JP4761657B2 - Workpiece conveying apparatus and processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a spindle-moving vertical machine tool in which a spindle has an axis in a substantially vertical direction and receives and conveys a workpiece by a chuck at the tip of the spindle, or a plurality of spindle-moving vertical machine tools arranged in parallel. Can be installed without increasing the installation area and height of the machine tool and the machining system, and the workpiece conveying device considering the worker's safety, and the workpiece conveying device It is related with the processing system using.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a machining system using a normal lathe whose main axis is oriented in the horizontal direction, a work path is provided above the splash guard of the lathe, and a work body having a workpiece gripping member is caused to travel on the travel path. It is conventionally performed that an unprocessed workpiece is carried into a lathe and a processed workpiece is unloaded from the lathe. Such a workpiece conveying apparatus is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-246579, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-251346, and the like.
[0003]
In addition, as a workpiece conveying device having other configurations, a workpiece conveying device provided with a traveling path on the front side of the machine tool is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-7788, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-111802, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-6. JP-A-6-126585 discloses a workpiece transfer device which is known from JP-A-190602 and the like, and further has a traveling path section provided in a machining area of a machine tool.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, a spindle-moving vertical machine tool in which the spindle has an axis in a substantially vertical direction and receives and conveys a workpiece by a chuck at the tip of the spindle has various advantages as a machine tool, but the spindle is almost in the vertical direction. Furthermore, since the headstock is configured to be movable in the main shaft axis direction, the installation height of the machine tool tends to increase. When the traveling path is provided above the headstock, the overall height of the entire machining system is considerably increased, and there is a problem that it can be installed only in a factory having a high ceiling.
[0005]
If a workpiece transfer device is provided with a traveling path on the front side of the machine tool, the total height of the machining system will not increase even if it is installed on a spindle-driven vertical machine tool, but an operator can work on the front side of the machine tool. There is a risk that if the traveling body travels in this region, a problem may arise in the safety of the operator. In addition, even with a workpiece transfer device with a traveling path section in the machining area of the machine tool, the overall height of the machining system does not increase, but there is still a problem with the safety of the operator, and the workpiece is transferred. In addition, there is a problem that the configuration and control of an opening / closing mechanism for transferring a workpiece between the workpiece conveying device and the machine tool are complicated.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a spindle-moving vertical machine tool or a machining system in which a plurality of spindle-moving vertical machine tools are arranged side by side without increasing the installation area and height of the machine tool and the machining system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a workpiece transfer device that can be installed and also takes into account the safety of the operator, and a machining system using the workpiece transfer device.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the workpiece conveying device of the present invention includes a spindle support body that supports a spindle having a chuck at a front end so that the spindle can rotate and the spindle axis line is oriented in a substantially vertical direction. A first direction parallel to the spindle axis and orthogonal to the first direction In addition, the front side and the back side of the machine tool are orthogonal to the facing direction. A workpiece transfer device for transferring a workpiece to a spindle movement type vertical machine tool movable in a second direction, wherein the workpiece transfer device is configured to move against a base of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool. The back side that is the opposite side of the operator's work area on the front side of the machine tool A guide member extending in parallel with the second direction, a traveling body provided on the guide member so as to be movable in the second direction, and being movable up and down relative to the traveling body. A workpiece gripping member provided and capable of gripping the workpiece, and a workpiece can be transferred between the chuck at a first transfer position on a movement trajectory of the main shaft in the second direction; A workpiece can be exchanged with the workpiece gripping member at a second delivery position on the movement locus of the workpiece gripping member, and between the first delivery position and the second delivery position. With a workpiece moving part that can move the workpiece with The guide member is located on the back side of the machine tool with respect to the movement locus of the main shaft in the second direction. Is.
[0008]
In the workpiece transfer device, the guide member is preferably provided at a position lower than the maximum height of the spindle support.
[0009]
In the workpiece transfer device, the guide member is a space between the base of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool and a control device for controlling the operation of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool. It is preferable that it is provided in the part.
[0010]
Further, in the workpiece conveying apparatus, the guide member includes a first placement portion for placing an unmachined workpiece and a second placement portion for placing a processed workpiece. Is movable to a position at which the workpiece gripping member can exchange the workpiece with the first placement portion, and the workpiece gripping member is between the second placement portion. It is preferable that it is extended so that it can move to a position where the workpiece can be transferred.
[0011]
In the workpiece transfer device, the workpiece moving unit may include an unmachined workpiece placement unit on which an unmachined workpiece can be placed, and a machined workpiece on which a machined workpiece can be placed. A workpiece placement unit is provided, and the traveling main body is provided with a plurality of workpiece gripping members so as to be movable up and down, and the workpiece gripping members are not connected to the workpiece moving unit. It is preferable that the processed workpiece and the processed workpiece can be transferred at the same time.
[0012]
In the machining system of the present invention, a spindle support body that supports a spindle having a chuck at a front end so that the spindle is rotatable and the spindle axis is oriented in a substantially vertical direction is at least a first axis parallel to the spindle axis. Direction and orthogonal to the first direction In addition, the front side and the back side of the machine tool are orthogonal to the facing direction. A machining system in which a plurality of spindle-moving vertical machine tools movable in a second direction are arranged side by side, a first placement unit for placing an unmachined workpiece, and a machined workpiece With respect to the base | substrate of the 2nd mounting part to mount, and the said spindle movement type | mold vertical machine tool The back side that is the opposite side of the operator's work area on the front side of the machine tool A guide member extending in parallel with the second direction, a traveling body provided on the guide member so as to be movable in the second direction, and being movable up and down relative to the traveling body. A workpiece gripping member provided and capable of gripping the workpiece, and a workpiece moving portion provided for each of the plurality of spindle movement type vertical machine tools, The guide member is located on the back side of the machine tool with respect to the movement locus of the main shaft in the second direction, Further, the plurality of spindle-moving vertical machine tools are arranged so as to be aligned in the second direction, and the workpiece moving unit is configured to move the spindle of the spindle-moving vertical machine tool. The workpiece can be transferred to and from the chuck at the first transfer position on the movement locus in the direction of 2, and the workpiece gripping member at the second transfer position on the movement locus of the workpiece gripping member. The workpiece can be transferred between the first and second transfer positions, and the workpiece can be moved between the first transfer position and the second transfer position.
[0013]
In the above processing system, it is preferable that the guide member is provided at a position lower than the maximum height of the spindle support body of each spindle movement type vertical machine tool.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the processing system of the present invention. In this machining system, a plurality of spindle-moving vertical machine tools 1a and 1b are arranged in parallel. The spindle-moving vertical machine tools 1a and 1b are machine tools having substantially the same configuration, but the spindle-moving vertical machine tool 1a performs the first process, and the spindle-moving vertical machine tool 1b is the second process. Process. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the processing system as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a side view of the machining system as viewed from the right side in FIG. This is an example of a vertical lathe having a main axis in the vertical direction as a machine tool.
[0016]
The spindle moving type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b are provided with turrets 23a and 23b on beds 2a and 2b. The tool rests 23a and 23b are provided with indexable and rotatable turrets 21a and 21b, and processing tools such as an outer diameter cutting tool and an inner diameter processing tool are held on the outer peripheral portions of the turrets 21a and 21b. The spindle moving type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b are provided with headstocks 4a and 4b that are movable in two orthogonal directions (X and Z axis directions) described later. Spindles 5a and 5b having a rotation axis in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are rotatably supported on the spindle stocks 4a and 4b, and chucks 6a and 6b are provided at lower ends of the spindles 5a and 5b. . The gripping claws of the chucks 6a and 6b are opened and closed by the driving force of the chuck cylinders 28a and 28b. The spindles 5a and 5b are controlled to rotate at a desired rotational speed by a built-in spindle motor (not shown).
[0017]
X-axis guide rails 11a and 11b are provided along a horizontal direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the main shafts 5a and 5b (Z-axis direction), and the X-axis guide rails 11a and 11b are provided. Saddles 12a and 12b are provided on the upper side so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The X-axis guide rails 11a and 11b are provided on brackets 10a and 10b fixed to the rear portions of the beds 2a and 2b and the rear portions of the beds 2a and 2b. The beds 2a and 2b and the brackets 10a and 10b may be integrated.
[0018]
The saddles 12a and 12b are driven by the X-axis servomotors 29a and 29b through X-axis feed screws 13a and 13b and nuts 14a and 14b, respectively. It is guided by the guide rails 11a and 11b and moved in the X-axis direction. The saddles 12a and 12b are provided with headstocks 4a and 4b that can be moved in the Z-axis direction by a Z-axis guide rail (not shown), and Z-axis feed screws (not shown) are provided by Z-axis servomotors 26a and 26b. ) To rotate the headstock 4a, 4b in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the spindles 5a and 5b and the spindle stock 4a and 4b are movable in the X and Z axis directions. The main shafts 5a and 5b are controlled to rotate by NC (numerical control) devices 15a and 15b and moved in the X and Z axis directions, and the workpieces gripped by the chucks 6a and 6b are processed by the processing tools on the turrets 21a and 21b. To do.
[0019]
Regions where the headstocks 4a and 4b move during processing are covered with covers and splash guards 61a and 61b as processing regions 17a and 17b. Workpiece transfer areas 18a and 18b are provided adjacent to the machining areas 17a and 17b. The headstocks 4a and 4b and the spindles 5a and 5b can move between the machining areas 17a and 17b and the workpiece transfer areas 18a and 18b. When the headstock 4a, 4b is in the machining areas 17a, 17b, the machining areas 17a, 17b and the workpiece transfer areas 18a, 18b are shielded by partition means. That is, cutting waste and cutting fluid are prevented from leaking into the workpiece transfer areas 18a and 18b during processing.
[0020]
Workpiece moving parts 3a and 3b are installed in the workpiece transfer areas 18a and 18b of the respective machine tools. On the upper surfaces of the workpiece moving parts 3a and 3b, moving members 30a and 30b are provided so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The moving members 30a and 30b are guided by the pair of guide bars 36a and 36b, and are moved in the Y-axis direction by the fluid pressure cylinders 35a and 35b. The moving members 30a and 30b are provided with unprocessed workpiece mounting portions 31a and 31b for mounting unprocessed workpieces and processed workpiece mounting portions 32a and 32b for mounting processed workpieces. ing.
[0021]
The moving members 30a and 30b can move to the first transfer position A on the movement trajectory in the X-axis direction of the main shafts 5a and 5b in the workpiece transfer areas 18a and 18b, and can stop there. Further, the moving members 30a and 30b can also move to a second transfer position B for transferring a workpiece to / from a workpiece transfer device 7 described later. The workpiece can be moved between the two delivery positions B.
[0022]
Between the moving members 30a and 30b, the unprocessed workpiece placement portions 31a and 31b, and the processed workpiece placement portions 32a and 32b, at least three compression springs are provided for each placement portion. These mounting portions can perform a predetermined amount of tilting operation and horizontal movement. Further, this allows the workpiece to be pressed against the chucks 6a and 6b when the workpiece is exchanged with the chucks 6a and 6b.
[0023]
In addition, here, as the guide portion of the moving members 30a and 30b, a guide bar and a rolling bearing that moves infinitely linearly are described. However, rolling guides such as linear motion rolling guides and sliding guides are used. Also good. Further, although it has been described that a fluid pressure cylinder is used as the drive unit, the rotational motion of the motor may be converted into a linear motion by a screw mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, or the like. In short, any member that can move the moving member to the first transfer position A and the second transfer position B may be used. Further, although the moving member is described as moving the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion and the processed workpiece mounting portion integrally, the moving member and the processing for moving the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion are described. You may make it provide the moving member for moving a finished workpiece mounting part separately.
[0024]
The X-axis guide rails 11a and 11b extend to the positions of the workpiece moving units 3a and 3b in the X-axis direction. That is, the main shafts 5a and 5b are movable to a position immediately above the first transfer position A. In the first transfer position A, workpieces can be transferred between the chucks 6a and 6b, the unprocessed workpiece mounting portions 31a and 31b, and the processed workpiece mounting portions 32a and 32b. The unprocessed workpieces received from the unprocessed workpiece mounting portions 31a and 31b are moved to the processing regions 17a and 17b and processed, and the processed workpieces are returned to the processed workpiece mounting portions 32a and 32b. It is.
[0025]
On the front side of the spindle moving type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b, opening and closing doors are provided in the splash guards 61a and 61b. The operator opens the open / close door to perform maintenance work, tool change work, or the like, or operates the operation panels 65a and 65b provided on the front surfaces of the splash guards 61a and 61b with the open / close door closed. Or instruct. Thus, the front side of the spindle-moving vertical machine tools 1a and 1b is a work area for the operator to perform various operations.
[0026]
NC devices 15a and 15b for controlling the operation of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b are provided on the back side of the beds 2a and 2b of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b via an attachment member 19a. Is provided. Further, the saddles 12a and 12b are installed in the NC devices 15a and 15b so that the heat generated by the NC devices 15a and 15b does not affect the movement and positioning accuracy of the saddles 12a and 12b and the headstocks 4a and 4b. The bed rear portion 20a is installed at a predetermined interval. The NC devices 15a and 15b are provided with an open / close door for maintenance on the back side.
[0027]
A workpiece conveying device 7 is provided to carry in and out a workpiece from the spindle movement type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b. The guide member 71 of the workpiece transfer device 7 is extended over each machine tool so as to penetrate the space portion using the space portion between the NC devices 15a and 15b and the bed rear portion 20a. . Since the guide member 71 is provided in the space between the NC devices 15a and 15b and the bed rear portion 20a, even if the workpiece transfer device 7 is provided, it does not interfere with the work area and the safety of the operator is reduced. There is nothing. Moreover, the installation area of the whole processing system hardly increases. Further, since the opening / closing doors of the NC devices 15a and 15b are provided on the back side, the maintenance work of the NC devices 15a and 15b is not hindered by the guide member 71.
[0028]
The guide member 71 is supported by the column member 70 and extends in parallel to the direction in which the machine tools are arranged in parallel, that is, the X-axis direction. Further, the guide member 71 is installed such that its height is lower than the maximum height of the headstock 4a, 4b (that is, the maximum height of the machine tool). Thus, the guide member 71 can be provided at a low position, and the overall height of the machining system is not increased compared to the overall height of the machine tool. That is, if it is a factory which can install a spindle movement type vertical machine tool, a workpiece conveyance apparatus can also be installed without any problem.
[0029]
The guide member 71 is provided with two guide rails 71a and 71a in the X-axis direction. In addition, traveling main bodies 72 and 73 are movably provided on the guide rails 71a and 71a. A rack 71b is provided on the upper surface of the guide member 71 in the X-axis direction, and a traveling motor 72a is provided on the traveling main body 72. The traveling main body 72 is driven by a traveling motor 72a through a rack and pinion mechanism or the like and travels along the guide rail 71a. The traveling main body 73 also travels by the same drive mechanism.
[0030]
The traveling body 72 is provided with two workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 that can be moved up and down by a built-in fluid pressure cylinder (not shown). Similarly, the traveling body 73 is also provided with two workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 that can be moved up and down. The workpiece gripping members 721, 722, 731, and 732 perform opening / closing operations of the gripping claws by the supply of pressure fluid to grip and release the workpiece. The second delivery position B of the moving members 30a and 30b is set on the movement trajectory of these workpiece gripping members 721, 722, 731 and 732.
[0031]
A work feeder 8 is installed on the right side of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1a in FIG. The work feeder 8 is provided with a plurality of workpiece placing portions 81 connected to each other by a chain so as to be turnable. On each workpiece placement portion 81, an unmachined workpiece is placed. Each workpiece placing portion 81 can be sequentially stopped at a predetermined first workpiece transfer position 100a, and the workpiece can be gripped and conveyed by the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 of the traveling body 72.
[0032]
On the left side in FIG. 1 of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1b, a conveyor 9 for carrying out processed workpieces is installed. The processed workpiece is transported by the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 of the traveling main body 73, placed on the conveyor 9, and unloaded by the conveyor 9. As described above, the guide member 71 is formed between the workpiece feeder 8 serving as the first placement unit, the spindle movement type vertical machine tools 1a and 1b, and the conveyor 9 serving as the second placement unit. It is extended so that it can be conveyed. Note that the first mounting unit and the second mounting unit may be a mounting table on which a workpiece can be mounted. In such a case, the workpiece may be placed or taken out by other transport means such as a robot or an operator.
[0033]
Next, the workpiece conveying operation in this machining system will be described. Here, the spindle-moving vertical machine tool 1a performs the first process on one side of an unmachined workpiece (material), and the spindle-moving vertical machine tool 1b is an intermediate in which the first process has been completed. The second process is performed on the other side of the workpiece. In each machine tool, it is assumed that the processes in the first step and the second step are performed substantially simultaneously in parallel. That is, it is preferable that the machining time of the spindle moving vertical machine tools 1a and 1b is as small as possible. Further, the intermediate workpiece that has been processed in the first step on the processed workpiece mounting portion 32a of the moving member 30a is transferred to both the first step and the second step on the processed workpiece mounting portion 32b of the moving member 30b. It is assumed that a processed workpiece (finished product) that has been processed is placed. Furthermore, the moving members 30a and 30b are assumed to be located at the second transfer position B. Such a state indicates a state in the middle of continuously machining the workpiece.
[0034]
An unmachined workpiece is placed on each workpiece placement portion 81 of the work feeder 8. The workpiece placing portion 81 on which the unmachined workpiece is placed is positioned at a predetermined first workpiece transfer position 100a. The workpiece conveyance device 7 raises the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 to the conveyance position, and causes the traveling main body 72 to travel to the first workpiece transfer position 100a. Then, the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 are lowered to the transfer position, and the workpiece gripping member 721 grips the unprocessed workpiece on the workpiece mounting portion 81. The workpiece gripping member 721 that grips the unprocessed workpiece is raised to the transfer position, and then moved to the second workpiece transfer position 100b by the traveling main body 72. At the same time, the workpiece feeder 8 moves and positions the workpiece mounting portion 81 on which the next unprocessed workpiece is mounted to the first workpiece transfer position 100a.
[0035]
Next, the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 are lowered to the transfer position. Then, the workpiece gripping member 721 is released and the unprocessed workpiece transported to the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion 31a of the moving member 30a is placed, and at the same time, the workpiece is placed on the processed workpiece mounting portion 32a. The intermediate workpiece is gripped by the workpiece gripping member 722. Next, the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 are raised to the transfer position and moved to the third workpiece transfer position 100c. Then, the workpiece gripping members 722 and 721 are lowered to the transfer position, the workpiece gripping member 722 is released, and the intermediate workpiece is placed on the workpiece reversing device 90. The workpiece reversing device 90 reverses the direction of the intermediate workpiece. Simultaneously with the movement of the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 to the third workpiece transfer position 100c, the moving member 30a moves from the second transfer position B to the first transfer position A by driving the fluid pressure cylinder 35a. .
[0036]
The spindle stock 4a of the spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1a moves to the workpiece transfer area 18a after finishing the first process. By moving the spindle 4a in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, the intermediate workpiece that has been processed in the first step is moved onto the processed workpiece mounting portion 32a, and then the chuck 6a is released and the intermediate workpiece is released. The workpiece is placed on the processed workpiece placing portion 32a. Subsequently, the workpiece is moved onto the workpiece resting portion 31a on which the workpiece is placed, and the workpiece is gripped by the chuck 6a. When the unmachined workpiece is received in this way, the headstock 4a moves to the machining area 17a and performs the first process. Simultaneously with the movement of the headstock 4a toward the machining region 17a, the moving member 30a moves to the second transfer position B by driving the fluid pressure cylinder 35a.
[0037]
On the other hand, an intermediate workpiece whose direction is reversed is placed on the workpiece reversing device 90. The workpiece conveyance device 7 raises the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 to the conveyance position, and causes the traveling main body 73 to travel to the third workpiece transfer position 100c. Then, the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 are lowered to the delivery position, and the workpiece gripping member 731 grips the intermediate workpiece on the workpiece reversing device 90. The workpiece gripping member 731 that grips the intermediate workpiece moves up to the transfer position and then moves to the fourth workpiece transfer position 100d. Then, the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 are lowered to the transfer position, the workpiece gripping member 731 is released from gripping, and the intermediate workpiece that has been conveyed to the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion 31b of the moving member 30b is placed at the same time. The processed workpiece placed on the processed workpiece placement portion 32 b is gripped by the workpiece gripping member 732.
[0038]
Next, the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 are raised to the transfer position and moved to the fifth workpiece transfer position 100e. Then, the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 are lowered to the delivery position, the workpiece gripping member 732 is released, and the processed workpiece is placed on the conveyor 9. The conveyor 9 conveys the processed workpiece. Simultaneously with the movement of the workpiece gripping members 731 and 732 to the fifth workpiece transfer position 100e, the moving member 30b moves from the second transfer position B to the first transfer position A by driving the fluid pressure cylinder 35b.
[0039]
The spindle stock 4b of the spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1b moves to the workpiece transfer area 18b after finishing the second process. By moving the spindle 4b in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, the processed workpiece that has been processed in the second step is moved onto the processed workpiece mounting portion 32b, and then the chuck 6b is released. Place the processed workpiece. Subsequently, the workpiece is moved onto an unmachined workpiece placement portion (intermediate workpiece placement portion) 31b on which the intermediate workpiece is placed, and the intermediate workpiece is gripped by the chuck 6b. When the intermediate workpiece is received in this manner, the head stock 4b moves to the machining area 17b and performs the second process.
[0040]
Simultaneously with the movement of the headstock 4b to the machining region 17b, the moving member 30b moves to the second transfer position B by driving the fluid pressure cylinder 35b. This state has returned to the initial state of the description of the above operation. By repeating such a series of operations, the unprocessed workpieces placed on the work feeder 8 are sequentially conveyed to the unprocessed workpieces in the first process, inversion, the second process, etc. These processes can be performed continuously. And it can process continuously until there is no unprocessed workpiece on the work feeder 8.
[0041]
The operations of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1a, the workpiece gripping members 721, 722, and the moving member 30a in the first step are the same as those of the main shaft moving type vertical machine tool 1b and the work gripping members 731, 732 in the second step. In parallel with the operation of the moving member 30b, it is performed almost simultaneously. Thus, highly efficient automatic processing becomes possible by performing processing of the 1st process and the 2nd process in parallel. In addition, since two traveling main bodies are provided, an operation in which the traveling main body 72 receives the unprocessed workpiece from the work feeder 8 and an operation in which the traveling main body 73 receives the intermediate workpiece from the workpiece reversing device 90. The traveling main body 72 can pass the intermediate workpiece to the workpiece reversing device 90 and the traveling main body 73 can move the processed workpiece to the conveyor 9 almost simultaneously. Highly efficient automatic processing is possible.
[0042]
In this manner, the workpieces on the workpiece feeder 8 are sequentially transferred to the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1a and the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1b by the workpiece transfer device 7, and are each in the first step. The processing of the second step is performed. The processed workpiece that has been processed is placed on the conveyor 9 and carried out by the workpiece conveying device 7. Since the workpiece is automatically and efficiently transported, highly efficient automatic operation can be performed continuously for a long time.
[0043]
Here, the workpiece transfer apparatus 7 includes the two traveling main bodies 72 and 73, but the traveling main body may be one, or may include three or more traveling main bodies. In addition, although the machining system in which two spindle-moving vertical machine tools are arranged side by side is shown, one spindle moving-type vertical machine tool may be arranged, or three or more spindle moving type vertical machine tools may be arranged in parallel. Further, in this example, the first process is performed on one side of the vertical shaft type machine tool and the second process is performed on the other side. However, the first process is performed on two machine tools, and the second process is performed. Arbitrary process distribution can be performed such that the process is performed by one machine tool.
[0044]
In addition, here, two workpiece gripping members are provided for one traveling body, but one workpiece gripping member may be provided. The workpiece transfer operation with the moving member (unprocessed workpiece mounting portion, processed workpiece mounting portion) in this case will be described by taking the first spindle moving vertical machine tool as an example. The workpiece gripped by the workpiece gripping member from the workpiece feeder is transported above the workpiece resting portion of the moving member. Then, the workpiece gripping member is lowered to the transfer position, the grip is released, and the unprocessed workpiece is placed on the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion. Next, the workpiece gripping member is raised to the transport position, and the traveling main body is moved so that the workpiece gripping member is positioned above the processed workpiece mounting portion. Then, the workpiece gripping member is lowered to the transfer position to grip the intermediate workpiece placed on the processed workpiece placing portion. Next, the workpiece gripping member is raised to the transfer position, and the intermediate workpiece is transferred to the workpiece reversing device.
[0045]
Here, the drive unit for moving the workpiece gripping member up and down is described as a fluid pressure cylinder. However, the rotational force of the motor is converted into a linear motion by a rack and pinion mechanism, a screw mechanism or the like to move up and down. A lifting member may be provided, and a workpiece gripping member may be provided on the lifting member. The elevating member may be moved up and down by a linear motor or the like. That is, the drive unit that moves the workpiece gripping member up and down may be any device that can move and position the workpiece gripping member. In the case where a fluid pressure cylinder is used for the drive unit, the workpiece gripping member is moved / positioned only at two positions, that is, a transfer position (up position) and a transfer position (down position). When a control motor such as a controllable servo motor or stepping motor is used, the transfer operation can be performed by positioning at an arbitrary position in the up-and-down direction.
[0046]
Further, although the drive mechanism that travels and moves the travel body is described as a motor and a rack and pinion mechanism, other drive mechanisms such as a motor and a screw mechanism, a linear motor, and the like may be used. In short, any device that can move and position the traveling main body may be used.
[0047]
Moreover, you may provide members, such as a chuck | zipper which can hold | maintain a workpiece, in the unprocessed workpiece mounting part and processed workpiece mounting part on a movable stand. If it does in this way, it can process with a processing system, maintaining the phase of the rotation direction of a work piece. Furthermore, a measuring device, a phase positioning device, and the like may be provided on the movement locus of the workpiece gripping member of the workpiece conveying device of the machining system. If a measuring device is provided, it is possible to determine whether or not the processing dimension of the workpiece is acceptable and carry out the defective product to an NG shooter (NG conveyor) separate from the conveyor. When the phase positioning device is provided, it is possible to perform phase positioning of a workpiece having a positioned portion on an unmachined workpiece (material).
[0048]
Next, modified examples of the machining system and the workpiece transfer device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a machining system when only one spindle movement type vertical machine tool 1 is installed. In this machining system, a work feeder 8 as a unit in which a first placement portion and a second placement portion are integrally formed, and one spindle-moving vertical machine tool 1 are provided side by side. . The workpiece conveyance device 7 conveys the workpiece between the workpiece feeder 8 and the workpiece moving unit 3.
[0049]
The configuration of the spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1 and the configuration of the workpiece moving unit 3 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. The guide member 71 of the workpiece transfer device 7 extends in a space portion between the NC device 15 and the bed rear portion and the saddle 12. The guide member 71 is supported by the support member 70 and extends parallel to the X-axis direction. Moreover, the guide member 71 is installed so that the height becomes lower than the maximum height of the headstock 4 (that is, the maximum height of the machine tool). The guide member 71 is provided with a travel main body 72 so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. The traveling body 72 is provided with two workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 that can be moved up and down.
[0050]
Next, the workpiece conveying operation in this machining system will be described. For convenience of explanation, a workpiece placing portion 81 on which an unmachined workpiece is placed is placed at the first workpiece delivery position 101 of the work feeder 8, and a processed workpiece is placed at the second workpiece delivery position 102. It is assumed that an empty workpiece placing portion 81 is positioned for placing the. Further, the machining of the workpiece has been started in the spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1. The moving member 30 of the workpiece moving unit 3 includes the unprocessed workpiece mounting unit 31 in an empty state and the processed workpiece mounting unit 32 in a state where the processed workpiece is mounted. 2 is assumed to be located at the transfer position B.
[0051]
The workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 move to the workpiece transfer position 103 with the work feeder 8, the workpiece gripping member 721 grips an unprocessed workpiece, and the workpiece gripping member 722 delivers the processed workpiece. Then, the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 move to the workpiece transfer position 104 with the workpiece moving unit 3, and the work feeder 8 indexes the workpiece placing unit by one pitch.
[0052]
After the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 move to the workpiece transfer position 104, the workpiece gripping member 721 is released and the workpiece is placed on the workpiece resting portion 31 at the same time. At 722, the processed workpiece is gripped. Then, after the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 are moved up to the transfer position, the workpiece gripping members 721 and 722 are moved to the workpiece transfer position 103 and are moved from the workpiece mounting portion 81 of the first workpiece transfer position 101 of the workpiece feeder 8 to the unmachined workpiece. Simultaneously with gripping the workpiece, the processed workpiece is placed on the workpiece placing portion 81 at the second workpiece transfer position 102.
[0053]
On the other hand, the moving member 30 on which the processed workpiece is passed and the unprocessed workpiece is placed moves from the second transfer position B to the first transfer position A. After the machining in the spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1 is finished, the head stock 4 moves from the machining area to the workpiece transfer area, and places the machined work on the machined work placing portion 32. Thereafter, the unprocessed workpiece is received from the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion 31 and moved to the processing area for processing. When the head stock 4 moves to the machining area side, the moving member 30 moves from the first transfer position A to the second transfer position B. Thereafter, all the unprocessed workpieces on the work feeder 8 can be continuously processed in the same procedure.
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a machining system in which the installation position of the NC device 15 is changed. The configuration of this machining system is almost the same as that of FIG. 4 except that the NC device 15 is installed not on the back side of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool 1 but on the right side. Even when the NC device 15 is installed at this position, the same effects as the machining system of FIG. 4 can be obtained.
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a machining system in which the arrangement of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool is changed. In this machining system, a plurality of spindle-driven vertical machine tools 1a, 1b,... Are arranged in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the guide member 71 of the workpiece conveyance device 7 extends in parallel with the Y-axis direction. Moreover, the guide member 71 is installed so that the height becomes lower than the maximum height of the headstock 4 (that is, the maximum height of the machine tool). The guide member 71 is provided with a travel main body 72 that can move in the Y-axis direction. The traveling main body 72 is provided with one workpiece gripping member 723 that can be moved up and down.
[0056]
The workpiece moving unit 33 is formed by connecting a plurality of workpiece placing units 34 with a chain or the like. The workpiece can be moved between the first delivery position A and the second delivery position B by turning the workpiece placement unit 34 in conjunction with each other. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the conveyance path end of the guide member 71 includes a work feeder as a first placement unit, etc., similar to the processing system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and A conveyor or the like as a second placement unit is provided. The conveyance of the workpiece is substantially the same as the conveyance in the machining system shown in FIGS.
[0057]
The workpiece moving unit 33 in the machining system of FIG. 6 may be such that the moving member moves between the first transfer position A and the second transfer position B. In this case, the moving member is preferably provided with an unprocessed workpiece mounting portion and a processed workpiece mounting portion. In this case, it is further possible to provide two workpiece gripping members on the traveling main body 72 between the workpiece gripping member and the unprocessed workpiece mounting portion and the processed workpiece mounting portion of the moving member. It is preferable because the workpiece can be gripped and released simultaneously.
[0058]
With the machining system as described above, unprocessed workpieces placed on a work feeder or the like are sequentially transferred to one or more spindle-moving vertical machine tools and processed continuously. be able to. The processed workpiece that has been processed is returned again to the work feeder or the like, or placed on a conveyor or the like and carried out. Since the workpiece is automatically and efficiently transported, highly efficient automatic operation can be performed continuously for a long time.
[0059]
In the above embodiment, a vertical lathe has been described as an example of a main spindle moving type vertical machine tool. However, in the present invention, in addition to the vertical lathe, the main spindle support is at least in the first direction (Z The present invention can also be applied to machine tools that can move in the axial direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction), for example, any other machine tool such as a turning center, a grinding machine, or a machining center. When the present invention is applied to a machining center, a shaft that can rotate a pallet or the like on which a workpiece is fixed corresponds to the main shaft of the present invention, and a member that clamps the pallet or the like corresponds to a chuck of the present invention.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0061]
Since the guide member of the workpiece transfer device extends to a position on the opposite side of the operator's work area with respect to the base of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool, even if the workpiece transfer device is provided, The safety is not reduced, and the overall height and installation area of the entire processing system are hardly increased. That is, if it is a factory which can install a spindle movement type vertical machine tool, a workpiece conveyance apparatus can also be installed without any problem.
[0062]
Since the guide member of the workpiece transfer device is provided at a position lower than the maximum height of the spindle support, the overall height of the entire machining system including the workpiece transfer device is greater than the overall height of the spindle moving vertical machine tool. If the factory is capable of installing a spindle-driven vertical machine tool, the workpiece transfer device can be installed without any problem.
[0063]
Since the guide member of the workpiece transfer device is provided in the space between the base of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool and the control device, the safety of the operator is lowered even if the workpiece transfer device is provided. In addition, the overall height and installation area of the entire processing system hardly increase. The maintenance opening / closing door of the control device can be provided on the back side, and maintenance work of the control device is not hindered by the workpiece transfer device.
[0064]
Since the first mounting unit for mounting the unprocessed workpiece and the second mounting unit for mounting the processed workpiece are provided, the workpiece is transferred to the first by the workpiece transfer device. It can be successively transferred from the mounting portion to one or more spindle-moving vertical machine tools for continuous machining. The processed workpiece that has been processed is transported to and placed on the second placement section. Since the workpiece is automatically and efficiently transported, highly efficient automatic operation can be performed continuously for a long time.
[0065]
The workpiece moving part is provided with a raw workpiece placing part and a processed workpiece placing part, and the traveling body is provided with a plurality of workpiece gripping members, so that the workpiece can be exchanged. And machined workpieces can be exchanged at the same time, and the time for transporting workpieces can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a processing system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the processing system.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the processing system.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a machining system in the case of a single spindle movement type vertical machine tool.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a machining system in which the installation position of the NC device is changed.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a machining system in which the arrangement of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool is changed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1a, 1b ... Spindle movement type vertical machine tool
2a, 2b ... bed
3, 3a, 3b ... Workpiece moving part
4, 4a, 4b ... headstock
5a, 5b ... Spindle
6a, 6b ... chuck
7 ... Workpiece conveying device
8 ... Work feeder
9 ... Conveyor
10a, 10b ... Bracket
11a, 11b ... X-axis guide rail
12, 12a, 12b ... saddle
13a, 13b ... X-axis feed screw
14a, 14b ... nuts
15, 15a, 15b ... NC device
17a, 17b ... processing region
18a, 18b ... Workpiece transfer area
19a ... Mounting member
20a ... Bed rear
21, 21a, 21b ... Turret
23, 23a, 23b ... turret
26a, 26b ... Z-axis servo motor
28a, 28b ... chuck cylinder
30, 30a, 30b ... moving member
31, 31a, 31b ... Unprocessed workpiece placement part
32, 32a, 32b ... processed workpiece placement part
33 ... Workpiece moving part
34 ... Workpiece placement part
61a, 61b ... Splash guard
65a, 65b ... operation panel
70 ... Prop member
71 ... Guide member
72, 73 ... traveling body
81. Workpiece placement section
721, 722, 723, 731, 732 ... Workpiece gripping member

Claims (7)

A main shaft support (4, 4a, 4b) that supports a main shaft (5a, 5b) having a chuck (6a, 6b) at the front end so that the main shaft (5a, 5b) is rotatable and the main shaft axis is oriented substantially in the vertical direction. Spindle-moving vertical machine tool movable in a first direction parallel to the spindle axis and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the direction in which the front side and the back side of the machine tool face each other A workpiece transfer device for transferring a workpiece to (1, 1a, 1b),
At the position on the back side , which is the opposite side of the operator's work area, which is the front side of the machine tool, with respect to the base body (2a, 2b) of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool (1, 1a, 1b). A guide member (71) extending in parallel with the direction 2;
A travel body (72, 73) provided on the guide member (71) so as to be movable in the second direction;
Workpiece gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732) provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the travel main body (72, 73) and capable of gripping a workpiece;
The workpiece can be transferred to and from the chuck (6a, 6b) at the first transfer position (A) on the movement locus of the main shaft (5a, 5b) in the second direction. A workpiece can be exchanged with the workpiece gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732) at the second transfer position (B) on the movement locus of the gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732). and have a said workpiece moving unit capable of moving a workpiece between a first transfer position (a) and the second transfer position (B) (3,3a, 3b) ,
The workpiece conveying device, wherein the guide member (71) is located on the back side of the machine tool with respect to the movement locus of the main shaft (5a, 5b) in the second direction . The workpiece transfer device according to claim 1,
The workpiece conveyance device, wherein the guide member (71) is provided at a position lower than the maximum height of the spindle support (4, 4a, 4b). The workpiece transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2,
The guide member (71) operates the base (2a, 2b) of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool (1, 1a, 1b) and the operation of the spindle movement type vertical machine tool (1, 1a, 1b). The workpiece conveyance apparatus which is provided in the space part between the control apparatuses (15, 15a, 15b) for controlling. It is a workpiece conveyance apparatus given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-3,
A first placement section (8) for placing an unprocessed workpiece;
A second mounting portion (9) for mounting the processed workpiece;
The guide member (71) is movable to a position at which the workpiece gripping member (721, 722, 731, 732) can exchange a workpiece with the first mounting portion (8), And the said workpiece holding member (721,722,731,732) is extended so that it can move to the position which can give and receive a workpiece between said 2nd mounting parts (9). A workpiece transfer device. It is a workpiece conveyance apparatus given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-4,
In the workpiece moving part (3, 3a, 3b), an unmachined workpiece placing part (31, 31a, 31b) on which an unmachined workpiece can be placed and a machined workpiece can be placed. Machined workpiece mounting parts (32, 32a, 32b) are provided,
The traveling body (72, 73) is provided with a plurality of workpiece gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732) so as to be movable up and down,
The workpiece gripping member (721, 722, 731, 732) can simultaneously exchange an unmachined workpiece and a machined workpiece with the workpiece moving unit (3, 3a, 3b). Workpiece conveying device that is possible. A spindle support (4a, 4b) that supports a spindle (5a, 5b) having a chuck (6a, 6b) at a front end so that the spindle (5a, 5b) is rotatable and the spindle axis is oriented in a substantially vertical direction is at least the spindle axis. Spindle-driven vertical machine tool (1a) movable in a first direction parallel to the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the direction in which the front side and the back side of the machine tool are opposed to each other , 1b) is a machining system in which a plurality of them are arranged in parallel,
A first placement section (8) for placing an unprocessed workpiece;
A second placement section (9) for placing the processed workpiece;
At the position on the back surface side opposite to the work area of the operator on the front side of the machine tool with respect to the base body (2a, 2b) of the main spindle moving type vertical machine tool (1a, 1b), the second A guide member (71) extending parallel to the direction;
A travel body (72, 73) provided on the guide member (71) so as to be movable in the second direction;
Workpiece gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732) provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the travel main body (72, 73) and capable of gripping a workpiece;
A workpiece moving part (3a, 3b) provided for each of the plurality of spindle movement type vertical machine tools (1a, 1b),
The guide member (71) is located on the back side of the machine tool with respect to the movement trajectory of the main shaft (5a, 5b) in the second direction , and
The plurality of spindle movement type vertical machine tools (1a, 1b) are arranged to be aligned in the second direction,
The workpiece moving part (3a, 3b) is a first transfer position on the movement locus in the second direction of the spindle (5a, 5b) of each of the spindle movement type vertical machine tools (1a, 1b). In (A), a workpiece can be exchanged with the chucks (6a, 6b), and a second exchange position (B on the movement trajectory of the workpiece gripping members (721, 722, 731, 732)) ) In the workpiece gripping member (721, 722, 731, 732), and the first delivery position (A) and the second delivery position (B). A machining system that can move workpieces between. The processing system according to claim 6,
The said guide member (71) is a processing system provided in the position lower than the maximum height of the said spindle support body (4a, 4b) of each said spindle movement type | mold vertical machine tool (1a, 1b).

Images