WO2008016069A1

WO2008016069A1 - Work processing machine, and work processing system and work processing method using the work processing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2008016069A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/065042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akihide Kanaya; Yosuke Ando; Yoji Takeuchi; Hitoshi Matsumoto; Masaaki Masuda; Hikaru Takahashi; Akira Kosho
Original assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-08-04
Filing date: 2007-08-01
Publication date: 2008-02-07
Also published as: JP4939674B2; JP2008036763A

Abstract

A pair of work processing machines (1, 1'), which have main axes (111, 112, 113) and at least a plurality of blade tables arranged corresponding to each of the main axes, are arranged so that the main axes are line-symmetrically arranged. Of the two work processing machines (1, 1') constituting the pair, the third main axis (113) of the one work processing machine (1) in upstream of processing step and the third main axis (113') of the other work processing machine (1') in downstream are made to face on the same axial line, and the third main axis (113) of the one work processing machine (1) and the third main axis (113') of the other work processing machine (1') are moved in a direction where the both main axes come close to each other. Thus, a work is transferred from the third main axis (113) of the one work processing machine to the third main axis (113') of the other work processing machine.

Description

Specification

Work processing machine, work processing system and work processing method using this work processing machine

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece processing machine that processes a workpiece while exchanging workpieces between a plurality of spindles, a workpiece processing system including the plurality of workpiece processing machine forces, and a workpiece using the workpiece processing system. It relates to a processing method.

Background art

[0002] When performing multi-step machining on a single workpiece, a workpiece processing machine such as a machine tool having a plurality of spindles and a tool post can be used to sequentially process the workpieces while transferring workpieces between the spindles. Has been done.

[0003] For example, the workpiece processing machine described in Patent Document 1 has two opposed spindle stocks 24 and 26 that are movable in the X direction, and is gripped by the rotatable spindles 28 and 30 of the respective spindle stocks 24 and 26. The unmachined workpiece 46 is machined with the tools 36 and 38 attached to the turret tool posts 32 and 34 provided for the headstocks 24 and 26, respectively.

Then, the two headstocks 24 and 26 are brought close to each other by the movement of the headstocks 24 and 26 in the Z direction, and the work is transferred from one main spindle 28 to the other main spindle 30.

[0004] The raw work 46 is supplied from a work stocker 44 provided at one end on the bed 10 directly to the main spindle 28. The processed workpiece 52 is unloaded from the spindle 30 by a workpiece unloading device 50 provided at one end on the bed 10 and facing the workpiece stocker 44.

Patent Document 1: German Patent Publication No. 4310038 (see drawing)

[0005] However, the work machine described in this document has a problem that the man-hours that can be applied to the work are limited. Further, in order to receive the supply of the unmachined workpiece 46 from the workpiece stocker 44, the headstock 24 must move from the machining position at the other end of the bed 10 to the workpiece supply position at one end. There is a problem that machining is stopped and a lot of wasted time is generated. The problem is that the machined workpiece is unloaded from the spindle 30. The same applies to the delivery to device 50.

[0006] On the other hand, for machining a workpiece that requires machining in multiple steps, a plurality of workpiece machines are arranged side by side, and a loader, a robot, or the like is installed in the vicinity of the workpiece machine corresponding to each workpiece machine. A workpiece transfer device is arranged, and this workpiece transfer device performs processing sequentially while transferring the workpiece from the workpiece processing machine to the workpiece processing machine.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of such a workpiece machining system. In the example shown in the figure, six NC lathes (work machines) 60 ;! to 606 are arranged in parallel. Each NC lathe 60;! To 606 has a rotatable spindle 61 with a chuck for gripping the workpiece W;! To 616 and a plurality of tools T1 to T6 are mounted, and relative movement between the spindle 61;! To 616 Turrets 62;! To 626 for machining the workpiece W with tools 具 1 to Τ6.

[0007] Then, the workpiece W is exchanged between the adjacent NC lathes 60;! To 606 by means of a work transfer device 70 such as a loader or a robot installed outside the machine in the vicinity of the NC lathes 60;! ; ~~ 707. The workpiece transfer device 701 located at the left end in the figure is used to take the workpiece W from the workpiece storage 8 such as parts feeder force, and to deliver the workpiece W to the spindle 611 of the NC lathe 601 that performs the first machining. It is. In addition, the workpiece transfer device 707 located at the right end in the figure receives the workpiece W from the spindle 616 of the NC lathe 606 that performs the last machining, and transfers the finished workpiece W to the next process from the workpiece machining system. It is for carrying out.

However, in the workpiece machining system as described above, a workpiece transfer device such as a loader or a robot must be provided for each workpiece machining machine, and a plurality of workpiece machining machines and workpiece transfer devices are provided. There is a problem that a large space is required to install the workpiece and the machining cost of the workpiece becomes high.

[0009] If a plurality of multi-axis work machines as described in Document 1 above are arranged side by side, the number of work machines to be arranged can be reduced even with the same machining man-hours. In the workpiece processing machine described in 1), a workpiece transfer device must be provided between the workpiece processing machines, and there are still problems in terms of space saving and cost reduction.

[0010] Further, like the workpiece processing machine described in Document 1, the workpiece processing machine has a plurality of spindles and a plurality of tool rests, and performs workpiece processing while exchanging workpieces between the spindles. Then, the NC program has multiple systems according to the number of spindles, and each system controls each spindle and the corresponding tool post. In this case, the NC programs for each system are generally started at the same time and rewinded at the same time after the machining is completed.

[0011] With such a control method, a series of machining programs are created for each system, and the workpiece machining machine is started to control from workpiece supply to machining and workpiece unloading within this machining program. When starting the machining of the first workpiece, additional movement is performed on the second and subsequent spindles, but since there is no workpiece to be machined yet, it is cut into air and consumes unnecessary power, etc. There's a problem. This problem is the same at the end of machining of the last workpiece.

Such a problem can be solved, for example, by creating a subprogram that counts the number of workpieces to be machined and outputs a command to wait for a given spindle to prevent air cuts in accordance with this count. The ability S, a special subprogram must be prepared in addition to the original machining program, and there are problems when creating a machining program becomes troublesome.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a workpiece processing machine that can have a multi-axis and compact configuration and that is free from waste when machining a workpiece. To provide a workpiece machining system and workpiece machining method that can save space, reduce machining costs, and easily create machining programs in a workpiece machining system in which several workpiece machines are arranged side by side. With the goal.

Disclosure of the invention

[0013] In order to solve the above-described problem, a workpiece processing machine according to the present invention includes a plurality of spindles, and the workpiece processing machine performs a plurality of processes on the workpiece while transferring the workpiece between the spindles. A first spindle that receives an unmachined workpiece from the supply device, and one or a plurality of tools that process the workpiece held by the first spindle are mounted, and the workpiece is moved by relative movement with the first spindle. One or a plurality of first turrets for machining, a third spindle arranged side by side so as to face the same direction as the first spindle, and the workpiece gripped by the third spindle A third tool post for machining the workpiece by relative movement with respect to the third spindle, and a first turret spindle provided opposite to the first spindle. Advancing and retreating between a position on the axis axis and a position on the main axis line of the third main axis and moving back and forth along the main axis line of the first main axis or the main axis line of the third main axis A second spindle that receives the workpiece from the first spindle and delivers the workpiece to the third spindle, and one or more tools that process the workpiece gripped by the second spindle are mounted. A second tool post for machining the workpiece by relative movement with respect to the second main spindle, a relative movement between the first main spindle and the first tool post, and the second main spindle and the second tool post. The relative movement of the third spindle and the third tool post is controlled to enable machining of the workpiece gripped by the first spindle, the second spindle, or the third spindle. , Relative movement between the first spindle and the second spindle and the second spindle A control device that controls relative movement with respect to the third main spindle to enable workpiece transfer from the first main spindle to the second main spindle and workpiece transfer from the second main spindle to the third main spindle; It is set as the structure which has.

[0014] According to this configuration, a workpiece whose first spindle is not machined is received from the workpiece supply device, and machining is performed by relative movement between the first spindle and the tool mounted on the first tool post. The workpiece that has been processed with the first spindle is transferred to the second spindle by the relative movement of the first spindle and the second spindle, and the relative movement between the second spindle and the tool mounted on the second tool post is made. Therefore, the workpiece is processed.

When the machining of the workpiece with the second spindle is completed, the second spindle moves in a direction crossing the spindle axis, and moves to a position where the spindle axis of the second spindle coincides with the spindle axis of the third spindle. Moves relative to the third spindle on the same spindle axis, approaches the third spindle, and delivers the workpiece to the third spindle.

The workpiece transferred to the third spindle is machined by relative movement between the third spindle and the tool mounted on the third tool post.

The relative movement of these first spindle, first turret, second spindle, second turret, third spindle and third turret is controlled by a control device.

[0015] In this case, the third main shaft is provided so as to be movable back and forth at least in the main shaft axis direction. Between the processing position for processing the workpiece and the unloading position for unloading the workpiece. It is recommended that you move forward and backward. [0016] As a more specific configuration of the workpiece processing machine of the present invention, a first spindle stock that supports the first spindle, a second spindle stock that supports the second spindle, and a first spindle that supports the third spindle. Three spindle heads are provided in the same plane of the workpiece processing machine, and in this plane, guide each of the first spindle head, the second spindle head and the third spindle head in the direction of the spindle axis. And extending the Z-direction guide of the third main shaft to one end of the plane, and the second main shaft at a position on the main shaft axis of the first main shaft and a position on the main shaft axis of the third main shaft. An Y-direction guide that moves forward and backward between the second headstock and the Y-direction guide when the third headstock moves to one end in the plane. It can be provided.

Further, as another configuration, the first main spindle supporting the first main spindle and the second main spindle supporting the second main spindle are arranged in the first plane of the workpiece processing machine so that the third main spindle is arranged. A supporting third spindle stock is provided in a second plane intersecting the first plane, and each of the first spindle stock and the second spindle stock is guided in the spindle axial direction in the first plane. A Z-direction guide is provided, the Z-direction guide is provided in the second plane for guiding the third main axis in the main axis direction to one end in the second plane, and the second main axis is the main axis of the first main axis. A Y-direction guide that moves forward and backward between a position on the axial axis and a position on the main axis of the third main axis can be provided.

[0017] The control device has three control systems corresponding to the first to third spindles, and each workpiece receives a control system force S and a workpiece receiving control for controlling the operation of the first spindle related to the reception of an unmachined workpiece. A workpiece machining control unit for controlling machining of the received workpiece, and a workpiece unloading control unit for controlling unloading of the workpiece after machining, and the workpiece in the control system of the first spindle The unloading control unit and the workpiece receiving control unit in the second spindle control system are associated with each other, and the workpiece unloading control unit in the second spindle control system and the workpiece receiving control unit in the control system of the third spindle are mutually connected. The workpiece receiving control unit of the control system of the second spindle is instructed to wait for the operation of the second spindle until the workpiece of the first spindle can be unloaded, and controls the third spindle. The work receiving control unit of the system, the queuing of the operation of the third main axis commanded to export of the second principal axis of the workpiece is possible, reach the number processing number of the workpiece is predetermined Until then, the control by the workpiece reception control unit, the workpiece machining control unit, and the workpiece reception control unit is repeated for each workpiece in each control system.

In this way, each system can prevent unnecessary operations when there is no workpiece. In addition, the work can be paid out without preparing a dedicated program at the end.

[0018] The workpiece machining system of the present invention includes a plurality of workpiece machining machines configured as described above. That is, there is one or a plurality of sets of two workpiece processing machines in which the arrangement of the spindles is axisymmetric, and the two workpiece processing machines constituting the set are located upstream of the machining process. The third main shaft of one of the workpiece processing machines positioned and the first main shaft of the other workpiece processing machine positioned downstream are opposed to each other on the same axis line, and the first of the one workpiece processing machine is By moving the three main spindles and the first main spindle of the other workpiece processing machine in a direction to approach each other, the workpiece is transferred from the third main spindle to the first main spindle.

With this configuration, it is possible to directly transfer a workpiece from one workpiece processing machine to the other workpiece processing machine without using a workpiece transfer device such as a loader or a robot.

Of course, a workpiece transfer means for transferring a workpiece from the third spindle to the first spindle may be provided between the adjacent workpiece machines.

[0019] The workpiece supply means in the present invention is provided in the vicinity of the workpiece processing machine located at the beginning of the machining process among the plurality of workpiece processing machines, and the workpiece is directly applied to the first main spindle of the workpiece processing machine. What is supplied can be used. As such a workpiece supply device, for example, a rod material supply device that supplies the rod-shaped workpiece through the through hole of the first main shaft can be used.

[0020] The work machining method of the present invention provides a first tool post and a second tool tool while transferring a work supplied from a work supply device to the first main spindle of one work machine to the second main spindle and the third main spindle. Machining with the tool of the platform and the third tool post! / After the machining of the workpiece with the third spindle of the one workpiece processing machine is completed, the third spindle and the first spindle of the other workpiece machining machine are connected. An intermediate position between the third main shaft and the first main shaft is moved relative to each other in a direction approaching each other. Then, the workpiece is transferred from the third spindle to the first spindle,

From the first spindle of the other workpiece processing machine, the workpiece is processed with the tools of the first turret, second turret and third turret while transferring the workpiece to the second and third spindles. .

In addition, the workpiece supplied from the workpiece supply device to the first spindle of one workpiece processing machine is transferred to the second spindle and the third spindle with the tools of the first tool post, second tool post and third tool post. After the workpiece has been processed on the third spindle of the one workpiece processing machine, the third spindle is moved to the workpiece unloading position, and the workpiece is transferred to the workpiece conveying means. The conveying means supplies the work to the first main spindle of the other work processing machine, and transfers the work from the first main spindle of the other work processing machine to the second main spindle and the third main spindle. , You may make it process with the tool of the second tool post and the third tool post.

[0021] Since the workpiece machining apparatus of the present invention is configured as described above, machining can be performed while directly transferring the workpiece between the three main spindles. In the workpiece machining system using the workpiece machining apparatus of the present invention, the third spindle moves to the workpiece unloading position and can directly deliver the workpiece to the first spindle of the other workpiece machining machine. This eliminates the need for workpiece transfer devices such as robots and robots, simplifies the configuration of the workpiece machining system, and reduces workpiece machining costs.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view for explaining the configuration and operation of an embodiment of the workpiece machining system and machining method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific configuration of the NC lathe, and is a front view of the NC lathe.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the NC lathe of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for ensuring that the third head stock and its saddle do not interfere with the saddle on the second head stock side!

[Fig. 5] Force and scale for another embodiment of a three-axis NC lathe constituting the workpiece machining system of the present invention.

FIG.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the NC lathe of FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a program configuration of the NC device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the NC program.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the NC program.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation of the workpiece machining system in each step of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the workpiece machining system at each step in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the workpiece machining system at each step of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the workpiece machining system at each step in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the workpiece machining system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a workpiece machining system according to a conventional example of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of workpiece machining system]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a workpiece machining system and machining method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a three-axis NC lathe (hereinafter referred to as an NC lathe) 1 having three spindles 111, 112, 113 and an NC lathe having three spindles ll, 112 ', 113'; Adjacent to the Z direction and arranged in parallel.

On the other hand (on the left in the figure), the NC lathe 1 includes a first spindle 101 that can move forward and backward in the Z direction, and a hollow first spindle 111 that is rotatably supported by the first spindle 101. A third spindle 103 that is arranged in parallel with the first spindle 101 and is movable back and forth in the Z direction, a third spindle 113 that is rotatably supported by the third spindle 103, and a first spindle 101 The second head stock 102 and the second head stock 102 are movable in the Y direction between a position facing the first head stock 101 and a position facing the third head stock 103. Supported rotatably With a second spindle 112!

[0025] The other (right side) NC lathe; ^ is a first spindle base 10 that is movable back and forth in the Z direction, a first spindle 11 that is rotatably supported by the first spindle base 10, and a first spindle A third spindle 103 ′ that is arranged in parallel with the base 10 1 ′ and is movable back and forth in the Z direction, a third spindle 113 ′ that is rotatably supported by the third spindle 1103, and a first spindle base lO. The second headstock 102 'and the second headstock, which are arranged opposite to each other and are movable back and forth in the Y direction between a position facing the first headstock 10 and a position facing the third headstock 103'. And a second main shaft 112 ′ supported rotatably on 102 ′.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the arrangement of the three headstocks 101, 102, 103 on one NC lathe 1 and the arrangement of the three headstocks 101 ', 102', 103 'on the other NC lathe 1' Are arranged so as to be symmetrical about the axis in the Y direction, and in the order indicated by ~ (V) in the figure, that is, in one NC lathe 1, the first main spindle 111, The workpiece W is delivered in the order of the second spindle 112, the third spindle 1 13 and the other NC lathe; ^ in the order of the third spindle 113 ', the second spindle 112', and the first spindle 11 1 '. Processing is performed.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the NC lathe 1 is provided with at least three tool rests corresponding to the first spindle 101, the second spindle 102, and the third spindle 103, respectively. With the tools mounted on these three tool rests, the workpiece W gripped by the chucks of the first spindle 101, the second spindle 102, and the third spindle 103 can be simultaneously processed. Similarly, the NC lathe; ^ is provided with three turrets corresponding to each of the first spindle 10, the second spindle 102 'and the third spindle 103', and is attached to the three turrets. With this tool, the workpiece W held by the chucks of the first spindle 10, the second spindle 102 'and the third spindle 103' can be processed simultaneously.

[0028] [Specific configuration of NC lathe]

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the NC lathe 1, a front view of the NC lathe 1, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the NC lathe 1 of FIG.

The other NC lathe; ^ is the same as the one NC lathe 1 except that the arrangement of each component is axisymmetric, so that one NC lathe 1 will be described in detail, and the other NC lathe 1 Detailed explanation of 'is omitted here. The three headstocks 101, 102, 103 are provided on the ZY surface 121 of the bed 120 formed in a substantially inverted L shape when viewed from the side so as to be movable back and forth in the Z direction. In other words, on the ZY surface 121, the first headstock 101 is mounted on the saddle 134 that is laid in the Z direction with three yarns 131, 132, and 133 in the Z direction and moves forward and backward in the Z direction while being guided by the guide lenore 131. A second headstock 102 is provided on a saddle 135 that moves forward and backward in the Z direction while being guided by the guide rail 132, and a third headstock 103 is provided on a saddle 136 that moves forward and backward in the Z direction while being guided by the guide rail 133.

The saddle 135 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front having a long side in the Y direction, and a guide rail 137 is laid on the surface thereof in the Y direction. The second head stock 102 can move forward and backward in the Y direction while being guided by the guide rail 137.

[0030] The guide rail 133 that guides the movement of the third headstock 103 in the Z direction extends to the other end of the ZY plane 121 (the right end in FIG. 2)! /, And the tip of the third spindle 111 The workpiece W gripped by the chuck can be moved to a position where it can be transferred to the first spindle ll of the other adjacent NC lathe; ^ (see Fig. 1).

By the way, when the third head stock 103 moves to the other side, it is necessary that the third head stock 103 and the saddle 136 do not interfere with the saddle 135 of the second head stock 102.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for avoiding the above interference.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the saddle 136 on which the third spindle stock 103 is placed is formed with a recess 136a for avoiding interference with the saddle 135 of the second spindle stock 102. When the third spindle 103, which should transfer the workpiece W from the third spindle 113 of one NC lathe 1 to the first spindle 111 'of the other NC lathe 1', moves to the other end of the ZY plane 121, Fig. 4 As shown in (b), the saddle 135 and the guide rail 137 enter the inside of the recess 136a, and the force is used to prevent their interference.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the saddle 136 ′ of the first headstock 101 ′ of the other NC lathe 1 ′ also has a recess 136 a ′ similar to the saddle 136.

[0032] From the center of the front part of the base 122 of the bed 120 to the center of the upper part of the ZY plane 121, a portal-shaped tool rest support part 138 is provided. Then, the first tool post in which a plurality of tools T1 for processing the workpiece W gripped by the chuck of the first spindle 111 is mounted on the tool post supporting part 138. 150, the second tool post 160 equipped with a plurality of tools T2 for machining the workpiece W gripped by the chuck of the second spindle 112, and the plurality of workpieces W gripped by the chuck of the third spindle 113 And a third tool post 170 equipped with the above-mentioned tool 3.

[0033] The first tool rest 150 is provided on a surface facing the first head stock 101 side above the tool rest support 138, and is guided by the guide 151 laid in the X direction. However, a saddle 152 that moves forward and backward in the X direction, a guide rail 153 that is laid in the heel direction on one side of the saddle 152, and a tool post body 154 that moves forward and backward in the heel direction while being guided by the guide rail 153 Have.

The plurality of tools T1 are mounted side by side in a comb blade shape on the tool mounting part 155 of the tool post body 154. Then, the predetermined tool T1 is indexed to the machining position by the movement of the saddle 152 in the X direction. Is processed.

[0034] The second tool post 160 is provided on a surface facing the second head stock 102 side above the tool post supporting portion 138, and is guided by the guide 161 laid in the X direction. However, a saddle 162 that moves forward and backward in the X direction, a guide rail 163 that is laid in the heel direction on one side of the saddle 162, and a tool post body 164 that moves forward and backward in the heel direction while being guided by the guide rail 163 Have.

The plurality of tools Τ2 are mounted side by side in a comb blade shape on the blade mounting portion 165 of the tool post body 164. Then, the predetermined tool Τ2 is indexed to the machining position by the movement of the saddle 162 in the X direction, and the workpiece W by the tool Τ2 is determined by the movement of the turret body 164 in the Υ direction and the movement of the second headstock 102 in the Ζ direction. Is processed.

[0035] The third tool post 170 is provided on a surface facing the third spindle stock 103 side below the tool post supporting part 138, and is guided by the guide 171 laid in the heel direction. However, a saddle 172 that moves forward and backward in the Υ direction, a guide rail 173 laid in one side on this saddle 172, and a turret body 174 that moves forward and backward in the Υ direction while being guided by this guide rail 173 Have.

The plurality of tools Τ3 are mounted side by side in a comb blade shape on the tool mounting part 175 of the tool post body 174. Then, the predetermined tool Τ3 is indexed to the machining position by the movement of the saddle 172 in the X direction. Then, the workpiece W is machined by the tool T3 by the movement of the tool post body 174 in the Y direction and the movement of the third headstock 103 in the Z direction.

In this embodiment, a fourth tool for processing the workpiece W gripped by the chuck of the second spindle 112 or the third spindle 113 above the third tool post 170 in the tool post support 138. A stand 180 is provided.

This fourth tool post 180 is attached to the tool mounting part 187 of the tool post body 186 which can be moved forward and backward in the three axial directions of X, Υ and Z by the X direction guide rail 181, the Y direction guide rail 182 and the direction guide rail 183. A plurality of tools T4 are arranged in the X direction, and the tool T4 is indexed to the machining position by the movement of the tool post body 186 in the X direction, and the movement of the second spindle 102 or the third spindle 103 in the Z direction and the tool The workpiece W is machined with the tool T4 by moving the base body 186 in the Y direction.

In addition, by moving the tool post body 186 in the Z direction, the tool T4 can be used without interfering with the tool (tool T2 or tool T3) of another tool post (second tool post 160 or third tool post 170). Work W can be processed simultaneously with tool T2 or tool T3.

In addition, as the above-described tools T1 to T4, rotary tools such as drills and taps can be used in addition to cutting tools such as cutting tools.

[0037] The base 122 of the bed 120 is provided with front and rear inclined surfaces 123 for collecting cutting ij waste and coolant when the workpiece W is machined with the tools Τ1 to Τ4. The cutting waste and coolant collected by the inclined surfaces 123 and 123 are collected in a collection tank 124 provided in the base 122 so as to be able to be drawn out.

[0038] [Description of another embodiment of NC lathe]

The configuration of a three-axis NC lathe is not limited to the above.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of a three-axis NC lathe constituting the workpiece machining system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the following description, only parts and parts different from the NC lathe 1 of the first embodiment will be described, and common parts and members will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment as well, the other three-axis NC lathe arranged adjacently is! /, Except that the arrangement of one NC lathe and each component is axisymmetric. Since they are the same, detailed description is omitted.

In this embodiment, a guide rail 140 in the Z direction is laid on the ZX plane of the base 122. A third headstock 103 is provided on a saddle 141 that moves forward and backward in the Z direction while being guided by the guide rail 140.

According to this configuration, it is necessary to provide the saddle 141 with the recess 136a (see FIG. 4) for preventing interference between the third headstock 103 and the saddle 137 and the second headstock 102 as in the previous embodiment. There is no advantage.

[0040] [Description of control]

Next, the respective headstocks 101 of the NC lathes 1 and 1 ′ having the above-mentioned configuration; 103, 101 ′ to 103 ′, the respective tool rests 150 to; 180, 150 ′ to 180; , Each spindle 111 ~; 113, 1

A description will be given of the NC device that controls the rotation of I I ˜; 113 ′.

The NC device of this embodiment is provided in each of the NC lathes 1 and 1 ′. Each NC unit has three independent control systems according to the number of spindles.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the program configuration of the NC device in this embodiment. Since the program configuration is the same for the NC lathes 1 and 1 ', only one of the NC lathes 1 will be described, and the description of the other NC lathe 1' will be omitted.

[0041] The control system of the first spindle 111 (hereinafter referred to as system 1) is connected from the bar feeder 2 to the first spindle 11.

A workpiece supply program for supplying workpiece W to 1 and a workpiece machining program for machining workpiece W by relative movement between tool T1 mounted on first tool post 150 and first spindle 111, and tool T1 And a workpiece transfer program for transferring the workpiece W, which has been processed by, to the second spindle 112.

The workpiece supply program, workpiece machining program, and workpiece transfer program are independent programs. The workpiece machining program starts on the condition that the workpiece supply program ends, and the workpiece transfer program starts on the condition that the workpiece machining program ends. It has become.

By sequentially executing these programs, the workpiece W supplied from the bar feeder 2 is machined, and the workpiece W that has been machined is transferred to the second spindle 112.

[0042] The control system of the second spindle 112 (hereinafter referred to as system 2) receives the workpiece W from the first spindle 111. The workpiece receiving program for scraping and gripping with the chuck at the tip, and the relative movement between the tool T2 mounted on the second tool post 160 and / or the tool T4 mounted on the third tool post 180 and the second spindle 112 A workpiece machining program for machining the workpiece W and a workpiece delivery program for delivering the workpiece W that has been machined by the tool T2 and / or the tool T4 to the second spindle 112 are provided.

[0043] Also in this system 2, the workpiece receiving program, the workpiece machining program, and the workpiece delivery program are independent programs. The workpiece machining program is started on the condition that the workpiece receiving program is terminated, and the workpiece machining program is terminated. The workpiece transfer program is activated according to the conditions. By sequentially executing these programs, the workpiece W received from the first spindle 111 is machined, and the workpiece W that has been machined is transferred to the third spindle 113. The work receiving program is associated with the work transferring program of system 1, and the work receiving operation of the second spindle is started after waiting for the completion of preparation for transferring the work on the first spindle 111.

[0044] The control system of the third spindle 113 (hereinafter referred to as system 3) receives the workpiece W from the second spindle 112 and grips it with the chuck at the tip, and is mounted on the third tool post 170. The workpiece machining program to machine the workpiece W by relative movement between the tool T3 and / or the fourth tool post 180 mounted on the fourth tool post 180 and the third spindle 113, and machining with the tool T3 and / or tool T4 is completed. And a workpiece unloading program that pays out the workpiece W outside the machine.

[0045] In this system 3 as well, the workpiece receiving program, workpiece machining program, and workpiece delivery program are independent programs, and the workpiece machining program is started on the condition that the workpiece receiving program is terminated, and the workpiece machining program is terminated. The workpiece transfer program is activated at the beginning. Then, by sequentially executing a workpiece supply program, a workpiece addition program, and a workpiece unloading program, the workpiece W received from the second spindle 112 is machined, and the workpiece W after machining is unloaded from the machine. Note that the workpiece receiving program is associated with the system 2 workpiece delivery program, and the workpiece receiving operation of the third spindle starts after the completion of preparation for workpiece delivery on the second spindle 112. [0046] In this embodiment, the workpiece unloading program in the system 3 of one NC lathe 1 is a workpiece that has been processed from the third spindle 113 of one NC lathe 1 to the third spindle 113 'of the other NC lathe 1'. It outputs a command to pass W. In addition, the work supply program for the system 3 'on the other NC lathe 1' gives a command for receiving the work W from the third spindle 113 of the other NC lathe 1.

In addition, the workpiece unloading program on the other NC lathe; ^ system; ^ gives a command to deliver the processed workpiece W to the loader from the first spindle 111 force.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts for explaining the processing procedure by the NC program described above. FIGS. 10 to 13 are diagrams showing the operation of the workpiece machining system in each step of this flowchart.

Simultaneously with the start (start), a workpiece supply program is first executed (step S100). By executing this program, the bar-shaped workpiece W is sent from the bar feeder 2 to the through hole of the first spindle 111.

Prior to this, the tool post body 154 of the first tool post 150 moves in the X direction, and the positioning tool T1 is indexed to the machining position. Then, the positioning tool T1 is positioned at a predetermined position in front of the first spindle 111.

The bar-shaped workpiece W fed from the bar feeder 2 through the through hole of the first spindle 111 protrudes from the tip of the first spindle 111 and hits the positioning tool T1, as shown in FIG. Positioning is performed. After this positioning is completed, the chuck provided at the tip of the first spindle 111 is closed and the workpiece W is gripped. This completes the work supply program.

Next, a workpiece machining program is executed (step S101).

By executing this program, as shown in Fig. 10 (b), the tool T1 for machining the workpiece W is assigned to the machining position, and the movement of this tool T1 in the Y direction and the Z direction of the first spindle 111 The workpiece W is machined by the movement of.

When machining of the workpiece W by the tool T1 is completed (step S102), the workpiece machining program is terminated and the workpiece delivery program is executed. By executing this program, it is first determined whether or not system 2 is activated! / (Step S103). System 2 starts! / If not, pause and wait until system 2 is activated (steps S104, S105)

[0050] When system 2 is activated, it waits for system 2 according to the command of the workpiece transfer program.

After the completion of waiting (after completion of preparation for reception), the first head stock 101 is moved together with the second head stock 102 in a direction approaching each other on the common Z axis. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), the workpiece W is transferred from the first spindle 111 to the second spindle 112 at a substantially intermediate position between the two headstocks 101 and 102 (step S107). After that, the first headstock 101 returns to the initial position for receiving the workpiece W for the next machining from the bar feeder 2 force.

[0051] Then, it is determined whether or not machining of a preset number of workpieces W has been completed (step S108), and if completed, the program is terminated. If not completed, the process returns to step S100 to execute the workpiece supply program, and receives the workpiece W for the next machining supplied from the bar feeder 2 as shown in FIG. 10 (d).

Thereafter, the processes and operations after step S101 are repeated.

In system 2, the workpiece receiving program is executed simultaneously with the activation (start), and it is determined whether or not system 1, which is the counterpart of workpiece W exchange, is activated (step S 200).

When system 1 is not activated, it is temporarily stopped and waits until system 1 is activated (steps S 201 and S202).

If system 1 is started! /, Wait until the first spindle 111 completes preparation for workpiece W delivery (step S203) .After the wait is completed, as shown in Fig. 10 (c), the second spindle The stage 102 is moved in a direction approaching the first headstock 101. Then, the workpiece W is received from the first spindle 111 to the second spindle 112 at a substantially intermediate position between the two spindle heads 101 and 102 (step S204).

[0053] Although not shown in particular, prior to receiving the workpiece W from the first spindle 111 to the second spindle 112 according to the command of the workpiece receiving program of the system 2, the tool for cutting off the second tool post 160 is used. Tool T2 is indexed to the machining position. Then, the second spindle 112 is rotated in the same direction at the speed synchronized with the rotation speed of the first spindle 111, and the workpiece W is cut off with the tool T2 for cutting off. Cut the finished workpiece W from the bar The Thereafter, the second headstock 102 returns to the initial position for machining the workpiece W. Thus, since the delivery of the workpiece W from the first spindle 111 to the second spindle 112 is completed, the workpiece machining program is executed next (step S205).

By executing the workpiece machining program, the tool T2 and / or the tool T4 for machining the workpiece W is determined at the machining position. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (d), the workpiece W is machined by the movement of the tool T2 and / or the tool T4 in the Y direction and the movement of the second spindle 112 in the Z direction.

When the machining of the workpiece W by the tool T2 and / or the tool T4 is completed (step S206), the workpiece transfer program is executed, and it is first determined whether or not the system 3 is activated (step S207). If system 2 is not activated, it is paused and waits until system 3 is activated (steps S208 and S209).

[0055] If system 3 is activated, preparation for receiving workpieces of the third spindle 113 is completed.

After the completion of the waiting, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the second headstock 102 is moved in the Y direction and the Z direction, and is moved in the direction in which the third headstock 103 approaches each other on the same Z axis. Then, the workpiece W is transferred from the second spindle 112 to the third spindle 113 (step S211). After the delivery of the workpiece W is completed, the second head stock 102 returns to the initial position as shown in FIG. 11 (b). Then, it is determined whether or not machining of a preset number of workpieces W has been completed (step S212). If completed, the workpiece delivery program is terminated. If not completed, the process returns to step S200 to execute the workpiece reception program and waits for the first spindle 111 (step S203). As shown in FIG. 11 (c), the first spindle 111 The work W is received from (step S204).

Thereafter, the processes and operations after step S205 are repeated.

[0056] In system 3, the work receiving program is executed simultaneously with the start (start), and it is determined whether system 2 which is the counterpart of the work W exchange is in operation (step S300).

When system 2 is not activated, it is temporarily stopped and waits until system 2 is activated (steps S301 and S302).

If system 2 is activated, the second spindle 112 is ready for delivery of workpiece W. In step S303, when the preparation is completed, as shown in FIG. 11A, the second head stock 102 is moved in the direction approaching the third main head stock 103 and the Z axis. Then, the workpiece W is received from the second spindle 112 to the third spindle 113 at a substantially intermediate position between the two spindle stocks 102 and 103 (step S304), and the workpiece W is returned to the initial position for machining.

As described above, since the delivery of the workpiece W from the second spindle 112 to the third spindle 113 is completed, the workpiece machining program is executed next (step S305). By executing this program, tool T3 and / or tool T4 for machining workpiece W is determined at the machining position, and as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c), tool T3 and / or tool T4 The workpiece W is machined by the movement of T4 in the Y direction and the movement of the third spindle 113 in the Z direction.

When the machining of the workpiece W by the tool T3 and / or the tool T4 is completed (step S306), the workpiece unloading program is executed to wait for the first spindle 111 'of the other NC lathe 1' (step S307). . After waiting, as shown in Fig. 11 (d), the third spindle head 103 is moved in a direction approaching each other on the third spindle 113 'of the other NC lathe; The workpiece W is transferred to the third spindle 113 'of the other NC lathe 1' (step S308).

[0058] After the delivery of the workpiece W is completed, the third head stock 103 returns to the initial position for machining the workpiece W. Then, it is determined whether or not machining of a preset number of workpieces W has been completed (step S309), and if completed, the program is terminated. If not completed, the process returns to step S300 to execute the workpiece receiving program, waits with the second spindle 112 (step S303), and as shown in Fig. 12 (a), the second spindle Work W is received from 112 (step S304).

Thereafter, the processing after step S304 is repeated.

[0059] In the other NC lathe 1 ', the same processes and operations as described above are repeated.

However, on the NC lathe; ^, the workpiece W is delivered in the order of the third spindle 113 ', the second spindle 112', and the first spindle l l.

In the third spindle 113 ', after receiving the workpiece W from the third spindle 113 of one NC lathe 1 and returning to the initial position for machining the workpiece W, the same as in step S101 and subsequent steps in the flowchart of FIG. While executing the steps, the operations shown in Fig. 12 (a), (b) and (c) are performed. The second spindle 112 ′ performs the operations shown in FIGS. 12 (b), 12 (c) and FIG. 13 (a) while executing the same steps as those in step S200 and subsequent steps in the flowcharts of FIGS.

The first spindle 111 ′ performs the operations shown in FIGS. 13 (a), (b), and (c) while executing the same steps as those in step S300 and subsequent steps in the flowchart of FIG.

In the waiting in step S307, after the completion of machining, the workpiece is waited with the loader 3 for carrying out the workpiece, and the workpiece W is transferred from the first spindle 111 'to the loader 3 in step S308.

Similar to the previous embodiment, a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) NC lathes 1, \ "having three opposing main shafts are arranged side by side in the Z direction, which is the same as the previous embodiment. Force S, in this embodiment, a loader 4 is placed between one NC lathe 1 and the other NC lathe; T. The other NC lathe; Same as lathe 1

In the workpiece machining system of this embodiment, machining of the workpiece W is started on the spindle 111 that is supplied with the bar feeder 2 force and the rod-shaped workpiece W, and (i), (ii), ( In the path shown in iii), the workpiece W is processed while being sequentially transferred from the first spindle 111 to the second spindle 112 and from the second spindle 112 to the third spindle 113. The operation at the time of workpiece transfer between the spindles 111, 112, 113 is the same as that of the previous embodiment.

When the machining of the workpiece W on the third spindle 113 is completed, the workpiece W on the third spindle 113 is unloaded from the NC lathe 1 by the loader 4 and loaded into the other adjacent NC lathe; T.

[0062] The loader 4 transfers the workpiece W unloaded from one NC lathe 1 to the first spindle 111 "of the other NC lathe 1〃.

Thereafter, the workpiece W moves from the first spindle 111 "to the second spindle 112", the second spindle 112 "force and the third spindle 113" in the paths shown in (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii) in the figure. Processing is carried out while being sequentially delivered to each other. The operation at the time of workpiece transfer between the main spindles 111, 112 and 113 is the same as in the previous embodiment.

When the machining of the workpiece W on the third spindle 113 is completed, the workpiece W on the third spindle 113 によって is carried out by the loader 5 to an NC lathe; T force. [0063] In the workpiece machining system shown in Fig. 14, the workpiece W unloaded from one NC lathe 1 by the loader 4 is transferred to the third spindle 113 "of the other NC lathe; T. Machining may be performed while the workpiece W is being transferred from the second spindle 112 and the second spindle 112 "to the first spindle 111". In this case, machining of the workpiece W on the first spindle 111 is performed. When finished, the work W is carried out by the first spindle 111 force loader 5.

[0064] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the other embodiment of the workpiece machining system described with reference to FIG. 14, the configuration of the other NC lathe; T is described as being the same as that of one NC lathe 1. As described above, the workpiece machining system may be configured by using the NC lathe 1 ′ that is in line symmetry with the arrangement of the spindle heads 111, 112, 113 of one NC lathe 1. Also, the workpiece machining system may be configured by using an NC lathe that is different from the one NC lathe 1 in the arrangement and number of headstocks and the arrangement and number of tool rests.

Further, the number of NC lathes constituting the workpiece machining system is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

Industrial applicability

[0065] The present invention can be widely applied to a multi-axis workpiece processing machine that sequentially performs a number of operations on a single workpiece, a workpiece processing system including a plurality of multi-axis workpiece processing machines, and a workpiece processing method. is there.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A workpiece processing machine that has multiple spindles and performs multiple machining on the workpiece while transferring workpieces between the spindles!

A first spindle for receiving an unmachined workpiece from the workpiece supply device;

One or more tools for processing the workpiece gripped by the first spindle are mounted, a first tool post for processing the workpiece by relative movement with the first spindle, and the first spindle A third spindle arranged side by side facing the same direction;

One or more tools for machining the workpiece gripped by the third spindle are mounted, a third tool post for machining the workpiece by relative movement with the third spindle, and the first spindle The main spindle axis of the first main spindle or the third main spindle is provided so as to be movable forward and backward between a position on the main spindle axis of the first main spindle and a position on the main spindle axis of the third main spindle. A second spindle that receives the workpiece from the first spindle and transfers the workpiece to the third spindle, and machining the workpiece gripped by the second spindle One or a plurality of tools for performing the above-mentioned, a second tool post for processing the workpiece by relative movement with the second main spindle, a relative movement between the first main spindle and the first tool post, the first Relative movement of the two spindles and the second tool post and the front The relative movement between the third spindle and the third tool post is controlled so that the workpiece gripped by the first spindle, the second spindle or the third spindle can be processed, and the first spindle and The relative movement between the second main spindle and the second main spindle and the third main spindle is controlled to transfer the workpiece from the first main spindle to the second main spindle and from the second main spindle to the second main spindle. And a control device that enables delivery of the workpiece to the three spindles.

[2] The third spindle is provided so as to be movable back and forth at least in the direction of the spindle axis, and moves forward and backward between a machining position where the workpiece is machined and an unloading position where the workpiece is unloaded. The workpiece processing machine according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The first spindle stock that supports the first spindle, the second spindle stock that supports the second spindle, and the third spindle stock that supports the third spindle are in the same plane of the workpiece processing machine. Provided, Within this plane, there is provided a Z-direction guide for guiding each of the first spindle stock, the second spindle stock and the third spindle stock in the direction of the spindle axis, and the Z-direction guide of the third spindle to one end of the plane. Extend,

Providing a Y-direction guide for moving the second main spindle back and forth between a position on the main spindle axis of the first main spindle and a position on the main spindle axis of the third main spindle;

An interference avoidance unit for avoiding interference between the second spindle stock and the Y-direction guide when the third spindle stock moves to one end in the plane;

The work processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

[4] A third spindle that supports the third spindle in a first plane of the work machine, wherein the first spindle that supports the first spindle and the second spindle that supports the second spindle A platform is provided in a second plane intersecting the first plane;

A Z-direction guide is provided in the first plane to plan each of the first spindle stock and the second spindle stock in the direction of the spindle axis,

A Z-direction guide for guiding the third main shaft to one end in the second plane in the main axis direction is provided in the second plane,

The work processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

[5] The control device comprises:

Having three control systems corresponding to the first to third spindles;

Each control system controls the workpiece receiving control unit that controls the movement of the first spindle related to the reception of unmachined workpieces, the workpiece machining control unit that controls the machining of received workpieces, and the control of unloading workpieces that have been machined A workpiece unloading control unit to perform,

The workpiece reception control unit in the control system of the second spindle is associated with the workpiece unloading control unit in the control system of the first spindle, and the workpiece reception control unit of the control system of the second spindle is Wait until the movement of the second spindle is possible until the workpiece of the first spindle can be unloaded,

The workpiece receiving control unit in the control system of the third spindle is changed to the control system of the second spindle. In association with the workpiece unloading control unit, the workpiece receiving control unit force of the third spindle control system waits for the operation of the third spindle until the workpiece of the second spindle can be unloaded,

Repeating the control by the workpiece reception control unit, the workpiece processing control unit, and the workpiece reception control unit in each control system until the number of workpieces processed reaches a preset number;

The workpiece processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

[6] A plurality of workpiece processing machines according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of machining operations are sequentially performed on the workpiece while delivering the workpiece between the workpiece processing machines. Processing system,

Having one or a plurality of sets of two workpiece processing machines in which the arrangement of the main axes is in a line-symmetrical relationship;

Of the two workpiece processing machines constituting the set, the third main shaft of one of the workpiece processing machines located on the upstream side of the machining step and the second of the workpiece machining machine located on the downstream side. The three main shafts face each other on the same axis,

By moving the third main shaft of the one work processing machine and the third main shaft of the other work processing machine in a direction to approach each other, the third work shaft of the one work processing machine is moved to the other work piece. A workpiece machining system, wherein the workpiece is transferred to the third spindle of the machining machine.

[7] A plurality of workpiece processing machines according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of machining operations are sequentially performed on the workpiece while delivering the workpiece between the workpiece processing machines. In the processing system

A workpiece transfer means is provided between the adjacent workpiece processing machines to transfer the workpiece from the third spindle of one workpiece processing machine to the first spindle or the third spindle of the other workpiece processing machine. Work processing system.

[8] Among the plurality of workpiece processing machines, a workpiece supply device that is provided in the vicinity of the workpiece processing machine positioned at the beginning of the machining process and supplies the workpiece directly to the first spindle of the workpiece processing machine. The workpiece machining system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the workpiece machining system is characterized in that:

9. The workpiece processing system according to claim 8, wherein the workpiece supply device is a rod material supply device that supplies the rod-shaped workpiece through the through hole of the first main shaft. .

[10] In the workpiece machining method in the workpiece machining system according to claim 6,

The workpiece supplied from the workpiece supply device to the first spindle of one workpiece processing machine is processed with the tools of the first turret, second turret, and third turret while delivering it to the second and third spindles. ,

After the workpiece has been machined on the third spindle of the one workpiece machining machine, the third spindle and the third spindle of the other workpiece machining machine are moved relative to each other in a direction approaching each other, and the one workpiece machining is performed. At the intermediate position between the third spindle of the machine and the third spindle of the other workpiece processing machine, the workpiece is transferred,

Machining from the third spindle of the other workpiece processing machine with the tools of the third turret, the second turret and the first turret while transferring the workpiece to the second spindle and the first spindle. Characteristic workpiece machining method.

[11] In the workpiece machining method in the workpiece machining system according to claim 7,

After completion of processing of the workpiece on the third spindle of the one workpiece processing machine, the third spindle is moved to the workpiece unloading position, and the workpiece is transferred to the workpiece conveying means.

The work conveying means force The work is supplied to the first main spindle or the third main spindle of the other work processing machine, and the work is transferred from the first main spindle of the other work processing machine to the second main spindle and the third main spindle. While transferring, from the third spindle of the other workpiece processing machine, the workpiece is transferred to the second spindle and the first spindle, and processed with the tools of the first tool post, the second tool post and the third tool post. To do the

A workpiece machining method characterized by