JPH0549405B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention A. Object of the Invention (1) Industrial Field of Application The present invention is directed to a multi-spindle exchangeable head machine tool, in particular, to a base equipped with a machining unit, an annular groove surrounding the unit. A first guide rail, and an annular second guide rail formed to have the same diameter as the first guide rail and aligned on the same axis above the first guide rail, and
Each of the guide rails supports a plurality of multi-axis heads in a movable manner, and the base has a plurality of first heads that can rotate about the axis and drive each of the multi-axis heads on the first guide rail. an index arm, and a plurality of second index arms that can rotate about the axis and drive each multi-axis head on the second guide rail, and each multi-axis head is connected to the first guide rail. The present invention relates to a head exchanger with an automatic engagement/disengagement mechanism between an index arm and a head in a multi-axis exchangeable head machine tool which is capable of machining a workpiece in cooperation with a machining unit when the workpiece is at a predetermined position above.

(2) Prior Art The multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool having the above-mentioned structure is conventionally known as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 58-71013 and 59-81007.

(3) Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the conventionally known device described above, a multi-axis head is exchanged up and down on one side of the first and second annular guide rails arranged vertically between the two guide rails. The elevating mechanism for the multi-axis head is disposed separately and independently from both guide rails, and the elevating mechanism is provided with only one elevating support for replacing the head on which the multi-axis head is placed and raised and lowered. Because this is not the case, the following problems arise. That is, when moving the multi-axis head up and down between the upper and lower guide rails, it is necessary to transfer the multi-axis head between the support base and the upper and lower guide rails one by one. The work efficiency is poor, and it is necessary to provide a special means in the elevating mechanism for the transfer, which complicates the structure accordingly.Furthermore, the upper second guide rail has multiple axes from the first guide rail. It is necessary to always secure free space for at least one multi-axis head to accommodate the head, and the second
The storage capacity of the multi-axis head in the guide rail is reduced.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and includes first and second elevating rails that can be simultaneously driven up and down by a common elevating body and function as an elevating support for head exchange. The first objective is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional device all at once by configuring each part of the guide rail.

By the way, when the multi-axis head is directly raised and lowered using each lifting rail as described above, the engagement and disengagement between the multi-axis head and the index arm that drives it to travel on each guide rail occurs depending on the lifting and lowering movement. This is done automatically and efficiently, and even if there is a slight misalignment between the index arm and the head, the engagement between them is always accurate and the rotational torque is efficiently transferred from the index arm to the head side. It is desirable that it be communicated. A second purpose of the present invention is to meet such requirements.

B. Structure of the Invention (1) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool of the type described above, in which a guide column is provided on one side of both guide rails. The elevating body is supported so as to be movable up and down between a predetermined upper limit position and a lower limit position, and the second guide rail is connected to a second fixed rail fixed to the base and a second guide rail fixed to the elevating body at the lower limit position. 2
The first guide rail is divided into a first fixed rail that is fixed to the base, and a second elevating rail that is fixed to the elevating body and connected to the first fixed rail at its lower limit position. The multi-axis head is divided into at least a first elevating rail that is lined up with the second fixed rail at the upper limit position, and each multi-axis head has a lock whose tip is tapered when viewed from above and protrudes inward from the guide rail. The block is fixedly installed, and each index arm supports a fork-shaped engagement member having a pair of inclined fitting surfaces corresponding to both sides of the tip of the locking block so as to be movable toward and away from the locking block. A biasing means for biasing the engaging member toward the locking block is provided between the engaging member and the index arm, and the engaging member maintains the engagement between the locking block and both inclined fitting surfaces. A guide protrusion that can be engaged in the vertical direction is fixed at the tip of the block, and between the guide protrusion and the locking block, a biasing member is applied to the engaging member as the block moves up and down. It is characterized by the provision of a cam mechanism that allows it to retreat against force.

(2) Effect When replacing a multi-axis head, bring any multi-axis head on the first guide rail to the position of the first lifting rail using the first index mechanism, and then replace it with the first and second lifting rails. to be raised and lowered together with the lifting body. When the first elevating rail comes to a position corresponding to the second guide rail (at this time, the second elevating rail, together with the multi-axis head supported thereon,
(placed in a retracted position above the guide rail), the multi-axis head to be newly supplied is brought onto the first elevating rail by the second index mechanism, and then the first and second elevating rails are lowered together with the elevating body. By this, a new multi-axis head is brought to the first guide rail, and at the same time the multi-axis head on the second lifting rail is returned to the second guide rail.

In addition, when each multi-axis head runs on the guide rail, the fork-like engaging member supported by the index arm is movable toward and away from the head, and the engaging surfaces of the fork-like engaging member are supported by the inclined fitting surfaces, and the corresponding locking block is tapered. The distance between the two side surfaces of the tip of the locking member is always maintained by the cooperation between the urging means that urges the engaging member toward the locking block and the guide protrusion that vertically engages the tip of the locking block. Since the index arm and the head are maintained in a proper and tightly fitted state, even if there is a slight misalignment between the index arm and the head, the engagement between them is always ensured.
Moreover, when the multi-axis head on the rail follows each elevating rail, the engaging member of the index arm corresponding to that head moves the locking block of the head up and down by the cam mechanism. Since the guide protrusion and the locking block are automatically retracted in response to the movement, the guide protrusion and the locking block are automatically engaged and disengaged.

(3) Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. First, in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the base 1 fixed to the floor, there is an original position HP in the center of the base 1. A machining unit 2 is disposed such that it can freely move forward and backward between the machining position MP at the side end. That is, a pair of parallel advancing/retracting guide members 3 are disposed on the base 1, and the processing unit 2 is guided by the advancing/retracting guide members 3 between the original position HP and the processing position.
Move forward and backward between you and the MP. Also, on the base 1,
A moving motor 4 is fixedly supported, and this moving motor 4 is connected to the processing unit 2.

A pair of upper and lower annular first guide rails 5 surround the processing unit 2 at the original position HP.
5 is arranged, and a pair of annular second guide rails 6, 6 are arranged above and below the first guide rails 5, 5 with the same vertical spacing as the first guide rails 5, 5. . Furthermore, the center position and radius of the first and second guide rails 5, 5; 6, 6 are set to be the same.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, the first guide rail 5 is configured in an annular shape by a movable rail 7, a pair of first fixed rails 8 and 9, and a first elevating rail 10. The movable rail 7 is arranged at a portion corresponding to the processing position MP, and the first lifting rail 10 is arranged on the opposite side of the movable rail 7 with respect to the center of the first guide rail 5. The first fixed rails 8 and 9 are formed in an arc shape having a center angle of 115 degrees, for example, and are fixed to the base 1 so as to connect the movable rail 7 and the first lifting rail 10. That is, the lower first fixed rails 8, 9 are each fixed on the base 1 via the leg members 11, and the upper and lower pair of first fixed rails 8, 8; 9, 9 are curved in an arc shape. They are integrated with the side plates 12. Further, the upper and lower pair of movable rails 7, 7 are integrated with the processing unit 2 and move integrally with the processing unit 2. Further, the upper and lower pair of first lifting rails 10, 10 are integrated by a rail support 13.

A horizontal support plate 14 is integrated with each of the upper first fixed rails 8 and 9, and a plurality of support legs 15 each extend inward from these support plates 14 to support a column extending vertically. 16 is fixed and supported concentrically with the first and second guide rails 5, 5; 6, 6.

Referring also to FIG. 5, the second guide rail 6
is constituted by a second fixed rail 17 and a second elevating rail 18 in an annular shape, and the second elevating rail 18
is formed in an arc shape having the same central angle as the first lifting rail 10 and is arranged at a position corresponding to the first lifting rail 10.

The upper second fixed rail 17 includes a support plate 19 extending radially outward from the center of the support column 16.
A pair of upper and lower second fixed rails 18,
18 are integrated by a plurality of connecting plates 20 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Further, the upper and lower pair of second elevating rails 18, 18 are integrated via a rail support 21.

The first guide rails 5, 5 have a plurality of, for example, six types of multi-axis heads A1, A2, A3, B1, B2,
B3 is movably supported, and the second guide rail 6,
6 includes a plurality of, for example, six types of multi-axis heads C1,
C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3 are movably supported. That is, each multi-axis head A1 to A3, B
At the top of 1-B3, C1-C3, D1-D3,
A pair of wheels 22 that can roll on the upper surfaces of the upper first guide rail 5 and the upper second guide rail 6 are respectively supported, and the wheels 22 are rotatable on the upper surfaces of the upper first and second guide rails 5 and 6. A pair of wheels 23 that roll along the side surfaces are each pivotally supported, and each multi-axis head A1-A3, B1-B3, D1-C3, D1-
A pair of wheels 24 that roll along the inner and outer surfaces of the lower first and second guide rails 5 and 6 are respectively pivotally supported at the lower part of D3.

Here, each multi-axis head A1 to A3, B1 to B3,
In C1-C3, D1-D3, alphabetic characters A, B,
The reference signs are given by combining C, D and the numbers 1, 2, and 3 because it is convenient to distinguish and display the corresponding workpieces and processes.
B, C, and D indicate the types of corresponding workpieces. In addition, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 indicate machining processes; for example, 1 is for drilling, 2 is for tapping, and 3 is for tapping.
indicates for reaming.

The multi-axis heads A1-A3, B1-B3 that can run along the first guide rails 5, 5 are driven for angular displacement by the first index mechanism 25, and any one of the multi-axis heads A1-A3, B1-B3 Objects are placed at positions corresponding to the movable rails 7, 7 or the lifting rails 10, 10. Also, the second guide rails 6, 6
Multi-axis heads C1 to C3, D1 that can run along
~D3 are angularly displaced driven by the second index mechanism 26, and the multi-axis heads C1~C3, D1~D
3 are arranged at positions corresponding to the lifting rails 18, 18.

The first index mechanism 25 includes a rotary plate 27 rotatably supported at the intermediate portion of the support column 16, and a plurality of positions, for example six positions, extending radially outward from the rotary plate 27 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The index arm 28 has an index arm 28, and a drive source 29 for driving the rotary plate 27 in angular displacement. Furthermore, the second index mechanism 26 is basically the same as the first index mechanism 2.
5, and includes a rotary plate 30, an index arm 31, and a drive source 32.

The tip of each index arm 28, 31 has a multi-axis head A1-A3, B1-B3, C1-C3,
They are removably engaged with locking blocks 36 fixed on the upper portions of D1 to D3, respectively.

6, 7, and 8, each index arm 28, 31 has a multi-axis head A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to
Approximately U-shaped guide portions 37 that are open to the C3 and D1 to D3 sides are formed, respectively. This guide section 37 has respective multi-axis heads A1 to A3, B1 to B3, and C1.
-C3, D1-D3, a fork-shaped engagement member 38 is slidably movable forward and backward. This engaging member 3
A guide shaft 39 that is inserted through the index arms 28 and 31 is fixedly installed in the index arm 8, and a spring 40 that surrounds the guide shaft 39 and is interposed between the index arms 28 and 31 and the engagement member 38 is fixedly attached to the index arm 8. As a result, the engaging member 38 is always resiliently biased in a direction approaching each multi-axis head. Moreover, index arm 28,3
A stopper 41 that can be engaged with the index arms 28, 31 is provided at the end of the guide shaft 39 protruding from the index arm 28, 31.
is fixedly provided to prevent the engaging member 38, which is biased by the spring 40, from disengaging from the index arms 28, 31.

Each multi-axis head A1~A3, B1~B3, C1~
Locking locks 36 that protrude toward the index arms 28 and 31 inside the guide rail are fixedly installed above C3 and D1 to D3, respectively, and the tip of each locking lock 36 is visible from above. It is formed into a tapered shape. The engaging member 3
8 are formed with inclined fitting surfaces 42 and 43, which are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from each multi-axis head.
In addition, at the upper center and lower center of the engaging member 38,
In order to maintain the fitted state between the inclined fitting surfaces 42 and 43 of the engagement member 38 and both side surfaces 52 and 53 of the front end of the engagement block 36, the locking block 36 protrudes toward each multi-axis head side. Guide protrusion 4 that can be engaged with the tip
4, 45 are integrally provided, each guide protrusion 4
4 and 45 are provided with a first guide surface 46 that slopes toward the tip side as it goes downward in order from the top.
47, vertical second guide surfaces 48, 49, and a third guide surface 5 that slopes toward the tip side as it goes upward.
0,51 are formed. Also, the locking block 3
6 has a first contact surface 54 inclined corresponding to the third guide surfaces 50, 51, and a second guide surface 48, 4.
9, a vertical second contact surface 55, and a third contact surface 56, which is inclined corresponding to the first guide surfaces 46, 47.
are provided in order from the top.

According to the structure of the tips of the index arms 28 and 31 and the structure of the locking block 36,
Both side surfaces 52 and 53 are brought into contact with the inclined fitting surfaces 42 and 43, and the third contact surface 56 is brought into contact with the first guide surface 47.
When the locking block 36 and the engaging member 38 are in contact with each other, the locking block 36, that is, each of the multi-axis heads A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to
When C3, D1 to D3 are raised, the first contact surface 5
4 comes into contact with the third guide surface 50 and the engaging member 38 is pressed against the spring force of the spring 40, and both side surfaces 52,
53 and the inclined fitting surfaces 42, 43 are separated and the engaged state is released. Also, index arm 2
8, 31 from below the locking block 36, that is, each multi-axis head A1-A3, B1-B3, C1-C
3. When D1 to D3 rise, spring 4
The first contact surface 54 comes into contact with the third guide surface 51 of the engagement member 38 which is elastically biased at 0, and the engagement member 38
is pushed in. Next, when the third contact surface 56 rises to a position corresponding to the first guide surface 47, the engagement member 38 moves forward until the first guide surface 47 contacts the third contact surface 56, and is locked. The inclined fitting surfaces 42 and 43 abut against both side surfaces 52 and 53 of the block 36,
Index arms 28, 31 and multi-axis head A1
~A3, B1~B3, C1~C3, and D1~D3 are in an engaged state. This is for each multi-axis head A1~
The same applies when A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, and D1 to D3 descend from above. The spring 40 then holds the engaging member 38 against the locking block 36.
The guide surfaces 46 to 51 constitute a biasing means of the present invention that biases the engaging member 38 to an extended position where it can be engaged with the biasing means. The cam mechanism CM of the present invention is configured to retreat from the extended position against the urging force of 40.

A portion corresponding to the lifting rails 10, 10; 18, 18, the first and second guide rails 5, 5; 6,
An elevating mechanism 60 is disposed on the side of 6.

In FIG. 9, the elevating mechanism 60 includes a pair of guide columns 61, 61 extending vertically, and a pair of guide columns 61, 61 extending vertically.
A pair of upper and lower elevating bodies 62, 6 that can be ascended and descended along the
2, and a lifting drive means 63 for driving the lifting bodies 62, 62 up and down.

A board 64 is disposed on the floor on the side of the base 1, and a guide column 6 which is cylindrical with a rectangular cross section is installed.
1 and 61 are erected on the substrate 64 with a space between them. Further, the lower portions of the guide columns 61, 61 are connected to each other by a connecting plate 65, and this connecting plate 6
5 and the base 1 are mutually connected by a pair of connecting members 66, 66 made of I-section steel. Also, guide pillar 6
1 and 61 are interconnected by a connecting plate 67. Furthermore, brackets 68, 68 are fixedly installed on the upper sides of the guide columns 61, 61 on the sides that are separated from each other. will be established. The other ends of these connecting members 69, 69 are connected to the support 1
6 is commonly fixed at the upper end.

In this way, the guide columns 61, 61 are substantially integrated with the base 1 at their upper and lower portions and are stably supported.

Elevating guide members 70, 70 extending vertically are fixed to the side surfaces of the guide columns 61, 61 on the base 1 side, and the elevating bodies 62, 62 ascend and descend along these guide members 70, 70. . In other words, both elevating bodies 62, 62 are constructed by fixing horizontal plates 72, 72 extending toward the base 1 at right angles to the lower part of vertical plates 71, 71 extending between both guide columns 61, 61. A pair of fitting leg portions 73, 73 that fit into the guide members 70, 70 are provided at both ends of the guide members 71, 71, respectively.

Both elevating bodies 62, 62 are connected to each other via a connecting member 74, and an elevating drive means 63 is connected to the upper elevating body 62. This elevating/lowering driving means 63 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, extends in the vertical direction, and is supported by one guide column 61 . Therefore, both the elevating bodies 62, 62 are moved by the elevating drive means 63.
is driven up and down along the guide members 70, 70.

A pair of sprocket wheels 76, 76 having a common shaft 75 are pivotally supported at the upper ends of both guide columns 61, 61 so as to rotate synchronously. One ends of the chains 77, 77 are respectively connected to the upper elevating body 62. In addition, the other ends of the chains 77, 77 are
It is inserted into the guide columns 61, 61 from the upper end,
It is connected to balance weights 78, 78 that can be moved up and down within the guide columns 61, 61.

Each sprocket foil 76, 76 is connected to the guide post 6.
Covers 79, 79 attached to the upper ends of 1, 61
covered with Further, the lower ends of the guide members 70, 70 are in contact with the lower elevating body 62, and each elevating body 62,
A stopper 80 that determines the lower limit position of the guide member 62 is attached to each of the upper ends of the guide members 70, 70.
The respective elevating objects 62, 62 are brought into contact with the elevating object 62 above.
A stopper 81 is attached to each to determine the upper limit position.

Both elevating bodies 6 are connected by the connecting member 74.
The distance between the horizontal plates 72, 72 in No. 2, 62 is
It corresponds to the interval between the lower first guide rail 5 and the lower second guide rail 6, and both elevating bodies 62,
The 62 horizontal plates 72, 72 are connected to the lower first and second lifting rails 10, 18, respectively.
Therefore, the first
And the second lifting rails 10, 10; 18, 18 also move up and down, but when the lifting bodies 62, 62 are at the lower limit position, the first lifting rails 10, 10 are at the position corresponding to the first guide rails 5, 5. When the second elevating rails 18, 18 are at positions corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6 and the elevating bodies 62, 62 are at the upper limit positions, the first elevating rails 10, 10 are in positions corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6, as shown in FIG. The upper and lower limit positions of the elevating bodies 62, 62, that is, the mounting positions of the stoppers 80, 81 are set so that they are located at positions corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6.

11 and 12, the rail supports 13, 21 connecting the first and second lifting rails 10, 10; 18, 18 have a locking block 3.
A pair of support guides 82, 82; 83, 83 are fixedly provided, respectively, extending vertically with an interval larger than the width of 6. In addition, support guide 82,
Guide rods 84, 84 in sliding contact with the support guides 82, 82 extend vertically between the first guide rails 5, 5 and are fixed to the support plate 14, and guide rods 85, 85 in sliding contact with the support guides 82, 82; Guide rail 6,
It extends vertically between 6 and 6 and is fixed to the support plate 19. This stabilizes the elevating and lowering operations of the elevating bodies 62, 62.

Between the index arms 28 and 31 located at positions corresponding to the respective lifting rails 10 and 18, the index arms 28 and 31 are fitted to the tips of the locking blocks 36 to connect the multi-axis heads A1 to A.
3. A head guide member 86 that guides the elevation of B1 to B3, C1 to C3, and D1 to D3 extends vertically and is fixed to the support plate 19, and a head guide member 87 that extends vertically above the index arm 31 is provided. It is fixed to the connecting member 69. These head guide members 86, 87 lock the locking block 36, that is, each multi-axis head A1-A3, B1-B3, C1-C.
3. The vertical movement of D1 to D3 becomes stable.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the movable rail 7 is attached to the support plate 14 which is integral with the lower first fixed rails 8 and 9.
and multi-axis heads A1-A3, B1-B3, C1-C located at positions corresponding to the first lifting rail 10.
3. Detector 8 for detecting types of D1 to D3
8 and 89 are installed, and each multi-axis head A1
~A3, B1-B3, C1-C3, and D1-D3 are each equipped with a transmitter 91 for transmitting a signal according to the type when facing the detectors 88, 89.

In addition, in FIG. 5, the upper second fixed rail 1
A support plate 19 integral with 7 has a second lifting rail 1
Multi-axis heads A1 to A3 located at positions corresponding to 8,
Transmitter 9 for B1-B3, C1-C3, D1-D3
A detector 90 for receiving a signal is mounted opposite to each of the detectors 1 and 1 .

In FIG. 13, the multi-spindle exchangeable head machine tool M configured as described above is used to handle a plurality of types of workpieces, for example, four types of workpieces WA, which are intermittently conveyed.
In order to process WB, WC, and WD from both sides, there are multiple processing stations S1, S2, and S, for example, at five locations.
3, S4, and S5. That is, the conveyor 95 is arranged in an endless manner so as to sequentially pass through the processing stations S1 to S5, and the machine tools M are arranged on both sides of the conveyor 95 at positions corresponding to the respective processing stations S1 to S5. Ru.

A plurality of pallets 96 are placed on a conveyor 95, and an input station Si is set at a fixed position before entering each processing station S1 to S5.
Then, one of the plurality of types of workpieces WA, WB, WC, and WD is placed on the pallet 96. In addition, a payout station So is set at a fixed position after passing through each processing station S1 to S5, and the workpieces WA, WB, WC, and WD processed at each processing station S1 to S5 are placed at the payout station.
It is paid out from the top of pallet 96 with So. Furthermore, the pallets 96 after being delivered are circulated to the input station Si.

The loading station Si has workpieces WA, WB,
A workpiece detector 97 is provided to detect whether either WC or WD is input, and a signal detected by this workpiece detector 97 is input to an overall control panel 98. On the other hand, each machine tool M is equipped with a sequencer 99 and a CNC device 100, and the type of workpiece input to the input station Si is transmitted from the general control panel 98 to each sequencer 99.
transmitted to.

In each machine tool M, by reading the signal from the transmitter 91 with the detectors 89 and 90,
Each index arm 28, 31 has a multi-axis head A1-A3, B1-B3, C1-C3,
It is detected whether any of D1 to D3 is engaged, and the data is stored in the sequencer 99. From CNC device 100 to sequencer 99
A multi-axis head read command and a machining command signal are inputted to the multi-axis head, and by comparison with data stored in the sequencer 99, a desired multi-axis head is moved to the machining position MP. At this time, if there is a desired multi-axis head on the first guide rails 5, 5, it is moved to the processing position MP by the operation of only the first index mechanism 25, but the desired multi-axis head is moved to the processing position MP. When the head is on the guide rails 6, 6, the desired multi-axis head is lowered onto the first guide rails 5, 5 by the action of the lifting mechanism 60 and the second index mechanism 26, and further moved to the processing position by the first index mechanism 25. Forced to move to MP.

In addition, from the whole board 98, the type of work,
The number of stations and the number of processes from the input station Si to the relevant station are input to the sequencer 99 as reference commands, and by comparing the preparation command signal with the data stored in the sequencer 99, the number of stations to be prepared is determined. The axle heads are searched, and the multi-axis heads to be prepared are sequentially moved to the first guide rails 5, 5 in accordance with commands from the sequencer 99.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 14. In a certain machine tool M, for example, workpieces WA, WB, WC, and WD are delivered in this order, and each workpiece WA, WB,
When performing three steps of drilling, tapping, and reaming in order for WC and WD,
As shown in FIG. 14a, the first guide rails 5, 5
It is assumed that multi-axis heads A1 to A3 and B1 to B3 are arranged in order on the top, and multi-axis heads C1 to C3 and D1 to D3 are arranged in order on the second guide rails 6 and 6. .

In this case, after bringing the multi-axis head A1 to the machining position MP and drilling the workpiece WA,
The multi-axis heads A2 and A3 are sequentially brought to the processing position MP to sequentially perform tapping and reaming.

Thereafter, as the workpiece WB is transported, the multi-axis head B1 is brought to the machining position MP as shown in FIG. 14b to perform drilling. At this time, since the corresponding multi-axis heads C1, C2, and C3 of the workpiece WC to be transported next are on the second guide rails 6, 6, the workpiece WC is transferred to the second guide rail 6 during processing by the multi-axis head B1. , 6 to the first guide rails 5, 5.

That is, the lifting rails 10, 10; 18, 18
Multi-axis heads A1 and D3 located at positions corresponding to
As shown in FIG. 14c, it is raised to the upper limit position by the lifting mechanism 60. As a result, the multi-axis head A1 rises to a position corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6, and the multi-axis head D3 moves up to the position corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6.
evacuate upwards. At this time, the data of the evacuated multi-axis head D3 is erased from the sequencer 99, and by reading the data from the transmitter 91 of the multi-axis head A1 with the detector 90, the data of the index arm 31 in the second index mechanism 26 and The relationship with the multi-axis head A1 is newly stored in the sequencer 99.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14d, the second index mechanism 26 moves the multi-axis heads C1 to C3,
D1, D2, A1 are driven clockwise along the second guide rails 6, 6 through an angular displacement of 60 degrees. Therefore, the multi-axis head C1 comes to a position corresponding to the lifting rails 18, 18.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14e, the elevating mechanism 6
0, the multi-axis head D3 is lowered to a position corresponding to the second guide rails 6, 6, and the multi-axis head C1 is lowered to a position corresponding to the first guide rails 5, 5. At this time, the relationship between the multi-axis head D3 and the index arm 31 of the second index mechanism 26 is stored anew in the sequencer 99, and in the sequencer 99, the relationship between the multi-axis head D3 and the index arm 31 of the second index mechanism 26 is stored.
1 data is stored in association with the index arm 28 of the first index mechanism 25.

This operation is performed in the same way during the machining operation by the multi-axis heads B2 and B3.
2, the multi-axis head C2 is lowered from the second guide rails 6, 6 to the first guide rails 5, 5, and during processing by the multi-axis head B3, the multi-axis head C3 is lowered from the second guide rails 6, 6. It is lowered to the first guide rails 5,5. Moreover, instead of multi-axis heads C2 and C3, multi-axis heads A2 and A
3 is moved from the first guide rails 5,5 to the second guide rails 6,6.

Therefore, after machining workpiece WB, workpiece WC
When the head is transported, the multi-axis heads C1 and C
2 and C3 are sequentially brought to the machining position MP, and machining can be performed in sequence using the respective multi-axis heads C1, C2, and C3.

During processing using such multi-axis heads C1, C2, C3, multi-axis heads D1, D2, D3 move from the second guide rails 6, 6 to the first guide rails 5, 6 in preparation for the next workpiece WD to be transported. It will be lowered to 5.

For example, when machining with multi-axis head C2,
As shown in FIG. 14f, the multi-axis head D2 is
It is lowered onto the guide rails 5,5. On this occasion,
In the second guide rails 6, 6, the multi-axis head D3
is located above the multi-axis head D2.

Therefore, after the machining by the multi-axis head C2 is completed, the first
When operating the index mechanism 25, as shown in FIG.
6 is also activated to angularly displace the multi-axis head D3 by 60 degrees.

When advancing the multi-axis head C3 to the processing position MP to process the workpiece WC, the elevating mechanism 60 is operated to raise and lower the multi-axis head B3 to the second guide rails 6, 6, as shown in FIG. 14h. At the same time, the multi-axis head A1 is moved up to the guide rails 6, 6.
evacuate upward from

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14i, the second indexing mechanism 26 is operated by 60 degrees in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 14g, and the multi-axis head D3 is placed on the lifting rails 10, 10.

By lowering the elevating mechanism 60 in this state, the multi-axis head D3 can be lowered onto the first guide rails 5, 5, as shown in FIG. 14J.

In this way, each multi-axis head A1 to A3, B
1-B3, C1-C3, D1-D3 are the processing positions
Since it can be brought to the MP and processed at will, and the multi-axis head can be prepared and arranged in preparation for the next processing, processing efficiency is improved. Also,
Since the same number of multi-axis heads can be stored on the first and second guide rails 5, 5; 6, 6, a larger number of multi-axis heads can be stored than in the prior art.

In the elevating mechanism 60, the guide columns 61, 61 are substantially integrated with the base 1 by the connecting members 66, 66; 69, 69, so that the vertical state of the guide columns 61, 61 can be stably supported. Become. Furthermore, when the lifting mechanism 60 is operated to raise and lower, a rail support 13 connecting the lifting rails 10 and 10 and a lifting rail 1 are also provided.
The rail support 21 that connects the multi-axis heads A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3, D1 is guided by guide rods 84, 84; 85, 85.
~The locking block 36 of D3 is the head guide member 8.
6, 87, so the multi-axis heads A1 to A
3, B1-B3, C1-C3, D1-D3 move up and down stably. Furthermore, a pair of upper and lower elevating bodies 6
2 and 62 are connected by a connecting member 74, and a pair of chains 77, 77 connected to the upper elevating body 62 are wound around sprocket wheels 76, 76 that are pivotally supported at the upper ends of the guide columns 61, 61, and Since the balance weights 78, 78 are connected to the chains 77, 77, the elevating bodies 62, 62 can stably move up and down while maintaining their horizontal postures, and can be driven by a single elevating drive means 63. It becomes possible.

In the first and second index mechanisms 25, 26, a substantially U-shaped engagement member 38 is disposed at the tip of each index arm 28, 31 and resiliently biased in a direction protruding from the tip. Guide protrusions 44 and 5 are provided at the upper and lower center of 38, and
Since the tip of the locking block 36 is formed to correspond to the guide protrusions 44 and 45, each of the multi-axis heads A1 to A
3. As B1 to B3, C1 to C3, and D1 to D3 move up and down, the locking block 36 and the index arms 28 and 31 can be easily engaged and disengaged, and the engaged state can be firmly maintained. It is.

C. Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, by simply driving the first and second lifting rails, which constitute a part of the first and second guide rails, up and down together with the lifting body, both lifting rails can be moved up and down. It is possible to raise and lower two multi-axis heads at the same time, and in particular, to move one of the multi-axis heads directly from one guide rail to the other, which has traditionally been necessary in this type of machine tool. There is no need for any special work to transfer the multi-axis head between the lifting mechanism and the first and second guide rails, and the multi-axis head can be exchanged extremely quickly between the two guide rails. can. In addition, the first and second lifting rails, which are part of the first and second guide rails, can be used as a lifting support for head replacement that moves up and down between the two guide rails, and the lifting mechanism and each guide rail can be moved between the lifting mechanism and each guide rail. Since the mechanism for relocating the multi-axis head is extremely simplified, the structure of the device can be simplified and costs can be reduced. In particular, when the first elevating rail is raised to move to the second guide rail, the multi-axis head stored in the second elevating rail located directly above the first elevating rail is moved together with the second elevating rail. Since it can be automatically retracted upward, there is no need to always secure empty space on the second guide rail to receive the multi-axis head from the first guide rail, and the first and second guide rails Since the same number of multi-axis heads can be stored at all times, the storage capacity of the multi-axis heads can be increased accordingly.

Furthermore, when each multi-axis head travels on the guide rail, a fork-shaped engaging member supported by the index arm and movable back and forth with respect to the head has inclined fitting surfaces on both sides, and a corresponding head-side locking block. The gap between the tapered end and both sides of the engaging member is created by cooperation between a biasing means that biases the engaging member toward the locking block and a guide protrusion that engages the top end of the locking block in the vertical direction. , because it is always maintained in a proper tight fit state.
Even if there is a slight misalignment between the index arm and the head, the engagement between them is always accurate and the rotational torque can be efficiently transmitted from the index arm to the head side, allowing each multi-axis The head can be moved easily. Moreover, when the multi-axis head on the rail follows each elevating rail for head replacement, the engaging member of the index arm corresponding to that head is moved by the cam mechanism. Since the locking block automatically moves backward in response to the lifting and lowering movement of the locking block, the engagement and disengagement between the engaging member (guide protrusion) and the locking block is automatically performed in conjunction with the simple lifting and lowering of the lifting rail. This can contribute to improving the efficiency of multi-axis head replacement work. Moreover, the biasing means can be used both as a means for maintaining a close fit between the engaging member and the locking block, and as a means for cooperating with the cam mechanism and allowing the engaging member to retreat. Since it is possible to do so, it can contribute to the simplification of the structure.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an exchangeable machine tool with a multi-axis head, and FIG. 2 is a simplified exploded perspective view with the multi-axis head of FIG. 1 removed. , FIG. 3 is a simplified partial cutaway side view seen from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line -- in FIG. 3, and FIG.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the - line in Fig. 4, Fig. 7 is a view in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a view in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 7 with the locking block removed, and Fig. 9 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 7. Fig. 3 is a view in the direction of the arrows, Fig. 10 is a side view corresponding to Fig. 3 when the elevating mechanism is raised, Fig. 11 is a view taken along the line XI-XI in Fig. 3, and Fig. 12 is a view taken along the line XII in Fig. 3. -XII line sectional view, 13th
The figure is a simplified diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a multi-spindle head exchangeable machine tool, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for sequentially explaining the multi-spindle head exchange operation. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Base, 2... Processing unit, 5... First guide rail, 6... Second guide rail, 7... Movable rail,
8, 9... First fixed rail, 10... First lifting rail, 17... Second fixed rail, 18... Second lifting rail, 25... First index mechanism, 26... Second index mechanism, 28, 31... Index Arm, 29, 32... Drive source, 36... Locking block,
3... Engaging member, 38a... Engaging recess, 40... Spring as biasing means, 62... Lifting body, 86, 87... Head guide member, CM... Cam mechanism, A1 to A3, B
1-B3, C1-C3, D1-D3...Multi-axis head, HP...Original position, MP...Processing position.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. On a base 1 equipped with a processing unit 2, a first annular guide rail 5 surrounding the unit 2;
An annular second guide rail 6 formed to have the same diameter as the first guide rail 5 and aligned on the same axis above the first guide rail 5 is disposed, and each of the guide rails 5 and 6 is provided with:
A plurality of multi-axis heads A1 to A3; B1 to B3; C1
~C3; supports D1 to D3 in a movable manner, and base 1
, the first guide rail 5 rotates around the axis.
a first index mechanism 28 that can drive each multi-axis head on the second guide rail 6; and a plurality of second index arms 31 that can rotate about the axis and drive each multi-axis head on the second guide rail 6. In a multi-axis head exchangeable machine tool, in which each multi-axis head can work with the machining unit 2 to machine a workpiece when it is located at a predetermined position on the first guide rail 5, both guides are provided. An elevating body 62 is supported on a guide post 61 disposed on one side of the rails 5 and 6 so as to be movable up and down between a predetermined upper limit position and a lower limit position, and the second guide rail 6
is divided into a second fixed rail 17 fixed to the base 1 and a second elevating rail 18 fixed to the elevating body 62 and aligned with the second fixed rail 17 at its lower limit position, while the first guide rail 5 is , the first fixed rails 8 and 9 fixed to the base 1, the first fixed rails 8 and 9 fixed to the elevating body 62 at their lower limit positions, and the second fixed rails 17 at their upper limit positions, respectively. A locking block 36 that is at least divided from the first lifting rail 10 and that has a tapered tip when viewed from above and projects inwardly from the guide rails 5 and 6 is fixed to each multi-axis head. , each index arm 2
8 and 31, both sides 5 of the tip of the locking block 36 are shown.
A pair of inclined fitting surfaces 42, 43 corresponding to 2, 53
A fork-shaped engaging member 38 having
and a biasing means 40 between the index arms 28 and 31 for biasing the engaging member toward the locking block 36.
The engaging member 38 is provided with guide protrusions 44 and 45 that can be engaged in the vertical direction at the tip of the locking block 36 to maintain the engagement between the locking block 36 and both inclined fitting surfaces 42 and 43. A cam mechanism CM is provided between the guide protrusion and the locking block 36 for retracting the engaging member 38 against the biasing force of the biasing means 40 as the block moves up and down. A head exchange device with an automatic engagement/disengagement mechanism between the index arm and the head in a multi-axis exchangeable head machine tool.