Lathe

Abstract

This invention provides a miniaturized lathe. The NC lathe 1 includes: a first spindle 31, which is rotatable about a first spindle centerline CL1; a second spindle 61, which holds a cut workpiece W2 received from the first spindle 31 and is rotatable about the second spindle centerline CL2; a second tool post 7, which mounts a plurality of tools T2, which machine the cut workpiece W2 held by the second spindle 61; a receiving member 73, which is disposed on the second tool post 7; Y2 An X2 axis motor 701 moves at least one of the second tool post 7 and the second spindle 61 in the Y2 axis direction; and an X2 axis motor 64 moves at least one of the second tool post 7 and the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction; and the second tool post 7 has a plurality of spaced-apart tool T2 tool mounting portions 711 in the Y2 axis direction, at least one of the plurality of tool mounting portions 711 being arranged in the X2 axis direction at a position overlapping with the receiving member 73.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lathe comprising: a first spindle capable of rotating about a center line of the first spindle; and a second spindle capable of holding a workpiece received from the first spindle and rotating about a center line of the second spindle. Prior Technology

[0002] A lathe is known to include: a spindle capable of holding and rotating a workpiece; a first tool post for mounting a tool for machining one end portion of the workpiece held by the spindle; a holding device for holding the workpiece whose one end portion has been machined; and a second tool post for mounting a tool for machining the other end portion of the workpiece held by the holding device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A plurality of tools are mounted on the first tool post for various machining operations. Similarly, a plurality of tools are also mounted on the second tool post. In recent years, there has been a demand for multi-variety, low-volume production, leading to a need for a second tool post capable of mounting even more types of tools. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-159241 Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The lathe described in Patent Document 1 has a second tool post with tools arranged in a transverse row. Therefore, as the number of tools that can be mounted on the second tool post gradually increases, the second tool post becomes larger, and the movable range of the holding device needs to be expanded so that the holding device can move along the entire arrangement direction of the increased tools, thus increasing the size of the lathe in the tool arrangement direction. Furthermore, sometimes a functional component is arranged alongside the tools on the second tool post; this functional component is a receiving component for receiving machined workpieces from the holding device. In this case, the size of the second tool post increases to correspond to the size of the portion where the functional component is located. In addition, the workpiece held by the holding device must be able to move to the functional component, further expanding the movable range of the holding device. Therefore, there is a problem of increasing the size of the lathe.

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a miniaturized lathe. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] The lathe of the present invention, which achieves the above-mentioned objectives, is characterized by comprising: a first spindle capable of rotating about a center line of the first spindle; a second spindle capable of holding a workpiece received from the first spindle and capable of rotating about a center line of the second spindle; a tool post for mounting a plurality of tools for machining the workpiece held by the second spindle; and a functional component disposed on the tool post. A first driving device moves at least one of the tool holder and the second spindle in a first axial direction, which is orthogonal to the direction of the center line of the second spindle along the center line of the second spindle; and a second driving device moves at least one of the tool holder and the second spindle in a second axial direction, which is orthogonal to the direction of the center line of the second spindle and also orthogonal to the first axial direction; and the tool holder has a plurality of spaced-apart tool mounting portions in the first axial direction, at least one of the plurality of mounting portions being arranged in the second axial direction at a position overlapping with the functional member.

[0008] According to this lathe, by moving at least one of the tool post and the second spindle along the second axis direction, and by moving at least one of the tool post and the second spindle along the first axis direction, any tool can be selected from a plurality of tools mounted on the tool post. Furthermore, since at least one of the mounting portions is positioned in the second axis direction overlapping with the functional component, the length of the tool post in the second axis direction can be shortened. Also, since the relative positions of the tool post and the second spindle in the second axis direction can overlap or approach each other when machining a workpiece using a tool mounted on the mounting portion, and when using the functional component, the movable range of one or both of the tool post and the second spindle along the second axis direction can be reduced. As a result, the lathe can be miniaturized.

[0009] Here, at least one of the aforementioned mounting portions can also be positioned at a location overlapping with a portion of the aforementioned functional member in the second axis direction and spaced apart from a portion of the aforementioned functional member in the first axis direction. Furthermore, the aforementioned mounting portion can also be a location for mounting a plurality of tool mounting units that hold the aforementioned tools. Moreover, at least one of the plurality of tool mounting units can also be positioned at a location overlapping with the aforementioned functional member in the second axis direction. Additionally, at least one of the plurality of tool mounting units can also be positioned at a location overlapping with a portion of the aforementioned functional member in the second axis direction and spaced apart from a portion of the aforementioned functional member in the first axis direction. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional member can be a receiving member, a measuring device for measuring the shape of a finished workpiece, a robotic arm for receiving a finished workpiece, or a damage detection device for detecting tool breakage. Furthermore, the aforementioned functional member can be used before or after workpiece processing, and can also have functions not directly related to workpiece processing.

[0010] In this lathe, the first drive mechanism can also move the tool post.

[0011] In this lathe, the aforementioned functional components can also function on the workpiece at a position opposite to the second spindle in the direction of the center line of the second spindle.

[0012] Since the functional position of the aforementioned functional component and the machining position of the aforementioned tool are close in the direction of the second axis, the travel time of the tool holder and the second spindle during relative movement between the functional position and the machining position can be shortened. This allows for a shorter machining cycle when using the aforementioned tool holder.

[0013] Furthermore, in this lathe, the aforementioned functional component can be a receiving component, which has a receiving port for receiving the machined workpiece that has been processed using the aforementioned tool. The receiving port can also be arranged in the aforementioned second axis direction at a position overlapping with at least one of the plurality of aforementioned mounting parts.

[0014] In this way, the relative positions of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction when the tool mounted on the above-mentioned mounting part is used to process the workpiece, and the relative positions of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction when the processed workpiece is put into the above-mentioned receiving port, can overlap or approach each other. Therefore, the movable range of one or both of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction can be reduced, thereby making the lathe miniaturized.

[0015] Furthermore, in this lathe, the tool post can be configured at a position away from the center line of the first spindle in the direction of the second axis. The functional component can be a receiving component, which has a receiving port for receiving the machined workpiece that has been processed using the tool. The receiving port can also be configured at at least one of the plurality of the mounting portions in a position closer to the center line of the first spindle in the direction of the second axis.

[0016] In this way, the relative positions of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction when the tool mounted on the above-mentioned mounting part is used to process the workpiece, and the relative positions of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction when the processed workpiece is put into the above-mentioned receiving port, can overlap. Therefore, the movable range of one or both of the tool holder and the second spindle in the second axis direction can be reduced, thereby making the lathe miniaturized.

[0017] Furthermore, in this lathe, the aforementioned receiving component can also be in the following form: having an inclined surface, which utilizes the height difference to move the received workpiece.

[0018] Based on this pattern, the space formed below the inclined surface can be effectively utilized as a space for configuring the aforementioned tools or tool mounting units.

[0019] Here, a cooling nozzle can also be configured to spray coolant into the space formed below the inclined surface.

[0020] Furthermore, in this lathe, at least one of the plurality of the aforementioned mounting portions may also be positioned offset in the aforementioned second axis direction relative to the closest mounting portion among the other mounting portions spaced apart in the aforementioned first axis direction.

[0021] By configuring the mounting parts in this way, they can be arranged close to each other in the first axis direction, thus shortening the length of the tool holder in the first axis direction and enabling miniaturization of the tool holder. Furthermore, during machining, the range of movement of one or both of the tool holder and the second spindle in the first axis direction can be smaller, which also helps to shorten machining time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, a miniaturized lathe can be provided. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0023] Figure 1 is a front view showing the exterior of the NC lathe according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view simply showing the internal structure of the NC lathe shown in Figure 1. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the second spindle, the second spindle, and the base of the second spindle shown in Figure 2 together; (b) is a perspective view showing the state after the X2 protective cover and Z2 protective cover are removed from Figure 3(a). Figure 4 is a front view of the second spindle and the second tool post shown in Figure 2, viewed from the front side of the NC lathe. Figure 5 is a side view of the second tool post, viewed from the right side in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the NC lathe with a portion cut off and viewed from the right side, slightly towards the rear. Figure 7(a) is a side view of the second tool post, which is the same as in Figure 5, with the cooling nozzle and tool mounting unit installed; (b) is a BB cross-sectional view obtained by cutting along line BB in Figure (a). Figure 8 is a side view of the second tool post, which is the same as in Figure 5, showing a variation of the second tool post. Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to an NC (Numerical Control) lathe will be used for illustration.

[0025] Figure 1 is a front view of the NC lathe according to this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the NC lathe 1 has a cutting chamber 11, a first spindle head chamber 12, and an operation panel 15 on a base bracket 10 (see Figure 3). This NC lathe 1 is an example of a lathe. Furthermore, Figure 1 also shows the downstream end of the discharge conveyor 9, which transports the machined workpieces processed by the NC lathe 1 to the outside of the NC lathe 1. Viewed from the front, the cutting chamber 11 is located on the right side of the NC lathe 1. A window 111 is provided in the cutting chamber 11 for viewing the interior of the cutting chamber 11. Viewed from the front, the first spindle head chamber 12 is located on the left side of the NC lathe 1. The operation panel 15 is located above the first spindle head chamber 12. This operation panel 15 is used to operate the input device of the NC lathe 1. The operator of the NC lathe 1 stands near the front of the paper in Figure 1 and performs the following operations: using the operation panel 15 to operate the NC lathe 1, and observing the cutting chamber 11 through the window 111 to confirm the machining actions, etc.

[0027] Figure 2 is a top view that simply shows the internal structure of the NC lathe shown in Figure 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the NC lathe 1 is equipped with an NC device 2, a first spindle head 3, a guide sleeve 4, a first tool post 5, a second spindle head 6, and a second tool post 7. The NC device 2 stores the NC program. The NC device 2 is a computer that, according to the NC program, uses numerical control to move the first spindle head 3, the first tool post 5, the second spindle head 6, and the second tool post 7. Furthermore, the NC device 2 also controls the rotation of the first spindle 31 and the second spindle 61. In addition, sometimes a rotary tool that rotates tool T1 is mounted on the first tool post 5. Similarly, sometimes a rotary tool that rotates tool T2 is mounted on the second tool post 7. The NC device 2 also controls the rotation of these rotary tools. Moreover, in addition to actions executed using the NC program, the NC lathe 1 can also perform actions by directly inputting commands to the NC device 2 from the operation panel 15 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The first spindle stage 3 is disposed within the first spindle stage chamber 12 shown in Figure 1. A first spindle 31 is mounted on the first spindle stage 3. The Z1-axis motor 32 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates accordingly, thereby causing the first spindle stage 3 and the first spindle 31 to move together along the Z1-axis direction. The Z1-axis direction is horizontal, which is the left-right direction in Figure 2. The first spindle 31 has a first holding part such as a collet. Furthermore, the first spindle 31 uses the first holding part to loosely hold a long, rod-shaped workpiece material W1 inserted into it. The first spindle 31 can hold the workpiece material W1 and rotate around the first spindle centerline CL1. The direction of the first spindle centerline CL1 is consistent with the Z1-axis direction. A first spindle motor 311, such as a built-in motor, is provided in the first spindle 31. The first spindle motor 311 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates, thereby rotating the first spindle 31 around the first spindle centerline CL1. Consequently, the workpiece material W1 held by the first spindle 31 rotates around the first spindle centerline CL1.

[0030] The guide sleeve 4 is fixed to the bracket 10 of the NC lathe 1 (see Figure 3) by the guide sleeve support 41. The end face of the guide sleeve 4, opposite to the side where the first spindle 31 is located, is exposed in the cutting chamber 11 shown in Figure 1. The guide sleeve 4 supports the end of the workpiece material W1 that passes through the interior of the first spindle 31, allowing the end of the workpiece material W1 to slide freely along the Z1 axis. The portion of the guide sleeve 4 that supports the workpiece material W1 can rotate synchronously with the first spindle 31 around the center line CL1 of the first spindle. That is, the center line CL1 of the first spindle is also the rotation center line of the portion of the workpiece material W1 supported by the guide sleeve 4. By using the guide sleeve 4, bending of the workpiece material W1 during machining can be suppressed, thus enabling high-precision machining of slender workpiece materials W1, in particular.

[0031] The first tool post 5 can move in the X1 axis direction (orthogonal to the Z1 axis and oriented horizontally) and the Y1 axis direction (oriented vertically). The first tool post 5 rotates and moves in the X1 axis direction after receiving commands from the NC device 2 via the X1 axis motor 51, and rotates and moves in the Y1 axis direction after receiving commands from the NC device 2 via the Y1 axis motor 52. In Figure 2, the vertical direction is the X1 axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper is the Y1 axis direction. A tool T1 for machining the workpiece material W1 is mounted on the first tool post 5. Figure 2 shows the case where the tool T1 is mounted on the first tool post 5. The tool T1 is disposed within the cutting chamber 11. A plurality of tools T1, including turning tools for external diameter machining and turning tools for cutting, are mounted side-by-side along the Y1 axis on the first tool post 5. By moving the first tool post 5 in the Y1 axis direction, any tool T1 can be selected from the plurality of tools T1. Furthermore, by moving the first tool holder 5 in the X1 axis direction, the selected tool T1 cuts into the workpiece material W1 held by the first spindle 31 to process the workpiece material W1.

[0032] The second spindle stage 6 is disposed within the cutting chamber 11. A second spindle 61 is mounted on the second spindle stage 6. The X2-axis motor 64 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates, thereby causing the second spindle stage 6 and the second spindle 61 to move together in the X2-axis direction. Similarly, the Z2-axis motor 65 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates, thereby causing the second spindle stage 6 and the second spindle 61 to move together in the Z2-axis direction. The X2-axis direction is the same as the X1-axis direction described above, and the Z2-axis direction is the same as the Z1-axis direction described above. The second spindle 61 has a second holding portion, such as a collet. A cut workpiece W2, which has been processed using the first spindle 31 and cut by a cutting tool, is handed to the second spindle 61. This cut workpiece W2 is an example of a workpiece. The second spindle 61 uses the second holding portion to releasably hold the cut workpiece W2 received from the first spindle 31. The second spindle 61 can hold the cut workpiece W2 and rotate it around the center line CL2 of the second spindle. The direction of the center line CL2 of the second spindle is consistent with the direction of the Z2 axis. The direction of the Z2 axis is equivalent to one example of the direction of the center line of the second spindle. A second spindle motor 611, such as a built-in motor, is provided in the second spindle 61. The second spindle motor 611 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates, thereby rotating the second spindle 61 around the center line CL2 of the second spindle. In this way, the cut workpiece W2 held by the second spindle 61 rotates around the center line CL2 of the second spindle. The configuration of the second spindle table 6 and the second spindle 61 will be described in detail below.

[0033] The second tool post 7 is positioned within the cutting chamber 11 shown in Figure 1, away from the center line CL1 of the first spindle in the X2 axis direction. The Y2 axis motor 701 receives commands from the NC device 2 and rotates, thereby moving the second tool post 7 along the Y2 axis direction. This Y2 axis direction is the same as the Y1 axis direction described above. A plurality of tools T2 are mounted on the second tool post 7 to process the cut workpiece W2 held by the second spindle 61. Figure 2 shows the tools T2 mounted on the second tool post 7. Furthermore, a receiving member 73 (see Figure 5) is also mounted on the second tool post 7, which receives the workpiece that has been processed using the tools T2. A plurality of tools T2, such as drills or end mills, are mounted on the second tool post 7. Although not shown in Figure 2, the tools T2 are mounted side-by-side not only in the X2 axis direction but also in the Y2 axis direction. By moving the second spindle head 6 in the X2 axis direction and the second tool post 7 in the Y2 axis direction, any tool T2 can be selected from the plurality of tools T2. Furthermore, by moving the second spindle head 6 in the Z2 axis direction, the cut-off end portion of the cut workpiece W2 held by the second spindle 61 is machined. The configuration of the second tool post 7 will be described in detail below.

[0034] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the second spindle stage, the second spindle, and the base of the second spindle stage as shown in Figure 2. Figure 3(b) is a perspective view showing the state after the X2 Apron Cover and Z2 Protective Cover have been removed from Figure (a). A portion of the bracket 10 is also shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

[0035] As shown in Figure 3(a), the second spindle stage 6 is disposed on the second spindle stage base 60 formed on the bracket 10. The second spindle stage 6 has an X2 axis platform 62 that can move in the X2 axis direction, and a Z2 axis platform 63 mounted on the X2 axis platform 62 that can move in the Z2 axis direction. The X2 axis platform 62 moves together with the second spindle 61 and the Z2 axis platform 63 in the X2 axis direction by driving the X2 axis motor 64 (see Figure 2). The X2 axis direction corresponds to an example of the second axis direction, and the X2 axis motor 64 corresponds to an example of the second driving device. An X2 protective cover 621 is installed on the X2 axis platform 62. The X2 protective cover 621 is formed into a sheet by connecting multiple short strip-shaped aluminum plates with long sides in the Z2 axis direction using joints, and can be flexibly bent in a direction orthogonal to the Z2 axis direction. As shown in Figure 3(b), the second spindle platform base 60 is provided with: two linear motion guides 601, which guide the movement of the X2-axis platform 62 along the X2-axis direction; and two X2 cover guides 602, which support the X2 protective cover 621. The X2 protective cover 621 is slidably mounted on the two X2 cover guides 602. By covering the linear motion guides 601, the X2 protective cover 621 prevents foreign objects such as chips generated during cutting from entering the vicinity of the linear motion guides 601. When the X2-axis platform 62 moves to the lower right side as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the length of the X2 protective cover 621 hanging down from the X2 cover guides 602 increases. Conversely, when the X2-axis platform 62 moves to the upper left side as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the length of the X2 protective cover 621 hanging down from the X2 cover guides 602 decreases.

[0036] The Z2-axis platform 63 moves along the X2-axis direction together with the second spindle 61 by driving a Z2-axis motor (not shown). As shown in Figure 3(a), a Z2 protective cover 631 is mounted on the Z2-axis platform 63. The Z2 protective cover 631 is formed into a sheet by connecting multiple short strip-shaped aluminum plates with long sides in the X2-axis direction using joints, and can be flexibly bent in a direction orthogonal to the X2-axis direction. As shown in Figure 3(b), the X2-axis platform 62 is provided with: a dovetail guide 622, which guides the movement of the Z2-axis platform 63 along the Z2-axis direction; and two Z2 cover guides 623, which are used to mount the Z2 protective cover 631. The Z2 protective cover 631 is slidably mounted on the two Z2 cover guides 623. By covering the dovetail guide 622, the Z2 protective cover 631 prevents foreign objects such as chips generated during cutting from entering the vicinity of the dovetail guide 622. When the Z2 axis platform 63 moves to the lower left side as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the length of the Z2 protective cover 631 hanging down from the Z2 cover guide 623 increases. Conversely, when the Z2 axis platform 63 moves to the upper right side as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the length of the Z2 protective cover 631 hanging down from the Z2 cover guide 623 decreases.

[0037] When the second spindle 61 holds the cut workpiece W2 (see Figure 2) for machining, the Z2 axis platform 63 sometimes moves back and forth repeatedly along the Z2 axis direction. Depending on the repetition cycle of the Z2 axis platform 63 or the speed of movement along the Z2 axis direction, there is a concern that the Z2 guard 631 might bounce erratically upwards. Furthermore, when the second spindle 61 holds the cut workpiece W2 for machining, machining is performed at a position relatively close to the Z2 guard 631. Therefore, if the Z2 guard 631 bounces up, chips and other debris can easily enter the inner side of the Z2 guard 631, which is equipped with the dovetail guide 622. As a countermeasure against this bounce, in this embodiment, the second spindle table 6 and the downward starting portion of the Z2 guard 631 are arranged opposite each other to prevent bounce. The anti-bounce member 624 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the protruding end of the protruding piece that protrudes from the X2 axis platform 62 toward the guide sleeve 4 (see Figure 2), and has a surface orientation in a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. When the Z2 protective cover 631 is about to bounce up, the part about to bounce up will collide with the anti-bounce member 624, thus preventing the Z2 protective cover 631 from bouncing up. By setting the anti-bounce member 624 on the second spindle stage 6, compared with setting the anti-bounce member 624 on other components such as the second tool post 7 and having the anti-bounce member 624 protrude toward the Z2 protective cover 631, the length of the protruding piece can be shortened, thus improving the rigidity of the protruding piece and reducing costs. Furthermore, compared with setting the anti-bounce member 624 on other components and having the anti-bounce member 624 protrude toward the Z2 protective cover 631, it also achieves the effect of not easily hindering the movement of moving bodies such as the first tool post 5. Furthermore, since the anti-bounce member 624 is positioned on the X2 axis platform 62, the relative position of the Z2 protective cover 631 and the anti-bounce member 624 will not change even if the second spindle stage 6 moves in the X2 axis direction. This also achieves the following effect: regardless of the position of the second spindle stage 6 in the X2 axis direction, the Z2 protective cover 631 can be stably prevented from bouncing.

[0038] Figure 4 is a front view of the second spindle table and the second tool post shown in Figure 2, viewed from the front side of the NC lathe.

[0039] By using the X2-axis platform 62 to move the second spindle stage 6 in the X2-axis direction, the second spindle 61 is moved to a position opposite to the first spindle 31 shown in FIG. 2, and to a position opposite to the second tool post 7. FIG. 4 shows the following state: by moving the second spindle stage 6 from the position opposite to the first spindle 31 towards the front of the paper, the second spindle 61 is positioned opposite to the second tool post 7. The second tool post 7 is disposed on the second tool post base 70 fixed to the bracket 10. This second tool post 7 is equivalent to an example of a tool post. A Y2-axis motor 701 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in the second tool post base 70. This Y2-axis motor 701 is equivalent to an example of a first drive device. The second tool post 7 includes a Y2-axis tool holder 71 movable in the Y2-axis direction, a rotary tool motor 72 mounted on the Y2-axis tool holder 71, a receiving member 73 (see Figure 5) also mounted on the Y2-axis tool holder 71, and a cooling nozzle 74 (see Figure 7). However, the receiving member 73 and the cooling nozzle 74 are not shown in Figure 4. A tool mounting unit TU and a tool T2 held by the tool mounting unit TU are mounted on the second tool post 7. Figure 4 shows the tool mounting unit TU and the tool T2 mounted on the second tool post 7. The Y2-axis tool holder 71 moves in the Y2-axis direction together with the rotary tool motor 72, the tool mounting unit TU, and the tool T2 by driving the Y2-axis motor 701. This Y2-axis direction is an example of the first axis direction. In Figure 4, the upper part of the Y2-axis tool holder 71, the rotary tool motor 72, the tool mounting unit TU, and the tool T2 that have moved to the top is indicated by a two-point chain line. On the second tool post 7, a plurality of tools T2 are arranged at intervals along the X2 and Y2 axes. Any of these tools T2 can be selected by moving the second spindle head 6 along the X2 axis and the second tool post 7 along the Y2 axis. Furthermore, the cut-off end portion of the workpiece W2 held by the second spindle 61 is primarily machined by moving the second spindle 61 along the Z2 axis. Moreover, depending on the type of machining, machining may sometimes be performed not only by moving the second spindle 61 along the Z2 axis but also by moving the second spindle 61 along the X2 axis or by moving the second tool post 7 along the Y2 axis.

[0040] Figure 5 is a side view of the second tool post taken from the right side of Figure 4. Figure 5 shows the tool mounting unit TU and tool T2 shown in Figure 4 before they are mounted onto the second tool post 7. Also, the cooling nozzle 74 (see Figure 7) is omitted from the illustration in Figure 5.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, a receiving member 73 is installed on the opposing side of the Y2-axis tool holder 71, which faces the second spindle 61 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, six tool mounting portions 711 are formed on the back side of the NC lathe 1 facing the Y2-axis tool holder 71 (the side of the first spindle centerline CL1 shown in Figure 2). These tool mounting portions 711 are examples of mounting portions. The tool mounting portions 711 have holes through which the tool T2 (see Figure 4) can be mounted via the tool mounting unit TU (see Figure 4). The tool mounting portions 711 determine the mounting positions of the tool T2 and the tool mounting unit TU on the second tool holder 7. That is, the tool mounting portions 711 can also be referred to as positioning portions for the tool T2 and the tool mounting unit TU. When the tool T2 mounted on the second tool post 7 is a drill bit or end mill with its axial direction facing the Z2 axis, the center position of the tool mounting unit TU to be mounted and the center position of the tool T2 on the XY plane orthogonal to the Z2 axis usually coincide with the center position of the tool mounting section 711. The tool mounting sections 711 are arranged in units of two in the X2 axis direction and spaced apart in the Y2 axis direction, forming three sections, for a total of six sections. Hereinafter, the tool mounting section 711 located in the upper section is sometimes referred to as the upper section mounting section 711U, the tool mounting section 711 located in the middle section is referred to as the middle section mounting section 711M, and the tool mounting section 711 located in the lower section is referred to as the lower section mounting section 711D. Tool mounting units TU can be mounted on each of these six tool mounting sections 711. Furthermore, a drive force transmission mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the rotation of the rotary tool motor 72 is built into the Y2 axis tool post 71. A tool mounting unit TU equipped with a rotating mechanism can be mounted on the upper mounting section 711U and the lower mounting section 711D. The rotating mechanism rotates by engaging with the drive force transmission mechanism. By mounting the tool mounting unit TU equipped with the rotating mechanism on the upper mounting section 711U and the lower mounting section 711D, the tool T2 can be rotated by itself and used as a rotating tool.

[0042] The upper mounting portion 711U and the middle mounting portion 711M are arranged in the X2 axis direction and the Y2 axis direction, respectively. In other words, the upper mounting portion 711U and the middle mounting portion 711M are positioned at the vertices of a rectangle in the XY plane. On the other hand, the lower mounting portion 711D is positioned offset relative to the upper mounting portion 711U and the middle mounting portion 711M in the X2 axis direction. In this embodiment, the lower mounting portion 711D, which is positioned on the left side in FIG. 5, is offset by a distance L1 relative to the middle mounting portion 711M, which is positioned on the left side in FIG. 5, toward the receiving member 73. In other words, the lower mounting portion 711D, which is positioned on the left side in FIG. 5, is positioned offset by a distance L1 in the X2 axis direction relative to the tool mounting portion 711 (the middle mounting portion 711M on the left side) that is closest to it among the other tool mounting portions 711 spaced apart in the Y2 axis direction. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the lower right mounting portion 711D is offset by a distance L2 relative to the middle right mounting portion 711M in Figure 5 towards the receiving member 73. By arranging them with equal offset, the middle mounting portion 711M and the lower mounting portion 711D can be arranged close together in the Y2 axis direction. Therefore, the length of the second tool holder 7 in the Y2 axis direction can be shortened, thereby enabling the second tool holder 7 to be miniaturized. Also, the movement distance of the second tool holder 7 in the Y2 axis direction during machining can be shorter, which also helps to shorten machining time. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the lower left mounting portion 711D is positioned in the X2 axis direction, overlapping the receiving member 73 by a distance L3. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the lower left mounting portion 711D is positioned in the X2 axis direction, also overlapping the receiving port 731 by a distance L4.

[0043] The receiving member 73 is disposed on the front side of the NC lathe 1, on the second tool post 7. This receiving member 73 is an example of a functional component. The receiving member 73 has: a receiving opening 731 for receiving the machined workpiece; and an inclined surface 732 for moving the received workpiece using a height difference. After machining is completed using the second spindle 61, the second spindle 61 is positioned opposite the receiving member 73 in the Z2 axis direction by the movement of the second spindle table 6 in the X2 axis direction and the movement of the second tool post 7 in the Y2 axis direction. More specifically, the machined workpiece held by the second spindle 61 is positioned opposite the receiving opening 731 in the Z2 axis direction. Then, by moving the second spindle table 6 in the Z2 axis direction, the end of the machined workpiece protruding from the second spindle 61 is inserted into the receiving member 73 through the receiving opening 731. Subsequently, the second spindle 61 is released from its holding position, pushing the machined workpiece out of the second spindle 61. The machined workpiece is then fed into the receiving member 73, rolls on the inclined surface 732, and falls to the lower left of Figure 5. The rolled-down machined workpiece is then transported by the discharge conveyor 9 (see Figure 6) to the outside of the NC lathe 1.

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the NC lathe obtained by cutting off a part of it and viewing it from the right side, slightly towards the back.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the discharge conveyor 9 extends along the Z-axis on the front side of the NC lathe 1. As described above, the machined workpiece, which is placed into the receiving member 73 and rolls off the inclined surface 732, is mounted on the discharge conveyor 9 and transported to the downstream end of the discharge conveyor 9 shown in Figure 1. The discharge conveyor 9 is separated from the cutting chamber 11 by a partition wall 91. In other words, the discharge conveyor 9 is located in a chamber separated from the cutting chamber 11. In the cutting chamber 11, a large amount of coolant is sometimes sprayed out during cutting, or chips generated by cutting are scattered. If such coolant or chips reach the discharge conveyor 9, they will be transported to the outside of the NC lathe 1 along with the machined workpiece. In this embodiment, the partition wall 91 is provided to prevent coolant or chips from reaching the discharge conveyor 9. Furthermore, sometimes other discharge devices such as an in-machine accumulator are provided instead of the discharge conveyor 9. The in-machine accumulator allows the machined workpiece to move under its own weight and be stored inside the NC unit 1. When such other discharge devices are provided, similarly to the discharge conveyor 9, the other discharge devices are separated from the cutting chamber 11 by the partition wall 91, thereby preventing coolant or chips from reaching the other discharge devices.

[0046] Figure 7(a) is a side view of the second tool holder, identical to that in Figure 5, with the cooling nozzle and tool mounting unit installed. Figure 7(b) is a sectional view obtained by cutting along line BB of Figure 7(a). However, in Figure 7(b), the tool T2 and tool mounting unit TU installed in the middle mounting section 711M and the lower mounting section 711D, as well as the drive force transmission mechanism built into the Y2 axis tool holder 71, are omitted. Also, the shading indicating the cross-section is omitted in Figure 7(b).

[0047] As shown in Figure 7(a), the base of the tool mounting unit TU that contacts the end face of the Y2-axis tool holder 71 is generally oval or generally rectangular. The long side of the base of the tool mounting unit TU mounted in the upper mounting section 711U (see Figure 5) faces the Y2-axis direction. On the other hand, the tool mounting units TU mounted in the middle mounting section 711M (see Figure 5) and the tool mounting units TU mounted in the lower mounting section 711D (see Figure 5) are mounted with the long side of their bases facing the X2-axis direction. By configuring the tool T2 to be mounted with the long side of its base facing the X2-axis direction, the tool T2 can be positioned close together in the Y2-axis direction, thus shortening the travel distance of the second tool holder 7 along the Y2-axis direction during machining. Furthermore, the length of the second tool holder 7 in the Y2-axis direction can be shortened. Furthermore, sometimes a cross drill bit unit is mounted as a tool mounting unit TU in the upper mounting section 711U. This cross drill bit unit holds a tool T2 for drilling or other machining operations in the Y2 axis direction. During machining, a rotational torque centered on the X2 axis is applied to the base of the cross drill bit unit. To efficiently absorb this rotational torque using the base of the tool mounting unit TU, the tool mounting unit TU mounted in the upper mounting section 711U is preferably configured such that the long side of its base faces the Y2 axis direction. Also, because the receiving member 73 protrudes towards the upper mounting section 711U, the width in the X2 axis direction near the upper mounting section 711U becomes narrower. To mount multiple tool mounting units TU in this area, the upper mounting section 711U is also preferably configured such that the long side of its base faces the Y2 axis direction.

[0048] Furthermore, four cooling nozzles 74 for spraying coolant are installed on the second tool post 7. Three of these cooling nozzles 74 are positioned above the receiving member 73 and the tool mounting unit TU, while the remaining nozzle is positioned below the inclined surface 732 of the receiving member 73. As shown in Figure 7(b), the receiving member 73 protrudes more than the Y2-axis tool post 71 in the Z2-axis direction. Also, the tool mounting unit TU in the lower left of Figure 7(a) is positioned in the X2-axis direction, overlapping with the receiving member 73. Therefore, even when coolant is sprayed from the three cooling nozzles 74 positioned above, except for the front portion which protrudes more than the receiving member 73 in the Z2-axis direction, coolant is not easily supplied to the tool T2 in the lower left of Figure 7(a). In this embodiment, by arranging a cooling nozzle 74 below the receiving member 73, which is prone to becoming an empty space, coolant can be adequately supplied to the tool T2, which is located at a position overlapping with the receiving member 73 in the X2 axis direction, without making the NC lathe 1 larger.

[0049] When the receiving member 73 is not mounted on the second tool post 7 but fixed to the bracket 10 (see Figure 4), the receiving member 73 must be positioned to avoid the movement range of the second tool post 7. Therefore, when the receiving member 73 is not mounted on the second tool post 7, it must be configured so that the second spindle 61 can move a long distance in the X2 axis direction, which is the direction in which the receiving member 73 and the second tool post 7 are arranged. In contrast, in the NC lathe 1 according to this embodiment, since the receiving member 73 is mounted on the second tool post 7, it is not necessary to position the receiving member 73 to avoid the movement range of the second tool post 7. Furthermore, since the tool mounting part 711, which is located in the lower left corner of Figure 5, is positioned to overlap with the receiving member 73 in the X2 axis direction, the length of the second tool post 7 in the X2 axis direction can be shortened. Furthermore, the position of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction when machining the cut workpiece W2 using the tool T2 mounted on the tool mounting section 711 located in the lower left of Figure 5 can overlap or approach the position of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction when using the receiving member 73. Therefore, the movable range of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction can be reduced. As a result, the NC lathe 1 can be miniaturized. Moreover, by miniaturizing the NC lathe 1, the cost of the NC lathe 1 can also be reduced. Furthermore, by making the machining position of the tool T2 and the receiving position of the receiving member 73 close in the X2 axis direction, the movement time of the second spindle 61 moving between them can be shortened. Therefore, the machining cycle when machining using the second tool holder 7 can be shortened. In addition, by forming the tool mounting section 711 in the lower left of Figure 5 by arranging the tool mounting unit TU in the space formed below the inclined surface 732 of the receiving member 73, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0050] Subsequently, regarding the variations of the second tool holder 7 described above, in the following description, sometimes for constituent elements with the same name as the constituent elements described above, the same symbols used in the above description will be used and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] Figure 8 is a side view of the same as that in Figure 5, showing a variation of the second tool holder.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the difference between the second tool post 7 in this variation and the second tool post 7 shown in Figure 5 is that it has three lower mounting portions 711D. The right and center lower mounting portions 711D of the three are positioned in the X2 axis direction closer to the back side of the NC lathe 1 than the receiving member 73. On the other hand, the lower mounting portion 711D positioned on the left side in Figure 5 overlaps with the receiving member 73 in the X2 axis direction and is positioned at a distance L5 towards the receiving member 73 (the front side of the NC lathe 1). Furthermore, the lower mounting portion 711D positioned on the left side in Figure 5 is positioned in the X2 axis direction further away from the front side of the NC lathe 1 than the receiving member 73. In other words, the receiving port 731 is positioned closer to the center line CL1 of the first spindle (see Figure 2) in the X2 axis direction than the lower mounting portion 711D positioned on the left side in Figure 5.

[0053] This variation also achieves the same effects as the implementation described above. Furthermore, since the number of tools T2 that can be mounted on the second tool holder 7 increases, a wider variety of machining operations can be performed. Moreover, since the position of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction when using the receiving member 73 is within the range of movement of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction when machining the cut workpiece W2, it is not necessary to expand the range of movement of the second spindle 61 in the X2 axis direction to use the receiving member 73.

[0054] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various variations can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in this embodiment, the second spindle head 6 and the second spindle 61 are described together in the X2 axis direction, but it is also possible to replace the second spindle head 6 with the second tool post 7 moving in the X2 axis direction. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the second spindle head 6 to move in the X2 axis direction, and the second tool post 7 to move independently of the second spindle head 6 in the X2 axis direction. In such cases, the motor that moves the second tool post 7 in the X2 axis direction is equivalent to an example of a second driving device. Similarly, it is also possible to replace the second tool post 7 with the second spindle head 6 moving in the Y2 axis direction. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the second tool post 7 to move in the Y2 axis direction, and the second spindle head 6 to move independently of the second tool post 7 in the Y2 axis direction. In such cases, the motor that moves the second spindle head 6 in the Y2 axis direction is equivalent to one example of the first driving device. Furthermore, the example given is of a receiving member 73 mounted on the second tool post 7; however, a measuring device for measuring the shape of the machined workpiece, a robotic arm for receiving the machined workpiece, or a damage detection device for detecting damage to tool T1 or tool T2 can also be used instead of the receiving member 73. In such cases, the measuring device, robotic arm, or damage detection device is equivalent to one example of a functional component. Moreover, the receiving member 73, the measuring device, the robotic arm, and the damage detection device all function on the workpiece before or after machining. Additionally, an example of tool mounting portions 711 arranged in units of two in the X2 axis direction is shown; however, tool mounting portions 711 may not be arranged in the X2 axis direction, and three or more may be arranged in the X2 axis direction. Similarly, an example of tool mounting portions 711 arranged in three segments in the Y2 axis direction is shown; however, the number of segments can be any number as long as there are two or more segments. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an NC lathe 1 with the X2 axis horizontal and the Y2 axis vertical was described. However, it could also be a lathe with a so-called inclined structure, where the X2 axis is inclined relative to the horizontal direction and the Y2 axis is inclined relative to the vertical direction. Moreover, in the case of the inclined structure, the X2 axis, Y2 axis, and Z2 axis are also orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the X1 axis can also be vertical, and the Y1 axis can also be horizontal.

[0055] Even if the constituent elements are only included in the descriptions of each of the variations described above, the constituent elements can be applied to other variations.

[0056] 1: NC lathe 2: NC device 3: First spindle table 4: Guide sleeve 5: First tool holder 6: Second spindle table 7: Second tool holder (tool rest) 9: Discharge conveyor 10: Bracket 11: Cutting Chamber 12: First spindle table room 15: Control Panel 31: First main axis 32: Z1 axis motor 41: Guide sleeve support platform 51: X1 axis motor 52: Y1 axis motor 60: Second spindle table base 61: Second main axis 62: X2 axis platform 63: Z2 axis platform 64: X2 axis motor 65: Z2 axis motor 70: Second tool holder base 71: Y2 axis tool table 72: Rotary tool motor 73: Acceptance components (functional components) 74: Cooling Nozzle 91: Spacer 111: Window 311: First spindle motor 601: Linear motion guide 602:X2 Cover Guide 611: Second spindle motor 621:X2 Protective Shield 622: Dovetail groove guide component 623:Z2 Cover Guide 624: Bulletproof components 631:Z2 Protective Shield 701: Y2 axis motor 711: Tool Installation Department (Installation Department) 711D: Lower Section Installation Unit 711M: Mid-section Installation Section 711U: Upper Section Installation Unit 731: Receiving Port 732: Inclined Surface CL1: Centerline of the first spindle CL2: Centerline of the second spindle L1: Distance L2: Distance L3: Distance L4: Distance L5: Distance L6: Distance T1: Tools T2: Tools TU: Tool Installation Unit W1: Workpiece Material W2: Workpiece has been cut

Claims

1. A lathe, characterized by comprising: a first spindle rotatable about a center line of the first spindle; a second spindle holding a workpiece received from the first spindle and rotatable about a center line of the second spindle; a tool post for mounting a plurality of tools for machining the workpiece held by the second spindle; and a functional member disposed on the tool post. A first driving mechanism moves at least one of the tool holder and the second spindle in a first axial direction, the first axial direction being a vertical direction orthogonal to the direction of the center line of the second spindle along its center line; and a second driving mechanism moves at least one of the tool holder and the second spindle in a second axial direction, the second axial direction being a depth direction orthogonal to the direction of the center line of the second spindle and also orthogonal to the direction of the first axial direction; and the tool holder has a plurality of spaced-apart tool mounting portions in the first axial direction, the first mounting portion of the plurality of mounting portions being disposed in the second axial direction at a position overlapping with the functional member, the functional member being a receiving member having a receiving port for receiving a workpiece that has been processed using the tool, the receiving port being disposed in the second axial direction at a position overlapping with the first mounting portion of the plurality of mounting portions.

2. The lathe of claim 1, wherein the first drive mechanism causes the tool post to move.

3. The lathe of claim 1, wherein the aforementioned functional component functions on the workpiece at a position opposite to the second spindle in the direction of the centerline of the second spindle.

4. The lathe of claim 2, wherein the aforementioned functional component functions on the workpiece at a position opposite to the second spindle in the direction of the second spindle centerline.

5. The lathe of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tool post is positioned away from the center line of the first spindle in the direction of the second axis, and the receiving port is positioned closer to the center line of the first spindle than the second mounting portion of the plurality of mounting portions in the direction of the second axis.

6. The lathe of claim 1, wherein the receiving component has an inclined surface, the inclined surface utilizing the height difference to move the received workpiece.

7. The lathe of claim 5, wherein the receiving component has an inclined surface, which uses the height difference to move the received workpiece.

8. A lathe as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first mounting portion of the plurality of the aforementioned mounting portions is positioned offset in the second axis direction relative to the closest third mounting portion that is spaced apart in the first axis direction.

9. The lathe of claim 5, wherein the first mounting portion of the plurality of the aforementioned mounting portions is positioned offset in the second axis direction relative to the closest third mounting portion that is spaced apart in the first axis direction.

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