WO2023068196A1

WO2023068196A1 - Machine tool system

Info

Publication number: WO2023068196A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/038381
Authority: WO
Inventors: 利夫鈴木; 仁康矢野; 紘利藤田
Original assignee: エンシュウ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2022-10-14
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: JP2023060461A

Abstract

Provided is a machine tool system capable of effectively utilizing an empty space of a stocker. This machine tool system 10 comprises: a machine tool 12 for machining a workpiece W placed on a pallet P; stockers 14, 16 configured to simultaneously hold at least one workpiece W and at least one pallet P outside the machine tool 12; and a conveying device for conveying the pallet P and the workpiece W between the stockers 14, 16 and the machine tool 12. The machine tool 12 has a control device for executing a machining program. The control device acquires identification information about the pallet P held by a pallet stand and identification information about the workpiece W held by a workpiece stand, and controls a stand conveying part 84 so as to convey the pallet stand or the workpiece stand, which correspond to the pallet P or the workpiece W designated by the machining program, to a third position F3 or to a fourth position F4. FIG. 2

Description

machine tool system

The present invention relates to a machine tool system that includes a machine tool for machining workpieces placed on pallets.

In recent years, the demand for high-mix low-volume production has increased, and in machine tool systems, multiple types of pallets are used for multiple types of workpieces with different shapes. A pallet holds a workpiece inside a machine tool, but most of the pallet stockers that hold waiting pallets are configured to hold the pallet on which the workpiece is placed outside the machine tool. It is However, such a pallet stocker cannot share a pallet among a plurality of works having the same shape, and there is a problem that the number of pallets increases. In addition, when a work is processed step by step in a plurality of processes, it is necessary to replace the pallet according to changes in the shape of the work.

Therefore, conventionally, a machine tool system has been developed in which a workpiece and a pallet are separately held outside the machine tool, and an example thereof is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In the machining system (machine tool system) disclosed in Patent Document 1, a workpiece carrying-in conveyor (work stocker) that holds workpieces and a workpiece pallet stocker (pallet stocker) that holds pallets are arranged around the machine tool. When processing a workpiece, the pallet held by the workpiece pallet stocker is carried into the turntable of the machine tool using the transfer mechanism, and then the workpiece held by the workpiece carrying-in conveyor is turned using the transfer mechanism. Placed on a pallet on the table. After that, when the turntable is rotated, the pallet and the work are carried into the processing area, and the work is processed. The machined work is carried out using the transport mechanism. If the workpieces to be machined next have the same shape, there is no need to change the pallet.

JP 2008-221364 A

However, in the processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the workpiece carrying-in conveyor is configured to hold only workpieces, and the workpiece pallet stocker is configured to hold only pallets. However, there was a problem that the empty space was wasted.

The present invention has been made to address the above problem, and its purpose is to provide a machine tool system that can effectively utilize the empty space of the stocker.

In order to achieve the above object, the machine tool system according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a machine tool for machining a workpiece placed on a pallet, and a stocker having a plurality of pedestals outside the machine tool. The machine tool system, wherein the plurality of pedestals includes both at least one pedestal for holding the workpiece and at least one pedestal for holding the pallet.

According to this configuration, the machine tool according to the present invention can hold both the pallet and the work with one stocker. Empty space can hold pallets. In other words, the empty space of the stocker can be effectively used.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the plurality of pedestals each include a pedestal that holds only the workpiece and a pedestal that holds only the pallet.

According to this configuration, the machine tool according to the present invention is provided with a dedicated work stand for holding only a work and a dedicated pallet stand for holding only a pallet. and easy maintenance.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the plurality of pedestals include pedestals that selectively hold the pallet and the workpiece.

According to this configuration, the machine tool according to the present invention is equipped with a pedestal for selectively holding a pallet and a workpiece, so that the number of pedestals on the stocker can be reduced, and backup performance in the event of damage to the pedestals is improved. do.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the stocker positions at least one of the plurality of pedestals at an arbitrary position.

According to this configuration, in the machine tool according to the present invention, the stocker positions at least one of the plurality of pedestals at an arbitrary position, so that work efficiency can be improved. In this case, the arbitrary position where the stocker positions the table includes the position adjacent to the machine tool, the position furthest away from the machine tool, the position where the workpiece or pallet is supplied to the table, or the maintenance of the table around the stocker. There is a suitable position for

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the machine tool has a control device for executing a machining program, and the control device controls the operation of the stocker to at the arbitrary position.

According to this configuration, in the machine tool according to the present invention, the controller controls the operation of the stocker to position at least one of the plurality of pedestals at the arbitrary position. Operability can be simplified.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the control device acquires identification information of the pallet held by the pedestal, acquires identification information of the work held by the pedestal, and processes the machining program. To control the positioning of the pallet or the table corresponding to the workpiece specified by (1) with respect to the machine tool.

According to this configuration, in the machine tool according to the present invention, the control device identifies the table based on the identification information of each of the pallets and workpieces held by the table and positions them with respect to the machine tool. Workpieces and pallets can be accurately positioned with respect to the machine tool from within.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the machine tool has a machining area for machining the workpiece, and a first opening leading to the machining area is provided on the front surface of the machine tool. and the two stockers are arranged on both left and right sides of the machine tool when viewed from the front.

According to this configuration, the equipment provided in the machining area can be easily inspected through the first opening provided on the front surface of the machine tool.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the machine tool has a machining area for machining the work, and the stocker has a stock area in which the pallet and the work are arranged. A chip protection wall is provided between the machining area and the stock area to prevent machining chips generated in the machining area from entering the stock area.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent machining waste generated in the machining area from adhering to the pallets and workpieces held in the stock area.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that it includes a transport device for transporting the pallet and the work between the stocker and the machine tool, and the pallet and the work transported by the transport device The conveying path of (1) is configured to lead to the interior of the machine tool through a second opening provided above the chip protection wall.

According to this configuration, the conveying device can convey the pallet and the work so as to climb over the chip protection wall, so that it is possible to reliably prevent processing chips generated in the processing area from entering the stock area. .

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the machine tool includes a machining table holding the pallet on which the work is placed, and moving the machining table between a machining position and a pallet exchange position. and a working table moving mechanism for moving the pallet, and the conveying path extends horizontally from the second opening toward the inside of the machine tool to reach the working table at the pallet exchange position. .

According to this configuration, the processing table can be positioned at the pallet exchange position away from the processing position, and the processing table at the pallet exchange position can be used as the end point of the conveying path. easy.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that, when a portion of the conveying path extending horizontally toward the inside of the machine tool is defined as a horizontal conveying area, the horizontal conveying area and the machining area positioned below the horizontal conveying area are separated. A plate-shaped partition is provided between them, and a third opening constituting the conveying path is provided in a portion of the partition located immediately above the pallet exchange position.

According to this configuration, since the partition is provided between the horizontal transfer area and the processing area, it is possible to suppress the processing chips generated in the processing area from entering the horizontal transfer area. In addition, since the third opening is provided directly above the pallet exchange position away from the processing position, it is difficult for processing chips generated in the processing area to enter the horizontal transfer area through the third opening.

Another feature of the machine tool system according to the present invention is that the third opening is provided with a shutter that is closed when machining the workpiece.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent processing waste generated in the processing area from entering the horizontal transfer area through the third opening.

It is a perspective view showing composition of a machine tool system concerning a 1st embodiment. 1A is a plan view showing the configuration of a machine tool system according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the configuration of a first stocker; FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a machine tool. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the machine tool omitting the conveying device. 1 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling operation of a machine tool system; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control operation by a control device; (A) is a plan view showing the configuration of a machine tool system according to a second embodiment, and (B) is a plan view showing the configuration of a machine tool system according to a third embodiment.

An embodiment of a machine tool system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a machine tool system 10 according to the first embodiment. 2A is a plan view showing the configuration of the machine tool system 10, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing the configuration of the first stocker 14. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the machine tool 12. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the machine tool 12 with the conveying device 18 omitted. It should be noted that the drawings referred to in this specification are schematically represented by exaggerating some of the constituent elements to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Also, the X, Y, and Z directions used in this specification correspond to the directions indicated by the arrows in the drawings.

(Configuration of machine tool system)
A machine tool system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a machine tool 12 for machining a work W placed on a pallet P, and at least one work W and at least one pallet P outside the machine tool 12 at the same time. It comprises a first stocker 14 and a second stocker 16 configured to hold and a transport device 18 . The conveying device 18 of the present embodiment is integrally incorporated into the machine tool 12 so that the workpiece W and the pallet P can be conveyed between the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 and the machine tool 12. is configured to

As shown in FIG. 2(A), in this embodiment, eight workpieces W and six pallets P are held by the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 . Therefore, when the eight works W are to be distinguished from each other, the symbols "W1 to W8" are used instead of the symbol "W", and when the six pallets P are to be distinguished from each other, the symbol "P" is used instead of the symbol "P". The codes "P1-P6" are used. It should be noted that the number of works W and pallets P is an example and is not limited to the present embodiment.

The works W1 to W8 shown in FIG. 2(A) are objects to be processed by the machine tool 12, specifically, materials or intermediate products such as automobile engine parts. The shapes of the works W1 to W8 may be the same or different. For example, when the works W1 to W8 are processed step by step in a plurality of processes, the shapes of the works W1 to W8 differ according to the processing steps. In this case, the works W1 to W8 are removed from the machine tool 12 after each process is completed, and their orientations are changed for the next process.

The pallets P1 to P6 shown in FIG. 2(A) hold the corresponding work W inside the machine tool 12, and have a clamping device (not shown) for fixing the work W. The configuration of each of the pallets P1-P6 may be the same or different. For example, the same configuration may not be able to cope with cases where the workpieces W1 to W8 have different shapes, or where the workpieces W1 to W8 have the same shape but have different orientations. In such cases, different configurations of pallets P1-P6 are used. Pallet identifiers 20a to 20f are provided for the pallets P1 to P6, respectively. The pallet identification units 20a-20f are configured with information for individually identifying the pallets P1-P6. In this embodiment, the pallet identifiers 20a-20f are composed of a plurality of projections (not shown) that can be detected by reading devices 92a-92h, which will be described later. The system of the clamping device (not shown) that constitutes the pallet P may be manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. If pneumatic, hydraulic or electric, the pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuators may be powered by the machine tool 12 or the

stockers

14,16.

(Configuration of machine tool)
As shown in FIG. 3, the machine tool 12 of this embodiment is a machining center, and includes a bed 22, a column 24, a machining head 26, a Z-axis movement mechanism 28, an X-axis movement mechanism 30, and a Y-axis movement mechanism 32. , a tool magazine 34, a machining table 36, a control device 38, and a cover 40 covering the entirety thereof.

The bed 22 is a base member of the machine tool 12 , and the column 24 is a columnar member that supports the machining head 26 . These are formed by combining metal casting materials and steel plate materials so as to ensure high strength.

As shown in FIG. 4, the machining head 26 has a spindle 44 that holds the machining tool 42 and a spindle drive motor 46 that drives the spindle 44 to rotate. The vertical direction of the machining head 26 is the Z-axis direction, one direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is the X-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is the Y-axis direction. When the machine tool 12 is viewed from the front, the Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis direction coincide with the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction. The processing head 26 is configured to be reciprocally movable in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) and the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). The processing tool 42 is a cutting tool for cutting the metal work W, and specifically a cutting tool such as a drill or an end mill.

As shown in FIG. 3, the Z-axis direction moving mechanism 28 is a mechanism for reciprocating the machining head 26 in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). , a screw feed mechanism (not shown), and a linear guide (not shown). The X-axis direction moving mechanism 30 is a mechanism for reciprocating the machining head 26 in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction). ) and a linear guide (not shown). A Z-axis movement mechanism 28 and an X-axis movement mechanism 30 are provided between the column 24 and the machining head 26 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the Y-axis direction moving mechanism 32 is a mechanism for reciprocating the processing table 36 in the Y-axis direction (back and forth direction), and is driven by a Y-axis driving motor 52 (FIG. 5) that generates a driving force. , a screw feed mechanism (not shown), and a linear guide (not shown). The processing table 36 is a plate-like member that holds a pallet P on which the work W is placed. A chuck device (not shown) for fixing the pallet P is provided on the processing table 36 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the area in which the machining head 26 can move, that is, the area for machining the work W is defined as a machining area Q1, and the area in which the

work holding units

58a and 58b of the transfer device 18 can move is used for holding the work. When the partial movement area Q2 is set, the Y-axis direction movement mechanism 32 moves the machining table between a first position F1 located below the machining area Q1 and a second position F2 located below the workpiece holding part movement area Q2. 36 is configured to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction.

The first position F1 is the "processing position" for processing the workpiece W, and the second position F2 is the "pallet exchange position" for exchanging the pallet P. The Y-axis direction moving mechanism 32 is a "processing table moving mechanism" for moving the processing table 36 between the "processing position" and the "pallet exchange position".

The tool magazine 34 shown in FIG. 4 is a mechanical device for holding a plurality of types of machining tools 42 prepared according to the type of machining for the workpiece W and for providing the machining tools 42 to the spindle 44 . The tool magazine 34 is arranged behind the processing table 36 (back side when viewed from the front).

(Structure of Conveyor)
As shown in FIG. 3, a position away from the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 to one side (right side) in the X-axis direction is defined as a third position F3, and the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 is defined as a third position F3. When the position spaced apart to the other side (left side) in the X-axis direction is a fourth position F4, the conveying device 18 moves between the third position F3 and the fourth position F4 and the second position (pallet exchange position) F2. , so that the pallet P and the work W can be transported in both directions. That is, in the transport path R of the pallet P and the work W transported by the transport device 18, the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 is " It is the end point. The third position F3 and the fourth position F4 are "end points" when the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 is set as the "transfer start point".

As shown in FIG. 3, the conveying device 18 includes a base portion 54, a movable portion 56,

work holding portions

58a and 58b, and a connecting portion (not shown), the operation of which is controlled by the control device 38. The base 54 is a skeleton of the transport device 18, and is fixed to the bed 22 and the column 24 via fixing members (not shown). The movable portion 56 supports the

work holding portions

58a and 58b and reciprocates them in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction), and is formed in a plate shape extending in the X-axis direction. The movable portion 56 is provided with a drive mechanism (not shown) whose power source is power transmitted from the processing head 26 .

A drive mechanism (not shown) is a mechanism for moving the movable portion 56 in the X-axis direction with the power transmitted from the processing head 26. When power is transmitted from the machining head 26 to the drive mechanism, the movable part 56 is moved to one side in the X-axis direction, but the movement distance of the movable part 56 is adjusted by the drive mechanism. In this embodiment, the pallet P and the workpiece W are bidirectionally transported between the third position F3 and the fourth position F4 and the second position F2, so the moving distance of the movable part 56 is It is defined to be the same as the distance between the fourth position F4 and the second position F2. A specific configuration of such a drive mechanism is described in detail in Japanese Patent No. 6771807.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first work holding unit 58a is a mechanical device that detachably holds the pallet P and the work W. and an actuator 62a for moving in the direction. In this embodiment, an electric chuck is used as the grip part 60a, and a linear electric actuator is used as the actuator 62a. The second work holding portion 58b has a gripping portion 60b and an actuator 62b, and is configured in the same manner as the first work holding portion 58a. The first work holding portion 58a is provided at one end (right end) of the movable portion 56, and the second work holding portion 58b is provided at the other end (left end) of the movable portion 56. there is

As shown in FIG. 4, a transport path R (a path indicated by a thick line arrow) for the pallet P and the work W transported by the transport device 18 includes a first transport path R1 through which the first work holding portion 58a passes and a second transport path R1. It has a second transport path R2 through which the work holding portion 58b passes. The first transport path R1 includes an outer vertical transport area R1a extending upward from the third position F3, a horizontal transport area R1b extending horizontally from the upper end of the outer vertical transport area R1a toward the inside of the machine tool 12, and a horizontal transport area R1b. and an inner vertical transport region R1c extending downward from the left end. On the other hand, the second transport path R2 includes an outer vertical transport area R2a extending upward from the fourth position F4, a horizontal transport area R2b extending horizontally toward the inside of the machine tool 12 from the upper end of the outer vertical transport area R2a, and a horizontal transport area. and an inner vertical transport region R2c extending downward from the right end of R2b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 40 is shaped like a box with an open top. The front surface 40a of the cover 40, which is the front surface of the machine tool 12, is provided with an opening (first opening) 64 communicating with the machining area Q1 shown in FIG. installed. Therefore, the operator can inspect the equipment inside the machine tool 12 through the opening (first opening) 64 by opening the door 66 .

The right surface 40b of the cover 40 is provided with an opening (second opening) 68a for communicating between the outer vertical transport area R1a located outside the cover 40 and the horizontal transport area R1b located inside the cover 40. . The left surface 40c of the cover 40 is provided with an opening (second opening) 68b for communicating between the outer vertical transport area R2a located outside the cover 40 and the horizontal transport area R2b located inside the cover 40. . Therefore, the transport path R is configured to horizontally extend from the openings (second openings) 68a and 68b into the machine tool 12 and reach the processing table 36 at the second position (pallet exchange position) F2.

A box-shaped auxiliary cover 70a with an open lower surface is attached to the right surface 40b so as to cover the outer vertical conveying region R1a, and to the left surface 40c so as to cover the outer vertical conveying region R2a. , a box-shaped auxiliary cover 70b with an open bottom is attached. Furthermore, an operation panel 72 is provided on the right surface 40b for the operator to input various processing conditions and the like to the control device 38. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plate-shaped first partition wall 74a is provided between the horizontal transfer region R1b inside the cover 40 and the processing region Q1 located therebelow. A plate-shaped second partition 74b is provided between the transport region R2b and the processing region Q1 located therebelow. The first partition 74a and the second partition 74b are formed continuously by a single plate-like member, and are directly above the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 in the first partition 74a and the second partition 74b. An opening (third opening) 76 that constitutes the transport path R is provided at the position. The opening (third opening) 76 is provided with a shutter 80 that is closed by a shutter opening/closing device 78 (FIG. 6) when the workpiece W is processed.

(Stocker configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 are arranged on both left and right sides of the machine tool 12 when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 2B, the first stocker 14 arranged on the right side of the machine tool 12 includes a base 82 and at least one (three in this embodiment) pallets for holding the pallets P. It has

pedestals

86c, 86f, 86h, at least one (four in this embodiment) work pedestals 86a, 86b, 86e, 86g for holding the work W, and an empty pedestal 86d. A stock area S is an area on the upper surface of the base 82 that holds the respective stands 86a to 86h. It should be noted that the number of pedestals 86a to 86h is an example and is not limited to the present embodiment.

The pallet stands 86c, 86f, and 86h are provided with jigs (not shown) for detachably holding the pallet P. In addition, the workpiece stands 86a, 86b, 86e, and 86g are provided with jigs (not shown) that hold the workpiece W detachably. The empty table 86d has both a jig (not shown) for detachably holding the pallet P and a jig (not shown) for detachably holding the work W, and the pallet P and the work W are selected. It is configured so that it can be held effectively. Note that the empty pallet 86d can also be formed into a platform shape on which objects can be simply placed without holding the pallet P and the work W together. In this case, the empty pallet 86d can be used as a storage stand during maintenance of the first stocker 14 or the like.

In this embodiment, the pallet stand is configured to hold only the pallet P, and the work stand is configured to hold the work W only. The pallet stand and the work stand may be configured to selectively hold either the pallet P or the work W.

In addition, the first stocker 14 has a table transfer section 84 for transferring the pallet tables 86c, 86f, 86h and the work tables 86a, 86b, 86e, 86g to a predetermined third position (transfer start point) F3. ing. The pedestal transport section 84 is composed of an annular track 84a provided on the upper surface of the base 82 and a first stocker drive motor 88 for moving the pedestals 86a to 86h along the track 84a.

A clamping device (not shown) for fixing the pallet P or the work W is provided on each of the stands 86a to 86h. Further, each of the stands 86a to 86h is provided with a stand identification portion 90a to 90h, and identification information for identifying the stand 86a to 86h is written in each of the stand identification portions 90a to 90h. there is Further, the stands 86a to 86h are provided with reading devices 92a to 92h for reading identification information from the pallet identification sections 20a to 20f provided on the pallets P1 to P6, respectively. In this case, the reading devices 92a-92h are composed of a plurality of limit switches for detecting a plurality of projections forming the pallet identification units 20a-20f. That is, the reading devices 92a-92h can identify the pallets P1-P6 by a combination of limit switches that are turned "ON" (or "OFF") by contact with the pallet identification sections 20a-20f.

As shown in FIG. 2(B), a position sensor 94 is provided near the third position F3 on the upper surface of the base 82 to detect the positions of the mounts 86a to 86h. The position sensor 94 of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect that the mounts 86a to 86h have reached the third position F3 by reading the identification information from the mount identification units 90a to 90h. In this case, the pedestal identification units 90a to 90h are electronic chips (RFID tags) that transmit radio waves representing identification information for identifying the pedestals 86a to 86h. The position sensor 94 is a detector that receives radio waves emitted by the stand identification units 90a to 90h and outputs corresponding electric signals. The position sensor 94 may be used together with a limit switch (not shown) for physically detecting the stands 86a to 86h.

The second stocker 16 arranged on the left side of the machine tool 12 shown in FIG. 2(A) has a base 82, a pedestal transport section 84, and pedestals 86a to 86h, like the first stocker 14. there is The pedestal transport section 84 is composed of a track 84a and a second stocker drive motor 96, and near the fourth position F4 on the upper surface of the base 82, positions for detecting the positions of the pedestals 86a to 86h are provided. A sensor 98 is provided.

(Configuration of control system)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the operation of machine tool system 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 38 of the machine tool 12 is composed of a microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes a machining program. The control device 38 includes a spindle drive motor 46, a tool magazine 34, a Z-axis drive motor 48, an X-axis drive motor 50, a Y-axis drive motor 52, a first workpiece holder 58a, a second workpiece holder 58b, and an operation panel 72. are electrically connected. In addition, the controller 38 is electrically connected to the first stocker drive motor 88 of the first stocker 14, the position sensor 94, and the readers 92a to 92h. 96, position sensor 98 and readers 92a-92h are electrically connected.

The control device 38 comprehensively controls the operation of the entire machine tool system 10, and controls each device so that the work W is cut and processed. A machining program is stored in the ROM or RAM. The operation panel 72 is provided with operation buttons for the operator to input various processing conditions.

The control device 38 acquires each identification information of the pallet P and the work W held by the stands 86a to 86h. In this case, the control device 38 may acquire each identification information of the pallet P and the work W held by the pedestals 86a to 86h by the operator's input operation. Using identifiers such as RFID attached to each W, the control device 38 itself may acquire each identification information of the pallets P and the works W held by the stands 86a to 86h.

In any case, the control device 38 grasps each relationship between the pallet P and the work W placed on each of the stands 86a to 86h. This also means that the control device 38 grasps the vacant stands 86a to 86h on which the pallet P and the work W are not placed. Then, the pedestal transport unit 84 is controlled to transport the pallet pedestal or the work pedestal corresponding to the pallet P or the work W designated by the machining program to the third position F3 or the fourth position F4.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in the machine tool system 10 , the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 are arranged close to the left and right sides of the machine tool 12 . A third position F3 and a fourth position F4, which are the starting point (or the end point) of the conveying path R, are located below the openings (second openings) 68a and 68b, and are located within the machining area Q1 inside the machine tool 12. A side wall of the machine tool 12 is positioned between the stock areas S of the

stockers

14 and 16 . That is,

chip protection walls

100a and 100b are provided between the machining area Q1 and the stock area S to prevent machining chips generated in the machining area Q1 from entering the stock area S. As shown in FIG.

The transport path R of the pallet P and the work W transported by the transport device 18 is directed to the inside of the machine tool 12 through openings (second openings) 68a and 68b provided above the

chip protection walls

100a and 100b. It is configured. In other words, the transport path R is configured to climb over the

chip protection walls

100a and 100b.

(Operation of machine tool system)
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control operation by the control device 38. As shown in FIG. When the operation buttons on the operation panel 72 shown in FIG. 5 are operated to execute the machining program, first, in step S1 shown in FIG. 88 and second stocker drive motor 96 are controlled.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not the designated pallet P has reached the third position (transportation start point) F3 or the fourth position (transportation start point) F4. The conveying device 18 is controlled to transfer the pallet P to the processing table 36 of the machine tool 12 . If "NO" is determined, the process is kept on standby.

Each of the pallets P1 to P6 is provided with a pallet identification section 20a to 20f, and each pallet identification section 20a to 20f physically represents identification information for identifying the pallet P1 to P6. . Therefore, by reading the identification information with the

position sensors

94 and 98, arrival of the designated pallet P can be determined. As a method for identifying the pallets P, a method using other identifiers such as RFID tags or barcodes may be adopted, or the pallets P1 to P6 and the stands 86a to 86h are associated in advance with the control device 38. may be adopted.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not the designated work W has reached the third position (transportation start point) F3 or the fourth position (transportation start point) F4. The conveying device 18 is controlled so as to mount the work W on the pallet P of the processing table 36 . If "NO" is determined, the process is kept on standby.

Each table 86a to 86h shown in FIG. 2(B) and the work W placed thereon (FIG. 2(A)) are associated in advance. When the

position sensors

94 and 98 detect that the stands 86a to 86h corresponding to the designated work W have reached the transfer start points F3 and F4, it is determined that the designated work W has arrived. As a method of identifying the work W, instead of the method of associating it with the pedestals 86a to 86h, a method of providing an individual identifier such as an RFID tag or a bar code to the work W may be employed. and the pedestals 86a to 86h may be set in the controller 38 in association with each other.

When the mounting of the work W on the pallet P is completed, the work W is processed by the processing head 26 in step S11. In the next step S13, it is judged whether or not the machining is completed. The conveying device 18 is controlled so as to transfer the works W to one. If "NO" is determined, the process is kept on standby.

The stands 86a to 86h to which the workpieces W after machining are returned may be the original stands or other empty stands. For example, when it becomes necessary to inspect the work W or maintain the pallet P during processing of the work W, it is conceivable to return the work to a table that facilitates these works. Further, when returning the processed work W to the table, the pallet P holding the work W may be returned together.

In the next step S17, it is determined whether or not the control operation by the control device 38 should be terminated. If "NO" is determined, the process proceeds to step S19. At step S19, it is determined whether or not the pallet P is to be replaced. The conveying device 18 is controlled so as to transfer the pallets P to one, and then the process returns to step S3. If "NO" is determined, the process returns to step S7.

It should be noted that when the work W is processed step by step in a plurality of processes, the direction of the previously processed work W may be changed and the processing may be continued. In this case, first, the previously processed work W and the pallet P are evacuated to separate stands, and then the pallet P that can hold the work W upside down (for example, upside down) is set on the stand. After that, the previously machined workpiece W is turned upside down and remounted on the pallet P for the next machining. Thereby, the workpiece W can be machined all over (six-face machining).

(Effect of machine tool system)
According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by the above configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 2(A), only one of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 can hold both the pallet P and the workpiece W, so the empty space when only the pallet P is held is can hold the work W, and the pallet P can be held in the empty space when only the work W is held. That is, the empty space of

stockers

14 and 16 can be effectively used.

By controlling the pedestal transfer unit 84 (FIG. 2) with the control device 38 shown in FIG. It can be automatically transported to F4.

Since work space can be secured in the stock area S by the vacant table 86d shown in FIG. 2A, various operations (pallet P Alternatively, the work efficiency of transferring the work W, etc.) can be improved. Since the pallet stand or work stand is positioned apart from the machine tool 12, the machine tool 12 does not interfere with the work.

As shown in FIG. 1, an opening (first opening) 64 communicating with a machining area Q1 is provided in a front surface (front) 40a of the machine tool 12. Since it is arranged on both sides, it is possible to easily inspect the equipment provided in the processing area Q1 from the opening (first opening) 64 . In this case, in front of the opening (first opening) 64, a work space should be secured so that the worker can work.

As shown in FIG. 1,

chip protection walls

100a and 100b are provided between the machining area Q1 and the stock area S to prevent machining scraps generated in the machining area Q1 from entering the stock area S. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the processing waste from adhering to the pallet P and the workpiece W held in the stock area S. In addition, since the transport path R is constructed so as to go over the

chip protection walls

100a and 100b toward the inside of the machine tool 12, it is possible to ensure that the machining chips generated in the machining area Q1 enter the stock area S. can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processing table 36 can be positioned at a second position (pallet exchange position) F2 away from the first position (processing position) F1, and the processing table 36 at the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 can be positioned. Since it can be the end point of the transport path R, the transport path R can be easily constructed above the processing table 36 .

Since

partition walls

74a and 74b shown in FIG. 3 are provided between the horizontal transfer regions R1b and R2b shown in FIG. 4 and the processing region Q1, processing waste generated in the processing region Q1 does not enter the horizontal transfer regions R1b and R2b can be suppressed. In addition, since the opening (third opening) 76 is provided directly above the second position (pallet exchange position) F2 away from the first position (processing position) F1, processing chips generated in the processing area Q1 are removed from the opening (third opening) 76. 3 opening) 76 is difficult to enter into the horizontal transfer areas R1b and R2b. Further, the opening (third opening) 76 is provided with a shutter 80 that is closed when the work W is processed, so that processing chips generated in the processing area Q1 are horizontally conveyed from the opening (third opening) 76. Entry into the regions R1b and R2b can be reliably prevented.

(Modification)
It should be noted that the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the object of the present invention. That is, although the machine tool system 10 includes the carrier device 18 in the above embodiment, the carrier device 18 may be omitted. Even in this case, the pallet stand or work stand corresponding to the pallet P or work W designated by the machining program can be automatically transported to the third position F3 or the fourth position F4, so that subsequent operations can be performed manually. Even if there is, work efficiency can be improved. Further, the conveying device 18 may be provided separately from the machine tool 12 and may be operated and controlled by the control device 38 or a control device different from the control device 38 . That is, the transport device 18 may be configured as a gantry that is provided separately from the machine tool 12 and transports the pallet P and the workpiece W.

In the above-described embodiment, electric chucks are used as the gripping

portions

60a and 60b of the

work holding portions

58a and 58b constituting the transfer device 18, but instead of these, chucks driven by air pressure or hydraulic pressure are used. good too. Electric actuators are used as the

actuators

62a and 62b of the

workpiece holding portions

58a and 58b, but actuators driven by pneumatic pressure or hydraulic pressure may be used instead. Further, instead of the transport device 18, a transport device having an articulated robot may be used.

In the above embodiment, the pallet P and the workpiece W are transferred to the processing table 36 at the second position (pallet exchange position) F2. P and work W may be transported.

In the above-described embodiment, the machine tool system 10 is configured to machine the workpiece W made of metal, but the machine tool system 10 can process workpieces W other than metal, such as wood, ceramic material, or resin material. It may be configured to process a work W consisting of. The machine tool 12 may also be configured to perform machining other than cutting, such as grinding, electric discharge machining, welding, thermal spraying, build-up, surface treatment, or plastic deformation.

In the above embodiment, the control device 38 is configured to identify the positions of the stands 86a to 86h using the stand identification units 90a to 90h. However, the control device 38 can grasp the positions of the stands 86a to 86h without using the stand identification units 90a to 90h. For example, the control device 38 grasps in advance the reference positions of the pedestals 86a to 86h (which pedestal is positioned at which position), and rotates the first stocker drive motor 88 and the second stocker drive motor 96. The positions of the pedestals 86a to 86h can also be grasped by the amount or the rotation angle.

The identification of the pallet P, the work W, and the stands 86a to 86h can be performed by optical identification using a bar code or the like, or identification by a mechanical switch such as a limit switch, in addition to the identification method using radio waves such as the RFID tag. Alternatively, various individual identification means such as identification using a detector that detects magnetism or capacitance such as a proximity switch can be used.

In the above embodiment, the controller 38 is configured to control each actuation of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 . However, controller 38 may be configured to control operation of at least one of first stocker 14 and second stocker 16 . The controller 38 can also be configured not to control each operation of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 . In this case, the machine tool system 10 may be configured so that the operator controls each operation of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16,
A configuration is also possible in which a control device for comprehensively controlling each operation of the control device 38, the first stocker 14, and the second stocker 16 is provided separately.

In the above embodiment, the control device 38 controls each operation of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 so as to position the pedestals 86a to 86h at the third position F3 and the fourth position F4. However, the control device 38 may control each operation of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 so as to position the stands 86a to 86h at positions other than the respective positions of the third position F3 and the fourth position F4. Of course it is good.

In the above embodiment, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 are composed of pallet stands 86c, 86f, 86h, work stands 86a, 86b, 86e, 86g, and an empty stocker 86d. However, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 may be configured to have pallet stands 86c, 86f, 86h and work stands 86a, 86b, 86e, 86g, or work W such as an empty stand 86d. and pallets P can be configured only with pallets that can selectively hold them.

In the above embodiment, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 are configured so that the stands 86a to 86h move within the stock area S. However, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 may be fixedly provided so that the stands 86a to 86h do not move within the stock area S. In this case, the conveying device 18 or the operator moves with respect to the stands 86a to 86h to put the pallet P and the work W in and out.

FIG. 7(A) is a plan view showing the configuration of the machine tool system 102 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7(B) is a plan view showing the configuration of the machine tool system 104 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the above embodiment, the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 are arranged on both left and right sides of the machine tool 12. One of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 is May be omitted. For example, like the machine tool system 102 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the second stocker 16 may simply be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), in the above-described embodiment, the pedestal transport section 84 of the first stocker 14 and the second stocker 16 moves the pedestals 86a to 86h along the annular track 84a. The pedestal transport section 84 may be changed to another method. For example, as in the machine tool system 104 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7(B), a movable table transport section 106 may be used. In this case, the stands 86a to 86h are arranged in a row, and the stand conveying unit 106 carrying the designated pallet P or workpiece W is moved between the stands 86a to 86h and the third position F3. . Further, the pedestal conveying unit 84 may be configured so that the pedestal moves along a ring-shaped track in the vertical direction instead of or in addition to the horizontal direction.

F1... First position (machining position), F2... Second position (pallet exchange position), F3... Third position, F4... Fourth position, P... Pallet, Q1... Machining area, W... Work,
10... Machine tool system, 12... Machine tool, 14... First stocker, 16... Second stocker, 18... Conveying device, 20a to 20f... Pallet identification unit, 32... Y-axis direction movement mechanism (working table movement mechanism), 36... Machining table, 38... Control device, 86c, 86f, 86h... Pallet table, 86a, 86b, 86e, 86g... Work table, 86d... Empty table, 84... Table conveying section, 90a to 90h... Table identifying section.

Claims

a machine tool that processes the workpiece placed on the pallet;
A stocker having a plurality of pedestals outside the machine tool,
The plurality of pedestals are
A machine tool system including both a stand for holding at least one workpiece and a stand for holding at least one pallet.
The plurality of pedestals are
2. The machine tool system according to claim 1, comprising a stand for holding only said workpiece and a stand for holding only said pallet.
3. The machine tool system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of pedestals include pedestals for selectively holding said pallet and said work.
The machine tool system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said stocker positions at least one of said plurality of pedestals at an arbitrary position.
The machine tool has a control device for executing a machining program,
5. The machine tool system according to claim 4, wherein said controller controls operation of said stocker to position at least one of said plurality of pedestals at said arbitrary position.
The control device acquires identification information of the pallet held by the pedestal, acquires identification information of the work held by the pedestal, and acquires the work corresponding to the pallet or the work designated by the machining program. 6. The machine tool system according to claim 5, wherein the positioning of the pedestal with respect to the machine tool is controlled.
The machine tool has a machining area for machining the workpiece,
A first opening leading to the machining area is provided on the front surface of the machine tool,
The machine tool system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the two stockers are arranged on both left and right sides of the machine tool when viewed from the front.
The machine tool has a machining area for machining the workpiece,
The stocker has a stock area in which the pallet and the workpiece are arranged,
8. A chip protection wall is provided between the machining area and the stock area to prevent machining chips generated in the machining area from entering the stock area. The machine tool system described in .
A transport device for transporting the pallet and the workpiece between the stocker and the machine tool,
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the pallet and the workpiece conveyed by the conveying device are conveyed toward the interior of the machine tool through a second opening provided above the chip protection wall. machine tool system.
The machine tool has a machining table that holds the pallet on which the workpiece is placed, and a machining table moving mechanism that moves the machining table between a machining position and a pallet exchange position,
10. The machine tool system according to claim 9, wherein said transport path extends horizontally from said second opening into said machine tool to reach said processing table at said pallet exchange position.
When a portion of the conveying path extending horizontally toward the inside of the machine tool is defined as a horizontal conveying area, a plate-shaped partition wall is provided between the horizontal conveying area and the processing area located below the horizontal conveying area,
11. The machine tool system according to claim 10, wherein a portion of said partition wall located immediately above said pallet exchange position is provided with a third opening that constitutes said transfer path.
12. The machine tool system according to claim 11, wherein said third opening is provided with a shutter that is closed when machining said workpiece.