward or rearward in the cylinder block of the fixing unit by pressure, such that the supply of the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure required to operate the optional unit detachably installed on the rotary unit is allowed or cut off, thereby achieving convenience for an operator and preventing inconvenience of removing the optional unit when the optional unit is not used.

Further, according to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the rotary unit and the fixing unit are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder of the fixing unit, the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure required for the optional unit is easily transmitted, and thus a separate device need not be mounted inside and outside the turret tool post, thereby achieving a reduction in size of the turret tool post for a machine tool and finally making the machine tool compact.

In addition, according to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the operator need not manually remove the optional unit after using the optional unit, thereby achieving convenience for the operator. The optional unit may be released by the simple operation of rotating the rotary unit and moving the cylinder of the fixing unit rearward, and then the machining process may be performed immediately, thereby improving productivity and minimizing machining costs by minimizing non-machining time.

Further, according to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, a device for supplying pneumatic or hydraulic pressure need not be separately installed, and thus the optional unit may be mounted on all turret tool posts and easily used, such that flexibility of the turret tool post is satisfied, thereby improving consumer satisfaction and improving machining precision and reliability of the machine tool by using various optional units.

Hereinafter, a turret tool post for a machine tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further, in the drawings, a size and a thickness of the apparatus may be exaggerated for convenience. Like reference numerals indicate like constituent elements throughout the specification.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods of achieving the advantages and features will be clear with reference to exemplary embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of description.

The terms used in the present specification are for explaining the exemplary embodiments, not for limiting the present disclosure. Unless particularly stated otherwise in the present specification, a singular form also includes a plural form. The terms such as "comprise (include)" and/or "comprising (including)" used in the specification do not exclude presence or addition of one or more other constituent elements, steps, operations, and/or elements, in addition to the mentioned constituent elements, steps, operations, and/or elements.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a rotary unit and a fixing unit of a turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure are clamped, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure are unclamped. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating the rotary unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG> and illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are clamped, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in <FIG> and illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are clamped. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG> and illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are unclamped, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in <FIG> and illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are unclamped. <FIG> is a partially cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in <FIG> and illustrating a state in which the rotary unit and the fixing unit of the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are unclamped.

The terms used below are defined as follows. The term "forward" means a direction close to a workpiece with respect to the same member, and the term "rearward" means a direction distant from the workpiece with respect to the same member. That is, the term "forward" means a left direction in <FIG>, and the term "rearward" means a right direction in <FIG>. The term "vertical direction" means a vertical direction in the same member orthogonal to the horizontal direction, and the term "width direction" means a height direction in the same member orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The term "one end" means an end at one side of the same member, and the term "the other end" means a portion of the same member, which is opposite to "one end", that is, an end at the other side of the same member.

A turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tool post body <NUM>, a turret <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, a rotary unit <NUM>, and a fixing unit <NUM>.

The tool post body <NUM> is installed on a part of a body of a machine tool which is not illustrated in the drawings.

The turret <NUM> is installed on the tool post body <NUM> and receives a plurality of tools <NUM>. The turret <NUM> may receive various tools including a cutting tool required to machine the workpiece <NUM> of the machine tool, tools used to perform outer diameter turning and inner diameter turning, and tools required for drilling or milling.

The drive unit <NUM> is installed on the tool post body <NUM> and provides rotational power to the turret <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> selectively provides rotational power to the turret <NUM> in order to rotate the turret <NUM> so that the desired tool, among the plurality of tools received by the turret, may be used to machine the workpiece. The drive unit <NUM> may be configured as, but not necessarily limited to, a servo motor. In addition, the drive unit <NUM> is operated based on an instruction of a PLC or a numerical control unit.

Further, the numerical control unit includes numerical control (NC) or computerized numerical control (CNC) and is embedded with various types of numerical control programs. That is, the numerical control unit is embedded with a program for operating the servo motor which is the drive unit and a program for operating the tools, and the corresponding program is automatically loaded and executed based on the operation of the numerical control unit. In addition, the numerical control unit communicates with a main operating unit and the PLC through a predetermined protocol.

In addition, the main operating unit includes a screen display program and a data input program in accordance with a selection of a screen display and performs a function of displaying a software switch on a display screen in accordance with an output of the screen display program and a function of recognizing an ON/OFF state of the software switch and making an instruction about an input and an output for an operation of the machine.

Further, the main operating unit has a monitor installed in or at one side of a housing or a casing of the machine tool and capable of displaying multifunctional switches or buttons and various types of information, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

The PLC (programmable logic controller) communicates with the numerical control unit or the main operating unit through the predetermined protocol and serves to make a control instruction through this communication. That is, the PLC operates by receiving a control instruction based on the numerical control program for the numerical control unit or the main operating unit.

The rotary unit <NUM> is installed on a part of the turret <NUM> so as to rotate together with the turret <NUM>, and an optional unit <NUM> is detachably coupled to the rotary unit <NUM>.

Further, although not illustrated in the drawings, as necessary, a plurality of rotary units <NUM> may be installed on a part of the turret <NUM> so as to rotate together with the turret <NUM>.

In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, based on a central axis of the turret <NUM>, in holes in which the tools <NUM> are received, two rotary units <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, three rotary units <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, four rotary units <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, or five rotary units <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, such that the rotary units <NUM> may be smoothly operated without mechanical interference between the optional units <NUM> in a case in which a plurality of fixing units <NUM> to be described below is installed.

The fixing unit <NUM> is fixedly installed on a part of the tool post body <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> and the rotary unit <NUM> are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit <NUM> and a forward or rearward movement of a cylinder to be described below, thereby allowing or cutting off a supply of pressure such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure required to operate the optional unit <NUM>.

That is, in a case in which the optional unit needs to be mounted and used as illustrated in <FIG>, the turret <NUM> is rotated by the operation of the drive unit <NUM>, and the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the turret <NUM>. Thereafter, when the rotary unit <NUM> rotates and thus the rotary unit <NUM> and the fixing unit <NUM> face each other, the cylinder is moved forward, by hydraulic pressure, in a cylinder block of the fixing unit <NUM> which will be described below, and thus the fixing unit and the rotary unit are clamped, such that in this clamped state, a pressure supply part of the fixing unit, which will be described below, supplies hydraulic or pneumatic pressure required for the optional unit.

When the optional unit is not used and thus the optional unit needs to be detached as illustrated in <FIG>, the turret <NUM> is rotated by the operation of the drive unit <NUM>, and the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the turret <NUM>. Thereafter, when the rotary unit <NUM> rotates and thus the rotary unit <NUM> and the fixing unit <NUM> do not face each other, the cylinder is moved rearward, by hydraulic pressure, in the cylinder block of the fixing unit <NUM> which will be described below, and thus the fixing unit and the rotary unit are unclamped, such that in this unclamped state, the pressure supply part of the fixing unit, which will be described below, cuts off the supply of the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure required for the optional unit.

Further, although not illustrated in the drawings, as necessary, the fixing unit <NUM> may be fixedly installed on a part of the tool post body <NUM> so that the number of fixing units <NUM> corresponds to the number of installed rotary units <NUM>.

In a case in which the plurality of fixing units <NUM> is installed, two fixing units <NUM> may be installed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, three fixing units <NUM> may be installed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, four fixing units <NUM> may be installed at an angle of <NUM> degrees, or five fixing units <NUM> may be installed at an angle of <NUM> degree on a part of the tool post body <NUM> based on the central axis of the tool post body <NUM> so as to correspond to the rotary unit <NUM>. However, in the case in which the fixing unit <NUM> is installed on the tool post body <NUM>, the number of fixing units <NUM> may be smaller by one or more than the number of rotary units <NUM> in order to prevent the interference in the state in which the optional unit <NUM> is coupled to the rotary unit <NUM>.

Therefore, according to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the rotary unit is mounted on the turret so as to be rotated along with the rotation of the turret, the fixing unit is fixedly installed on the tool post body, and the fixing unit and the rotary unit are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder which is moved forward or rearward in the cylinder block of the fixing unit by pressure, such that the supply of the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure required to operate the optional unit detachably installed on the rotary unit is allowed or cut off, thereby improving convenience of an operator and preventing inconvenience of removing the optional unit when the optional unit is not used.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotary unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base part <NUM> and a main body part <NUM>.

The base part <NUM> is fastened to the turret <NUM> by a well-known fastening means such as a bolt or a rivet. The base part <NUM> is formed in the form of, but not necessarily limited to, a plate having a size corresponding to one divided angle of the turret.

The main body part <NUM> is formed at one side of the base part <NUM>. The optional unit is detachably coupled to the main body part <NUM>. The main body part <NUM> protrudes outward from one end of the base part <NUM>. That is, at one end of the base part <NUM> adjacent to the tool post body <NUM>, the main body part <NUM> protrudes outward from the base part <NUM> in a direction toward an outer circumferential surface of the turret <NUM>. In addition, the main body part <NUM> is formed in a hollow shape.

The base part <NUM> and the main body part <NUM> are integrally formed to reduce manufacturing costs and manufacturing time, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main body part <NUM> of the rotary unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes first flow paths <NUM>, first fitting parts <NUM>, and first couplings <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the main body part <NUM> of the rotary unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further includes second flow paths <NUM>, second fitting parts <NUM>, and second couplings <NUM>.

The first flow path <NUM> is penetratively formed in the main body part <NUM>. Hydraulic pressure supplied from a hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> of a pressure supply part <NUM>, which will be described below, flows in the first flow path <NUM>, and the pair of first flow paths <NUM> is formed to supply the hydraulic pressure and recover the hydraulic pressure.

The first fitting part <NUM> protrudes from a front side of the main body part <NUM> so as to communicate with one end of the first flow path <NUM>. The first fitting part <NUM> is connected to the optional unit to supply the hydraulic pressure to the optional unit or recover the hydraulic pressure.

The first coupling <NUM> is formed at a rear side of the main body part <NUM> so as to communicate with the other end of the first flow path <NUM>. Therefore, the first coupling <NUM> and a third coupling <NUM> to be described below are clamped or unclamped to supply the hydraulic pressure to the first flow path <NUM> or recover the hydraulic pressure.

The second flow path <NUM> is spaced apart from the first flow path <NUM> and penetratively formed in the main body part <NUM>. In addition, pneumatic pressure supplied from a pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM>, which will be described below, flows in the second flow path <NUM>, and the pair of second flow paths <NUM> is formed to supply and recover the pneumatic pressure. The first flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM> are formed in the main body part <NUM> so as to be orthogonal to each other based on a center of the main body part, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the first flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM> are penetratively formed in the main body part <NUM> so as to disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees with respect to each other.

The second fitting part <NUM> protrudes from the front side of the main body part <NUM> so as to communicate with one end of the second flow path <NUM>. The second fitting part <NUM> is connected to the optional unit to supply the pneumatic pressure to the optional unit and recover the pneumatic pressure. The second fitting part <NUM> and the first fitting part <NUM> are also formed to be orthogonal to each other based on the center of the main body part.

The second coupling <NUM> is formed at the rear side of the main body part <NUM> so as to communicate with the other end of the second flow path <NUM>. Therefore, the second coupling <NUM> and a fourth coupling <NUM> to be described below are clamped or unclamped to supply the pneumatic pressure to the second flow path <NUM> or recover the pneumatic pressure. The second coupling <NUM> and the first coupling <NUM> are also formed to be orthogonal to each other based on the center of the main body part.

Therefore, a size of the main body part is reduced, and the first flow path, the second flow path, the first fitting part, the second fitting part, the first coupling, and the second coupling are most compactly formed in the main body part, thereby reducing a size of the turret tool post for a machine tool.

Although not illustrated in the drawings, in a state in which the optional unit <NUM> is coupled to the rotary unit <NUM>, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the optional unit <NUM> through the first fitting part <NUM>, and thus the optional unit <NUM> is operated by the hydraulic pressure. In addition, in the state in which the optional unit <NUM> is coupled to the rotary unit <NUM>, the pneumatic pressure is supplied to the optional unit <NUM> through the second fitting part <NUM>, and thus the optional unit <NUM> is operated by the pneumatic pressure. As described above, the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is selectively supplied to the optional unit <NUM> selectively by the first fitting part <NUM> and the second fitting part <NUM>, thereby achieving a smooth operation of the optional unit <NUM>, reducing a size of the turret tool post, and maximizing user's convenience.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the fixing unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing part <NUM>, a clamping part <NUM>, and the pressure supply part <NUM>.

The housing part <NUM> is fixedly installed on the tool post body <NUM> by a well-known fastening means such as a bolt or a rivet. The housing part <NUM> is formed in a hollow shape.

The clamping part <NUM> is provided at a front side of the housing part <NUM>, and the clamping part <NUM> and the main body part <NUM> are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the turret <NUM> and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder <NUM> of the housing part <NUM>.

The pressure supply part <NUM> is provided at a rear side of the housing part <NUM> and includes the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> configured to supply the hydraulic pressure to the optional unit, and the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> configured to supply the pneumatic pressure. Although not illustrated in the drawings, the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> is connected to a hydraulic pressure supply source through a hose or the like, and the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> is connected to a pneumatic pressure supply source through a hose or the like, thereby supplying or recovering the hydraulic pressure and the pneumatic pressure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the housing part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the cylinder <NUM>, the cylinder block <NUM>, and third flow paths <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the housing part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further includes fourth flow paths <NUM>.

The cylinder <NUM> has a first fluid inlet groove <NUM> and a second fluid inlet groove <NUM> provided in the housing part <NUM>. The cylinder <NUM> is formed in a hollow shape so that the third flow path <NUM> and the fourth flow path <NUM> are formed in the cylinder <NUM>. When the hydraulic pressure is supplied by a forward pressure supply part <NUM> of the cylinder block <NUM> to be described below, the hydraulic pressure in the first fluid inlet groove <NUM> is increased, such that the cylinder <NUM> moves forward toward the main body part <NUM>. When the hydraulic pressure is supplied by a rearward pressure supply part <NUM> of the cylinder block <NUM>, the hydraulic pressure in the second fluid inlet groove <NUM> is increased, such that the cylinder <NUM> moves rearward toward the main body part <NUM>.

The cylinder block <NUM> is formed to surround the cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder block <NUM> defines an external shape of the housing part <NUM>, and the cylinder block <NUM> is formed in a hollow shape. Outside the cylinder block <NUM>, the forward pressure supply part <NUM> is provided to supply the hydraulic pressure for moving the cylinder <NUM> forward, and the rearward pressure supply part <NUM> is provided to supply the hydraulic pressure for moving the cylinder <NUM> rearward. The forward pressure supply part <NUM> and the rearward pressure supply part <NUM> are installed outside the cylinder block <NUM> so as to face each other, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

The third flow path <NUM> is penetratively formed in the housing part <NUM>. The hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM> flows in the third flow path <NUM>, and the pair of third flow paths <NUM> is formed to supply and recover the hydraulic pressure.

The fourth flow path <NUM> is spaced apart from the third flow path <NUM> and penetratively formed in the housing part <NUM>. In addition, the pneumatic pressure supplied from the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM> flows in the fourth flow path <NUM>, and the pair of fourth flow paths <NUM> is formed to supply and recover the pneumatic pressure. The third flow path <NUM> and the fourth flow path <NUM> are formed in the housing part <NUM> so as to be orthogonal to each other based on a center of the housing part, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the third flow path <NUM> and the fourth flow path <NUM> are penetratively formed in the housing part <NUM> so as to be disposed at an angle of <NUM> degrees with respect to each other.

Therefore, a size of the housing part is reduced, and the second flow path, the fourth flow path, the forward pressure supply part, the rearward pressure supply part, the cylinder, and the cylinder block are mostly compactly formed inside and outside the housing part, thereby reducing a size of the turret tool post for a machine tool.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the clamping part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the third couplings <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the clamping part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further includes the fourth couplings <NUM>.

The third coupling <NUM> is connected to one end of the third flow path <NUM>, and the third coupling <NUM> and the first coupling <NUM> are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit <NUM> and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder <NUM>, thereby allowing the first flow path <NUM> and the third flow path <NUM> to communicate with each other or blocking the communication between the first flow path <NUM> and the third flow path <NUM>. Therefore, as the third coupling <NUM> and the first coupling <NUM> are clamped or unclamped, the hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> may be supplied to the first flow path <NUM> through the third flow path <NUM> or the hydraulic pressure may be recovered.

The fourth coupling <NUM> is connected to one end of the fourth flow path <NUM>, and the fourth coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> are clamped or unclamped by the rotation of the rotary unit <NUM> and the forward or rearward movement of the cylinder <NUM>, thereby allowing the second flow path <NUM> and the fourth flow path <NUM> to communicate with each other or blocking the communication between the second flow path <NUM> and the fourth flow path <NUM>. Therefore, as the fourth coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> are clamped or unclamped, the pneumatic pressure supplied from the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> may be supplied to the second flow path <NUM> through the fourth flow path <NUM> or the pneumatic pressure may be recovered. The fourth coupling <NUM> and the third coupling <NUM> are also formed to be orthogonal to each other based on a center of the clamping part <NUM>.

Therefore, a size of the clamping part is reduced, and the third coupling and the fourth coupling are most compactly formed in the clamping part, thereby reducing a size of the turret tool post for a machine tool.

According to the turret tool post for a machine tool according to the present disclosure, the operator need not manually remove the optional unit after using the optional unit, thereby achieving convenience for the operator. The optional unit may be released by the simple operation of rotating the rotary unit and moving the cylinder of the fixing unit rearward, and then the machining process may be performed immediately, thereby improving productivity and minimizing machining costs by minimizing non-machining time. A device for supplying pneumatic or hydraulic pressure need not be separately installed, and thus the optional unit may be mounted on all turret tool posts and easily used, such that flexibility of the turret tool post is satisfied, thereby improving consumer satisfaction and improving machining precision and reliability of the machine tool by using various optional units.

In addition, as necessary, the clamping part <NUM> may further include guide parts <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Therefore, when the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated, the main body part <NUM> of the rotary unit <NUM> may be easily coupled to the clamping part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM>. The guide part <NUM> may be inclined, as necessary. An inclination angle of the guide part <NUM> corresponds to an inclination angle of an inclination of the rear side of the main body part <NUM>, such that the clamping part <NUM> and the main body part <NUM> may be quickly and easily coupled to each other, thereby improving precision.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> of the main body part <NUM> of the rotary unit <NUM> of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are unclamped from the first coupling <NUM> and the third coupling <NUM>, respectively, as the cylinder <NUM> moves rearward. The turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool may further include elastic members <NUM> configured to seal the first coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> when the second coupling <NUM> and the fourth coupling <NUM> are unclamped.

The elastic member <NUM> may be configured as a coil spring, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In the case of the first coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM>, since the inlets at the rear side of the main body part are sealed by the elastic members <NUM>, the sealability of the main body part may be maintained from chips produced or cutting oil during the machining process, thereby preventing the equipment from being damaged or broken, and thus reducing maintenance time and maintenance costs.

An operational principle of the turret tool post <NUM> for a machine tool according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In the case in which the optional unit needs to be mounted and used, the turret <NUM> is rotated by the operation of the drive unit <NUM>, and the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the turret <NUM>. Thereafter, the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated, and the rotary unit <NUM> and the fixing unit <NUM> are primarily coupled to each other by the inclination of the guide parts <NUM> while facing each other. Thereafter, the optional unit is coupled to the first fitting part <NUM> and the second fitting part <NUM> of the main body part <NUM>. Thereafter, when the hydraulic pressure is supplied through the forward pressure supply part <NUM> of the cylinder block <NUM> of the housing part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM>, the hydraulic pressure is collected in the first fluid inlet groove <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM>, the cylinder <NUM> is moved forward (to the left in <FIG>) by the hydraulic pressure, and the third coupling <NUM> connected to the third flow path <NUM> and the fourth coupling <NUM> connected to the fourth flow path <NUM> are moved forward along with the forward movement of the cylinder <NUM>, such that the third coupling <NUM> and the first coupling <NUM> are coupled to communicate with each other, and the fourth coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> are coupled to communicate with each other. Thereafter, the hydraulic pressure passes through the third flow path <NUM> and the first flow path <NUM> via the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM>, and then the hydraulic pressure is sequentially transmitted to the optional unit through the first fitting part <NUM>. Likewise, the pneumatic pressure passes through the fourth flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM> via the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM>, and then the pneumatic pressure is sequentially transmitted to the optional unit through the second fitting part <NUM>.

In the case in which the optional unit needs to be detached when the optional unit is not used, the hydraulic pressure existing in the optional unit sequentially passes through the first fitting part <NUM>, the first flow path <NUM>, and the third flow path <NUM> via the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM>, and then the hydraulic pressure is recovered to the hydraulic pressure supply part <NUM>. Likewise, the pneumatic pressure existing in the optional unit sequentially passes through the second fitting part <NUM>, the second flow path <NUM>, and the fourth flow path <NUM> via the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM> of the pressure supply part <NUM>, and then the pneumatic pressure is recovered to the pneumatic pressure supply part <NUM>. Thereafter, when the hydraulic pressure is supplied through the rearward pressure supply part <NUM> of the cylinder block <NUM> of the housing part <NUM> of the fixing unit <NUM>, the hydraulic pressure is collected in the second fluid inlet groove <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM>, the cylinder <NUM> is moved rearward (to the right in <FIG>) by the hydraulic pressure, and the third coupling <NUM> connected to the third flow path <NUM> and the fourth coupling <NUM> connected to the fourth flow path <NUM> are moved rearward along with the rearward movement of the cylinder <NUM>, such that the third coupling <NUM> is blocked and decoupled from the first coupling <NUM>, and the fourth coupling <NUM> is blocked and decoupled from the second coupling <NUM>. As described above, when the third coupling <NUM> is blocked and decoupled from the first coupling <NUM> and the fourth coupling <NUM> is blocked and decoupled from the second coupling <NUM>, the first coupling <NUM> and the second coupling <NUM> are sealed by the elastic members <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, such that it is possible to prevent an inflow of chips or cutting oil during the machining process without a loss of hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure in the first flow path and the second flow path.

Thereafter, the turret <NUM> is rotated by the operation of the drive unit <NUM>, and the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated by the rotation of the turret <NUM>. Thereafter, when the rotary unit <NUM> is rotated, the rotary unit <NUM> and the fixing unit <NUM> are separated and moved away from each other by the inclination of the guide parts <NUM>. Thereafter, the optional unit is detached from the first fitting part <NUM> and the second fitting part <NUM> of the main body part <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A turret tool post (<NUM>) for a machine tool, the turret tool post (<NUM>) comprising:
a tool post body (<NUM>);
a turret (<NUM>) installed on the tool post body (<NUM>) and configured to receive a plurality of tools;
a drive unit (<NUM>) installed on the tool post body (<NUM>) and configured to provide rotational power to the turret (<NUM>);
a rotary unit (<NUM>) installed on a part of the turret (<NUM>) so as to be rotated together with the turret (<NUM>) and coupled to an optional unit (<NUM>); characterized by
a fixing unit (<NUM>) installed on the tool post body (<NUM>) and configured to be clamped with or unclamped from the rotary unit (<NUM>) by a rotation of the rotary unit (<NUM>) in order to allow or cut off a supply of pressure required for an operation of the optional unit (<NUM>).