Machine tool and machine tool system

Abstract

To transport articles while suppressing burden on an operator without causing any restriction on a space for installing a machine tool in a factory.SOLUTION: A machine tool for processing a workpiece includes a passage for transporting an article. The passage is installed in a position different from a space for transporting a workpiece when the workpiece is processed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool and a machine tool system. [Background technology]

[0002] Workpieces to be machined by machine tools and parts used in setup for machining the workpieces are transported by various means. For example, the workpiece is set in a predetermined mold, stored in a bucket, and transported by a conveyor. Parts to be used in setup are stored in a bucket and carried by an operator.

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 relates to a setup method for transporting workpieces and replacement parts such as tools and chucks by a single transport means in a numerically controlled lathe. The technology described in Patent Document 1 works by replacing the holding device of the transport means so that the transport and delivery of various workpieces and replacement parts is performed by a single transport means. The technology described in Patent Document 1 can transport various workpieces and replacement parts by a single transport means, but the holding device of the transport means must be replaced depending on the type of item to be transported. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3002511 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The method of transporting the bucket by a conveyor requires a transport device for transporting the bucket, which may cause restrictions on the space available for installing the machine tool in the factory. The method of having the worker transport the bucket by hand places a heavy burden on the worker.

[0006] It is desirable to be able to transport articles without restricting the space available for installing machine tools within a factory, and with minimal burden on workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a machine tool for machining a workpiece. The machine tool includes a passage for transporting an article. The passage is provided at a position different from a space for transporting the workpiece when machining the workpiece.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a machine tool system including a plurality of machine tools for machining a workpiece. The machine tool system includes a first machine tool. The machine tool system includes a second machine tool separate from the first machine tool. The first machine tool and the second machine tool include passages for transporting an article. The passage of the first machine tool and the passage of the second machine tool are provided at positions different from a space for transporting a workpiece when machining the workpiece. The passage of the second machine tool is provided and connected to the passage of the first machine tool. Effect of the Invention

[0009] A machine tool and machine tool system according to one aspect of the present invention can transport objects while reducing the burden on workers and without restricting the space available for installing the machine tool within a factory.

[0010] The machine tool may include a loader device that transports a workpiece to a required position. The loader device may be capable of transporting the workpiece in a specific horizontal direction. The passage may be provided along the specific direction. The loader device may transport an article on the passage by moving in the specific direction. The machine tool according to this aspect can transport an article by utilizing the movement of the loader device that transports the workpiece to the required position, without providing a separate drive source for transporting the article on the passage.

[0011] The machine tool may include a numerical control device that commands the work process with numerical information. The numerical control device may be capable of executing a command to transport an article. When a command to transport an article is received, the loader device may operate to transport the article through the passage even during a work cycle for machining a workpiece. The machine tool according to this aspect can transport the article at an appropriate timing when the workpiece is not being transported, even during a work cycle for machining a workpiece.

[0012] The items transported through the passage may include items required for setup. The numerical control device may be capable of executing a transport command to transport the items before the specific timing for setup, even within the cycle of the workpiece machining. The loader device may operate to transport the items through the passage when no workpiece is being transported in the period prior to the specific timing. The machine tool according to this aspect is capable of transporting the items before the specific timing for setup, even within the cycle of the workpiece machining.

[0013] The article transported through the passage may include a workpiece machined by the machine tool. The numerical control device may be capable of executing a transport command to transport the article after the workpiece has been machined. The loader device may operate to machine the workpiece with the machine tool when there is a transport command to transport the workpiece after it has been machined, and may operate to transport the article through the passage after the workpiece has been machined. The machine tool according to this aspect is capable of transporting the workpiece machined by the machine tool through the passage.

[0014] It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not list all of the features of the present invention. Also, any subcombination of these features may constitute an invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lathe 100. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a lathe 100. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a lathe 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for transporting a bucket B1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for transporting a bucket B1. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for transporting a bucket B1. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loader device 120. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loader device 120. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a machine tool system 200. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the lathe 100. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will be described below through the embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lathe 100. The lathe 100 is a machine tool that rotates a workpiece and performs cutting processing mainly using a tool T1 such as a cutting tool. The lathe 100 is an example of a machine tool. Cutting processing is an example of processing.

[0018] The lathe 100 has two spindles MS arranged in parallel. A number of tools T1 are attached to a turret head TH of the lathe 100, and the turret head TH is indexed to perform cutting. The lathe 100 can also reverse a workpiece using a reversing device ID. The lathe 100 has a numerical control device 110, a loader device 120, and a passage 130.

[0019] The numerical control device 110 is a device for analyzing an NC (Numerical Control) program and operating the lathe 100. To analyze the NC program and operate the lathe 100, the numerical control device 110 issues commands regarding the tool path for the workpiece, the steps of the work required for machining, etc., using numerical information made up of numerical values ​​and symbols.

[0020] The loader device 120 is a device that automatically transports a workpiece to a required position. When transporting a workpiece to the spindle MS, the loader device 120 automatically attaches the workpiece to the spindle MS. When transporting a workpiece attached to the spindle MS, the loader device 120 automatically removes the workpiece from the spindle MS. When transporting a workpiece to the inversion device ID, the loader device 120 automatically attaches the workpiece to the inversion device ID. When transporting a workpiece attached to the inversion device ID, the loader device 120 automatically removes the workpiece from the inversion device ID. The loader device 120 includes a loader chuck unit 121, a loader head 122, a lifting rod 123, a Z slider 124, and an X slider 125.

[0021] The loader chuck unit 121 is a device that grips a workpiece when transporting the workpiece. The loader chuck unit 121 is attached to a loader head 122. The loader head 122 is fixed to a lift rod 123.

[0022] The lifting rod 123 is a rod-shaped member that reciprocates the loader head 122, to which the loader chuck unit 121 is attached, in the Y direction. The lifting rod 123 is provided on a Z slider 124 so as to be able to reciprocate in the Y direction. With the loader chuck unit 121 gripping the workpiece, the loader device 120 transports the workpiece in the Y direction by the reciprocating movement of the lifting rod 123.

[0023] The Z slider 124 is a device that reciprocates an elevating rod 123 to which the loader head 122 and the like are attached in the Z direction. The Z slider 124 is provided on the upper part of the X slider 125 so as to be able to reciprocate in the Z direction. With the loader chuck unit 121 gripping the workpiece, the loader device 120 transports the workpiece in the Z direction by the reciprocating movement of the Z slider 124.

[0024] The X-slider 125 is a device that reciprocates the Z-slider 124, to which the lifting rod 123 and the like are attached, in the X-direction. The X-slider 125 is provided on the upper part of the X-guide XG so as to be able to reciprocate in the X-direction. The X-guide XG is a member that extends in the X-direction and guides the X-slider 125 so as to be able to reciprocate in the X-direction. The loader device 120 transports the workpiece in the X-direction by the X-slider 125 reciprocating with the loader chuck unit 121 gripping the workpiece. The X-direction is an example of a specific direction in the horizontal direction.

[0025] The passage 130 is a path for transporting the bucket B1. The bucket B1 is a container for accommodating workpieces to be machined by a machine tool and parts used in setup for machining the workpiece. Setup for machining the workpiece includes mounting the tool T1 and the workpiece, setting the origin of the workpiece coordinate system and various corrections, transferring the program, and the like. Parts used in setup are the tool T1 and the like to be mounted on the machine tool. The bucket B1 is an example of an article.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the lathe 100. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the lathe 100. In order to easily explain the position of the passage 130, the loader device 120 is not shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0027] The passage 130 is provided at a position different from the transfer space TS. The transfer space TS is for transferring the workpiece when machining the workpiece. For example, the transfer space TS is a space that can be a transfer path when the loader device 120 transfers the workpiece to the spindle MS. For example, the transfer space TS is a space that can be a transfer path when the loader device 120 removes and transfers the workpiece attached to the spindle MS. For example, the transfer space TS is a space that can be a transfer path when the loader device 120 transfers the workpiece to the inversion device ID. For example, the transfer space TS is a space that can be a transfer path when the loader device 120 removes and transfers the workpiece attached to the inversion device ID. The passage 130 shown in FIG. 1 is provided along the X direction at a position above the spindle MS and the turret head TH and at a position on the rear side of the inversion device ID.

[0028] The passage 130 is a space surrounded by a guide 131 and a cover 132. The guide 131 and the cover 132 are provided along the X direction. The guide 131 is a plate-shaped member that guides the bucket B1 when the bucket B1 is transported through the passage 130. The guide 131 forms the bottom surface of the passage 130. The cover 132 is a member that covers the passage 130. The cover 132 forms the side and top surface of the passage 130. The cover 132 has a slit S1 on the side surface on the front side. The slit S1 is provided along the X direction.

[0029] The bucket B1 is placed on a slider 133 and transported. The slider 133 is a plate-shaped member on which the bucket B1 is placed when the bucket B1 is transported. The slider 133 is provided on the upper part of the guide 131 so as to be reciprocatable in the X direction. The slider 133 includes a protruding piece PP and a handle H1.

[0030] The protruding piece PP is a member that protrudes from the side of the front side to the front side. The protruding piece PP is provided so as to protrude from the passage 130 to the outside of the cover 132 through the slit S1 of the cover 132. The length of the protruding piece PP in the Z direction is set so that the end of the protruding piece PP is located closer to the front side of the lathe 100 than the chuck of the reversing device ID in a plan view. The handle H1 is provided on the upper part of the protruding piece PP on the outside of the cover 132. The handle H1 extends upward from the protruding piece PP. The position of the handle H1 at the upper part of the protruding piece PP is set so that the handle H1 is located closer to the front side of the lathe 100 than the chuck of the reversing device ID in a side view.

[0031] Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of a method for transporting the bucket B1. Figures 4 to 6 show how the bucket B1 is transported from the left side to the right side of the passage 130 as viewed from the front.

[0032] 1, before being transported along the passage 130, the bucket B1 is placed on a carry-in table CP provided beside the lathe 100. When being transported along the passage 130, the bucket B1 is placed on a slider 133, for example, by an operator.

[0033] The numerical control device 110 can execute a command to transport the bucket B1. When the numerical control device 110 issues a command to transport the bucket B1, the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 in the passage 130. First, the loader device 120 moves to a position where the loader chuck unit 121 can grip the handle H1 of the slider 133. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the loader device 120 grips the handle H1 of the slider 133 with the loader chuck unit 121. Then, the loader device 120 moves in the X direction while the loader chuck unit 121 grips the handle H1 of the slider 133, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. As the loader device 120 moves in the X direction while the loader chuck unit 121 grips the handle H1 of the slider 133, the slider 133 moves in the X direction in the passage 130. The slider 133 moves in the X direction on the passage 130, whereby the bucket B1 placed on the slider 133 is transported on the passage 130.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loader device 120. The operation shown in Fig. 7 is an example of the operation of the loader device 120 when a transport command for a bucket B1 is issued within a work cycle for machining a workpiece. The loader device 120 operates according to commands from the numerical control device 110.

[0035] When transporting a part to be used in setup, the numerical control device 110 executes a transport command to transport the article before a specific timing at which setup is performed, even if the transport is within the cycle of a workpiece machining operation.

[0036] If there is no timing for setup (S101: NO), the loader device 120 continues the work cycle to machine the workpiece (S102 → S102; NO → . . .). When the work cycle to machine the workpiece ends (S102: YES), the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 (S103). The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 until the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S103 → S104: NO → . . .). When the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S104; YES), there is no interrupted cycle (S105; NO), so the loader device 120 ends the operation shown in FIG. 7.

[0037] If there is a timing for setup (S101; YES), and if the setup can be completed in time even if the work is performed after the cycle ends (S106; YES), the loader device 120 continues the cycle (S102 → S102; NO...). When the work cycle for machining the workpiece ends (S102: YES), the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 (S103). The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 until the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S103 → S104: NO →...). When the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S104; YES), there is no interrupted cycle (S105; NO), so the loader device 120 ends the operation shown in FIG. 7.

[0038] If it will not be in time for the setup if the action is taken after the cycle is completed (S106; NO), or if a workpiece is not being transported (S107; NO), the loader device 120 interrupts the cycle (S109). Then, the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 (S103). The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 until the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S103 → S104: NO → . . .). When the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S104; YES), since there is an interrupted cycle (S105; YES), the loader device 120 resumes the interrupted cycle (S110) and ends the operation shown in FIG. 7.

[0039] If it would be too late to respond after the end of the cycle (S106; NO), and if a workpiece is being transported (S107; YES), the loader device 120 continues transporting the workpiece (S108 → S108; NO...). When the workpiece transport is completed (S108; YES), the loader device 120 interrupts the cycle (S109). Then, the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 (S103). The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 until the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S103 → S104: NO →...). When the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S104; YES), since there is an interrupted cycle (S105; YES), the loader device 120 resumes the interrupted cycle (S110) and ends the operation shown in FIG. 7.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the loader device 120. The operation shown in Fig. 8 is an example of the operation of the loader device 120 when a workpiece to be transported on the passage 130 is machined in advance by the lathe 100. The loader device 120 operates according to commands from the numerical control device 110.

[0041] When the workpiece to be transported through the passage 130 is machined in advance by the lathe 100, the numerical control device 110 executes a transport command to transport the bucket B1 after the workpiece has been machined.

[0042] When there is a transport command to transport the bucket B1 after machining the workpiece, the loader device 120 takes out the workpiece stored in the bucket B1 (S201) and executes the cycle of operations for machining the workpiece (S202). The loader device 120 executes the cycle of operations for machining the workpiece until machining of the workpiece is completed (S202 → S203; NO → . . .).

[0043] When the processing of the workpiece is completed (S203; YES), the loader device 120 returns the processed workpiece to the bucket B1 (S204) and operates to transport the bucket B1 (S205). The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 until the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S205 → S206: NO → . . .). When the transport of the bucket B1 is completed (S206; YES), the loader device 120 ends the operation shown in FIG. 8.

[0044] As described above, the lathe 100 machines the workpiece. The lathe 100 includes the passage 130 for transporting the bucket B1. The passage 130 is provided at a position different from the transport space TS. The lathe 100 according to this embodiment can transport the bucket B1 without restricting the space for installing the lathe 100 in a factory and with reduced burden on the worker.

[0045] The lathe 100 includes a loader device 120 that transports a workpiece to a required position. The loader device 120 is capable of transporting the workpiece in the X direction. A passage 130 is provided along the X direction. The loader device 120 moves in the X direction to transport a bucket B1 through the passage 130. The lathe 100 according to this embodiment can transport the bucket B1 by utilizing the movement of the loader device 120 that transports the workpiece to a required position, without providing a separate drive source for transporting the bucket B1 through the passage 130.

[0046] The lathe 100 is equipped with a numerical control device 110 that commands the work process with numerical information. The numerical control device 110 can execute a command to transport a bucket B1. When a command to transport the bucket B1 is received, the loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 through the passage 130 even during a work cycle for machining a workpiece. The lathe 100 according to this embodiment can transport an article at an appropriate timing when the workpiece is not being transported, even during a work cycle for machining a workpiece.

[0047] The bucket B1 transported through the passage 130 may contain parts required for setup. The numerical control device 110 can execute a transport command to transport the bucket B1 before the specific timing at which setup is performed, even within the cycle of a workpiece machining operation. The loader device 120 operates to transport the bucket B1 through the passage 130 when no workpiece is being transported during the period prior to the specific timing. The lathe 100 according to this embodiment can transport the bucket B1 before the specific timing at which setup is performed, even within the cycle of a workpiece machining operation.

[0048] The bucket B1 transported through the passage 130 may contain a workpiece to be machined by the lathe 100. The numerical control device 110 is capable of executing a transport command to transport the bucket B1 after the workpiece has been machined. When there is a transport command to transport the workpiece after it has been machined, the loader device 120 operates to have the lathe 100 machine the workpiece, and operates to transport the bucket B1 through the passage 130 after the workpiece has been machined. The lathe 100 according to this embodiment is capable of transporting the workpiece machined by the lathe 100 through the passage 130.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a machine tool system 200. The machine tool system 200 is a system including a first lathe 100A and a second lathe 100B. The first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B are machine tools that machine a workpiece. The first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B have the same configuration as the lathe 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. The loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A and the loader device 120 of the second lathe 100B can perform the same operation as the loader device 120 of the lathe 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The first lathe 100A is an example of a first machine tool. The second lathe 100B is an example of a second machine tool.

[0050] The first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B are provided with a passage 130, similar to the lathe 100 shown in FIG. 1. The passage 130 of the second lathe 100B is provided connected to the passage 130 of the first lathe 100A. For example, the guide 131 of the passage 130 of the second lathe 100B is connected to the guide 131 of the passage 130 of the first lathe 100A so that their upper surfaces are on the same plane and are smooth. For example, the cover 132 of the passage 130 of the second lathe 100B is connected to the cover 132 of the passage 130 of the first lathe 100A so that their slits S1 do not shift in front view.

[0051] When the numerical control device 110 issues a command to transport the bucket B1, the loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A grips the handle H1 of the slider 133 with the loader chuck unit 121 and moves in the +X direction. For example, the loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A moves the slider 133 to a position where the loader device 120 of the second lathe 100B can grip the handle H1 of the slider 133. As the loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A moves in the +X direction, the slider 133 moves in the +X direction through the passage 130 of the first lathe 100A. After moving the slider 133, the loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A retreats to a position where it does not interfere with the operation of the loader device 120 of the second lathe 100B.

[0052] When the loader device 120 of the first lathe 100A is retracted, the loader device 120 of the second lathe 100B grips the handle H1 of the slider 133 with the loader chuck unit 121 and moves in the +X direction. As the loader device 120 of the second lathe 100B moves in the +X direction, the slider 133 moves in the +X direction through the passage 130 of the second lathe 100B. As the slider 133 moves in the +X direction between the passage 130 of the first lathe 100A and the passage 130 of the second lathe 100B, the bucket B1 is transported so as to traverse the first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B.

[0053] As described above, the machine tool system 200 includes a plurality of lathes 100 for machining workpieces. The machine tool system 200 includes the first lathe 100A. The machine tool system 200 includes the second lathe 100B, which is separate from the first lathe 100A. The first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B include passages 130 for transporting the bucket B1. The passages 130 of the first lathe 100A and the passages 130 of the second lathe 100B are provided at positions different from the transport space TS. The passages 130 of the second lathe 100B are provided in connection with the passages 130 of the first lathe 100A. The machine tool system 200 according to this embodiment can transport the bucket B1 with reduced burden on the worker without causing any restrictions on the space for installing the first lathe 100A and the second lathe 100B in the factory.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the lathe 100. The lathe 100 shown in FIG. 10 differs from the lathe 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the configuration of the passage 130. The lathe 100 shown in FIG. 10 has the same configuration as the lathe 100 shown in FIG. 1 except for the passage 130. The passage 130 may be provided at a position different from the transfer space TS, and is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a hollow X-guide XG may be substituted for the cover 132 shown in FIG. 1, a guide 131 may be provided in the X-guide XG, and the passage 130 may be a space surrounded by the guide 131 and the X-guide XG. When the space surrounded by the guide 131 and the X-guide XG is the passage 130, the X-guide XG may have a slit S1 on the side surface on the front side.

[0056] The above embodiment shows a lathe 100 as an example of a machine tool. However, the machine tool is not limited to the lathe 100 as long as it has a passage 130 for transporting an article and the passage 130 is provided at a position different from the transport space TS. For example, the machine tool may be a drill press, a milling machine, a grinding machine, a multi-axis controlled machine tool, a combined machine tool, a surface finishing machine, a gear cutting machine, a gear finishing machine, a planing machine, a slotting machine, a shaping machine, a broaching machine, or a cutting machine. Also, for example, the machine tool may be a special processing machine, a dedicated machine tool, or another machine tool.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the bucket B1 is shown as an example of the article. However, the article is not limited to the bucket B1 as long as it is transported through the passage 130. For example, the article may be a workpiece machined by a machine tool or a part used in setup for machining the workpiece.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the loading platform CP may have a placement section on which the bucket B1 is placed that can be raised and lowered. For example, the loader device 120 may grasp the placement section and raise and lower it. When the loader device 120 grasps and raises and lowers the placement section, the placement section may be locked so as not to move when the upper surface of the placement section becomes flush with the upper surface of the slider 133. When the upper surface of the placement section becomes flush with the upper surface of the slider 133, the loader device 120 may operate to push the bucket B1 in order to transfer the bucket B1 from the placement section to the slider 133.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the bucket B1 is transported in the passage 130 by the loader device 120 moving in the X direction. However, the bucket B1 may be transported in the passage 130 by other methods. For example, the passage 130 may include a conveyor instead of the guide 131 and the slider 133. In the case where the passage 130 includes a conveyor, the bucket B1 may be transported in the passage 130 by the operation of the conveyor.

[0060] In the above embodiment, when there is no timing for setup, the loader device 120 continues the cycle of work to machine the workpiece, and operates to transport the bucket B1 when the cycle ends. However, when there is no timing for setup, the loader device 120 may interrupt the cycle of work to machine the workpiece, and operate to transport the bucket B1. For example, the loader device 120 may interrupt the cycle when it is not transporting a workpiece.

[0061] In the above embodiment, if the setup can be completed in time even if the work is processed after the work cycle is completed, the loader device 120 continues the cycle, and when the cycle is completed, operates to transport the bucket B1. However, even if the setup can be completed in time even if the work is processed after the work cycle is completed, the loader device 120 may interrupt the work cycle for machining the work and operate to transport the bucket B1. For example, the loader device 120 may interrupt the cycle when the work is not being transported.

[0062] The order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the devices and systems shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings, is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," or the like. It should also be noted that the order of execution of each process may be arbitrary, as long as the output of a previous process is not used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," or the like for convenience, this does not mean that it is essential to execute the process in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100 Lathe 100A No.1 Lathe 100B No. 2 lathe 110 Numerical Control Device 120 Loader Equipment 121 Loader chuck unit 122 Loader Head 123 Lifting Rod 124 Z Slider 125 X Slider Aisle 130 131 Guide 132 Cover 133 Slider 200 Machine Tool System B1 Bucket CP loading platform H1 handle ID Reversal Device MS spindle PP protruding piece S1 Slit T1 tool TH Turret Head TS Transport Space XG X Guide

Claims

1. A machine tool for machining a workpiece, A passage for conveying an article is provided, The passage is provided at a position different from a space for transporting a workpiece when the workpiece is machined.

2. Equipped with a loader device that transports the workpiece to the required position, The loader device is capable of transporting a workpiece in a specific direction in a horizontal direction, The passage is provided along the specific direction, The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the loader device moves in the specific direction to transport an article through the passage.

3. Equipped with a numerical control device that commands the work process with numerical information, The numerical control device is capable of executing an article transport command, 3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein the loader device operates to transport the article through the passage when a transport command for the article is received, even during a cycle of a workpiece machining operation.

4. The articles conveyed through the passage include articles required for setup, the numerical control device is capable of executing a transport command to transport an article prior to a specific timing at which the setup is performed even within a cycle of a workpiece machining operation, The machine tool according to claim 3 , wherein the loader device operates to transport an article through the passage when no workpiece is being transported in a period before the specific timing.

5. The article conveyed through the passage includes a workpiece to be machined by a machine tool, The numerical control device is capable of executing a transport command to transport an article after machining a workpiece, 4. The machine tool according to claim 3, wherein the loader device operates to have the machine tool machine the workpiece when there is a transport command to transport the workpiece after it has been machined, and operates to transport an article through the passage after the workpiece has been machined.

6. A machine tool system including a plurality of machine tools for machining a workpiece, A first machine tool; and a second machine tool different from the first machine tool, The first machine tool and the second machine tool are A passage for conveying an article is provided, the passage of the first machine tool and the passage of the second machine tool are provided at positions different from a space for transporting a workpiece when machining the workpiece; A machine tool system, wherein the passage of the second machine tool is connected to the passage of the first machine tool.

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