Patents Assigned to Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 12496673
    Abstract: A controller of a machine tool acquires coordinates of a first machining start point of an eccentric shape in a reference phase of a workpiece around a spindle axis, a second machining start point in an anti-phase, a first machining end point in the reference phase, and a second machining end point in the anti-phase. The controller decides a moving path of the tool in association with rotation of the workpiece at least according to the coordinates of the first start point, the second start point, the first end point, and the second end point to form the eccentric shape around an eccentric axis passing a start point origin between the first start point and the second start point and an end point origin between the first end point and the second end point and thereby controls movement of the tool in association with rotation of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shotaro Kamo, Katsuhiro Shinomiya
  • Patent number: 12405597
    Abstract: A controller of a machine tool determines in accordance with a machining program whether a first tool post is used to machine an unfinished workpiece. When the unfinished workpiece needs machining before terminating a continuous machining and when the controller determines that the first tool post is used to machine the unfinished workpiece W2, the controller simultaneously advances a first system and a second system in accordance with the machining program while preventing machining a workpiece held by the first spindle. When the controller determines that the first tool post is not used to machine the unfinished workpiece, the controller stops the first system and advances the second system in accordance with the machining program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shotaro Kamo, Takeshi Ikegaya, Koichiro Shigama
  • Patent number: 12337432
    Abstract: A lathe includes a spindle, an opposite spindle, a tool post, a controller, and a contact-type breakage detector. The controller determines whether the cut-off tool is broken according to a control parameter for controlling at least one of the spindle and the opposite spindle at a first detection timing immediately after the cut-off tool cuts off the bar material while the opposite spindle holds the bar material held by the spindle. The controller determines whether the cut-off tool is broken according to a detection result by the contact-type breakage detector at a second detection timing different from the first detection timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koichiro Shigama
  • Patent number: 12319052
    Abstract: A printer provided with a storing space for a paper roll having a core hole in the center includes a paper roll holder having a protrusion adapted to fit into the core hole of the paper roll. The paper roll holder is switchable between a protruded state that the protrusion protrudes into the storing space and a retracted state that the protrusion retracts from the storing space. The printer further includes a stopper adapted to engage with the paper roll holder while the paper roll holder is in the protruded state to prevent the protrusion from turning to a predetermined direction. The paper roll holder moves when pushed by the paper roll that is being set into the storing space. Movement of the paper roll holder releases the engagement with the stopper to allow the protrusion to turn to the predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Inoue
  • Patent number: 12257636
    Abstract: A lathe capable of facilitating maintenance of a chucking mechanism. A chuck operating apparatus includes a claw and a shifter to open and close a chuck provided on a spindle. The tilt claw provided outside the spindle has a first posture to bring the chuck into the opened state and a second posture to bring the chuck into the closed state. The shifter provided outside the spindle and movable in a spindle axis direction is brought in a first position to bring the claw into the first posture and in a second position to bring the claw into the second posture. A roller is mounted on the shifter in a contact position with the claw to roll in the spindle axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 12251764
    Abstract: A chuck operating apparatus includes a claw, a shifter, and a shifter drive unit. The rotatable claw has a first posture to bring the chuck into the opened state and a second posture to bring the chuck into the closed state. The rotatable shifter is brought in a first position to bring the claw into the first posture and in a second position to bring the claw into the second posture. The shifter drive unit has a shifter lever having an insertion part provided with a shifter bearing capable of being brought into contact with a side surface of an outward groove of the shifter. A roller is provided on one of the claw and the shifter in a contact position with the other to roll in a spindle axis direction and a groove is formed on the other to receive the roller when the chuck is in the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 12070825
    Abstract: A machine tool capable of restraining dirt on the footstool and improving setup efficiency. The machine tool includes a machine body having a splash guard surrounding a machining area and a door capable of closing an opening of the splash guard. A footstool is kept mounted on the machine body changeably in place with respect to the machine body. The footstool kept mounted on the machine body is capable of being in a place on an outside of the machine body when the door is closed. The footstool kept mounted on the machine body is capable of being brought to a setup place inside the machining area from the outside of the machine body through the opening when the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kawasumi
  • Patent number: 12011768
    Abstract: A lathe capable of shortening a spindle with respect to a spindle axis direction. A spindle provided with a chuck at the front end thereof is rotatably supported on a support by bearings. A chuck operating apparatus includes a tilt claw and a shifter. A built-in motor is disposed between the bearings to rotate the spindle. The claw is provided outside the spindle and between the bearings. The claw has a movable end whose distance from the spindle axis varies between a first posture to bring the chuck into the opened state and a second posture to bring the chuck into the closed state. The shifter is provided outside the claw and movable in the spindle axis direction to be brought in a first position to bring the claw into the first posture and in a second position to bring the claw into the second posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 12005511
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a spindle capable of holding a workpiece and rotatable on a spindle axis and a tool post on which a tool is attachable to machine the workpiece held by the spindle. The tool post includes a first turnable holder turnable on a first turning axis perpendicular to the spindle axis. The first turnable holder has a first tool unit mounting part where a rotary tool is attachable. The tool post further includes a second turnable holder turnable on a second turning axis perpendicular to the spindle axis and different from the first turning axis. The second turnable holder has a second whirling tool mounting part where a thread whirling tool is attachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 11986887
    Abstract: A lathe includes a spindle rotatable on a spindle axis, a tool post to which a tool is attachable, an X1-axis ball screw extended in an X1-axis direction perpendicular to the spindle axis and capable of moving the tool post in the X1-axis direction, and an X1-axis support bearing provided on an end of the X1-axis ball screw with respect to the X1-axis direction to restrict movement of the X1-axis ball screw in the X1-axis direction. The tool post is provided with an X1-axis ball screw nut engaged with the X1-axis ball screw. The X1-axis ball screw nut is movable in the X1-axis direction according to rotation of the X1-axis ball screw. The direction that the X1-axis ball screw nut approaches the X1-axis support bearing faces the same direction as the direction that the tool cuts into the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junya Oda
  • Patent number: 11964330
    Abstract: An NC lathe including a first spindle, a second spindle capable of holding a cut-off workpiece delivered from the first spindle, a second tool post on which a plurality of tools are attachable to machine the workpiece held by the second spindle, a product receiver provided on the second tool post, a Y2-axis motor capable of moving at least one of the second tool post and the second spindle in a Y2-axis direction, and an X2-axis motor capable of moving at least one of the second tool post and the second spindle in an X2-axis direction. The second tool post has a plurality of tool mounting parts where the tools are attachable. The tool mounting parts are aligned at intervals in the Y2-axis direction. At least one of the tool mounting parts is arranged in a position overlapping the product receiver with respect to the X2-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rui Ohta
  • Patent number: 11919095
    Abstract: Provided is a lathe capable of shortening the spindle. The lathe comprises a spindle, a spindle support which supports the spindle through a bearing on an outer side of the spindle, a collet disposed on a front end of the spindle, an inner ring holder provided on the spindle to hold a front of an inner ring of the bearing, an outer ring holder provided on the spindle support to hold a front of an outer ring of the bearing, a cap screwed into the spindle in front of the inner ring holder, and a cover detachably provided on the spindle support side. The cover has an inner circumferential surface facing an outer circumferential surface of the cap. A first air purging unit is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the cover and the outer circumferential surface of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Deno, Daisuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11604617
    Abstract: The printer (10) of the present disclosure is a printer connectable to a network (30) and an information processing terminal (20), including a control section (15) configured to: when obtaining data in accordance with the network class from the information processing terminal (20), extract a first frame based on a first communication standard used for communications between the printer (10) and the network (30), from the data; when determining that destination information included in the first frame specifies the printer (10), extract and interpret print information included in the first frame; and when determining that the destination information included in the first frame does not specify the printer (10), forward the first frame to the network (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD., KCodes Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Tokita, Tangen Chiu
  • Patent number: 11548072
    Abstract: Provided is a machine tool capable of facilitating switching moving ranges of the moving unit. A moving-side cover provided on the moving unit covers part of a position of the driving apparatus in the moving direction. A supporting-side cover is provided in a position on a side of the first moving range of an end of the moving-side cover on a side of the second moving range in the moving direction to continuously cover the part of the position of the driving apparatus in the moving direction in cooperation with the moving-side cover in the first use state. The supporting-side cover forms a clearance in the moving direction with respect to the moving-side cover in the second use state. A slide cover is mounted on one of supporting-side cover and the moving-side cover slidably in the moving direction to close the clearance when slidably drawn out in the moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Deno
  • Patent number: 11547016
    Abstract: A technology downsizing a control panel unit is provided. The control panel unit for a machine tool comprises a casing, a duct, and a fan. The casing has an openable door. A control device is arranged in an internal space, which is closed when the door is closed. The duct has a groove and a ventilation opening. The groove is closed at a closed end and open to the internal space at an open end. The ventilation opening connects the groove with the internal space in a position nearer the closed end than the open end. The duct is fixed to an inner wall of the casing in such manner as the groove faces the inner wall. The fan is mounted on the ventilation opening. The air in the internal space is taken into the groove enclosed by the inner wall and the duct by the operation of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushige Tajima, Katsuhiro Shinomiya
  • Patent number: 11491555
    Abstract: Provided is a lathe capable of elongating the life of a shifter mechanism. A lathe comprises a spindle, a chucking unit, a power transmitting unit, a shifter, a claw, and a driving unit. The shape of an outer circumference of the shifter in a contact range and a first end of the claw in longitudinal section along the spindle axis is such shape as the acceleration “a” of the first end in the diameter direction with respect to the moving distance of the shifter moving in the direction of the spindle axis (Z-axis direction) at a constant speed is continuous both in a positive range and in a negative range where the contact range is a range of the outer circumference of the shifter in contact with the first end of the claw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Norio Kaku
  • Patent number: 11376667
    Abstract: A machine tool improving measurement accuracy of a machined workpiece diameter. A machine tool comprises a displacement sensor mounted on at least one of a guide bush and a spindle supporting unit. The machine tool further comprises a calculating unit which calculates a diameter of the machined workpiece based on a measurement value of the machined workpiece by the displacement sensor. The spindle is movable back and forth in an axial direction. The spindle is retracted after machining to bring a machined portion of the workpiece to a predetermined measurement position in the axial direction to allow the displacement sensor to measure the machined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Kaku
  • Patent number: D1033530
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryo Kurebayashi
  • Patent number: D1068921
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Inoue
  • Patent number: D1101032
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2025
    Assignee: STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yusuke Sone