Processing device

Abstract

To realize workpiece exchange processing at a processing device in a short time without using a lifting machine or the like.SOLUTION: A processing device processes a workpiece made of a metal into a predetermined shape on a detachable sub table 300 detachably attached onto a machine table 200 and has an automatic tool exchange function. The processing device includes: ball lifters 2 each including a plurality of lift balls 23, and a lift frame part 21 in which lift ball holding parts 21a each of which houses one of the lift balls 23 in a rollable manner and has a recessed shape are formed on its upper surface, each ball lifter 2 fitted in a machine table groove part 201 formed on the machine table 200; and lifting means which moves the lift frame part up or down between a support position where the detachable sub table 300 is slidably supported by the lift balls 23 and a non-support position located below the support position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining apparatus having an automatic tool changing function. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Machining apparatuses that have an automatic tool changing function, are equipped with a numerical control device, a so-called NC (Numerical Control) device, or a computer numerical control device, a so-called CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) device, and are controlled and driven as machining centers are known.

[0003] In this type of processing equipment, the workpieces (workpieces) are replaced automatically or manually after each processing step. The automatic method uses a so-called pallet changer to replace the pallet on which the workpieces are placed, which requires a large investment when introducing the equipment. In processing equipment that does not have such a pallet changer (hereinafter also referred to as general-purpose machines), the replacement process is performed manually, but since it is necessary to stop the processing equipment for a long time when replacing the workpieces, there was a demand for improving the operating rate.

[0004] As a method for solving this problem, a method of retrofitting a pallet exchange jig to a general-purpose machine has been devised, but because the positioning pins formed on the machine table are engaged with the bushes formed on the detachable sub-table, when replacing the detachable sub-table, it is necessary to lift the detachable sub-table by only the length of the positioning pins. Because such a detachable sub-table is heavy, it is necessary to install a lifting machine or the like to lift the detachable sub-table. Therefore, it cannot be said that this is a sufficient solution in terms of reducing capital investment and improving operation rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-199953 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to realize the replacement process of workpieces in a processing device in a short time without using a lifting machine or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the processing apparatus of the present invention is (1) a processing apparatus equipped with an automatic tool changing function for processing a metal workpiece into a predetermined shape on a detachable sub-table that is detachably attached on a machine table, characterized in that it has a ball lifter including a plurality of lift balls and a lift frame portion having a concave-shaped lift ball holding portion formed on an upper surface for accommodating each lift ball in a rollable manner, the ball lifter being accommodated in a machine table groove portion formed on the machine table, and a lifting means for raising and lowering the lift frame portion between a support position where the detachable sub-table is slidably supported by the plurality of lift balls, and a non-support position below the support position.

[0008] (2) The processing apparatus according to (1) above, characterized in that the distance between the supported position and the unsupported position is 15 mm or less.

[0009] (3) The processing apparatus according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the width of the detachable sub-table is smaller than the width of the machine table.

[0010] (4) The processing apparatus described in any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the lifting means has a supply section that supplies pressurized fluid to the ball lifter, and when the pressurized fluid is supplied, the lift frame section rises toward the support position.

[0011] (5) The processing apparatus according to (4) above, wherein the pressurized fluid is air.

[0012] (6) The machining apparatus described in any one of (1) to (5) above, characterized in that the machine table and the detachable sub-table are provided with a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism consisting of a locator block arranged on the upper surface side of the machine table and a piston-integrated locator arranged on the underside side of the detachable sub-table, the locator block having a step groove portion whose lower stage width is greater than that of the upper stage width, the piston-integrated locator having a piston portion with a horizontally extending protrusion formed at its tip, and the piston portion operates between a clamped state in which the protrusion is pressed against the upper surface of the lower stage and an unclamped state in which the protrusion is separated from the upper surface of the lower stage.

[0013] (7) The processing apparatus according to (6) above, characterized in that a lock ball groove is formed on a side surface of the upper stage, the piston portion has a lock ball supported in a ball support opening formed on the side surface of the piston portion, the lock ball is pressed against the lock ball groove in the clamped state, and disengages from the lock ball groove when transitioning from the clamped state to the unclamped state.

[0014] (8) The processing apparatus according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the piston portion has a piston hollow portion extending in the vertical direction, a lock pin is housed in the piston hollow portion to prevent the lock ball from falling into the piston hollow portion, and the lock pin is suspended by a spring.

[0015] (9) The processing device according to (8) above, wherein a tip of the lock pin has a drawn portion, and the drawn portion is in contact with the lock ball.

[0016] (10) A processing device described in any one of (1) to (9) above, characterized in that a side groove is formed on the side of the detachable sub-table, and the side groove is an attachment groove for attaching an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the replacement process of the workpiece in the processing device can be realized in a short time without using a lifting machine or the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the processing device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the machine table and the detachable sub-table when metal processing is performed. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a ball lifter. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a piston-integrated locator. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the positioning mechanism (clamped state). FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the positioning mechanism (unclamped state). FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a perspective view of the detachable sub-table showing an attached state of the indicator. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a part of a processing device that has an automatic tool changing function and processes a metal workpiece into a predetermined shape. However, the processing tools and the like that are the main equipment of the processing device are omitted in the illustration. Referring to the figure, a machine base 100 is installed directly below or in front of the processing tools, and a machine table 200 is disposed on this machine base 100. The machine table 200 can be moved on the machine base 100.

[0020] Fixed sub-tables 600 are fixed to both ends of the machine table 200, and a detachable sub-table 300 that is slidable in the direction of the arrow X is provided between these fixed sub-tables 600. The fixed sub-table 600 can be used as a rough guide when sliding the detachable sub-table 300. A jig (not shown) is attached to the detachable sub-table 300, and with the workpiece fixed to the jig, processing is carried out using a processing tool.

[0021] The following describes the reason why the table placed on the machine table 200 is divided into a detachable sub-table 300 and a fixed sub-table 600. Generally, a processing device is entirely covered with a cover, and a cover opening and a door for opening and closing this cover opening are provided on the front side of the cover at a position facing the machine base 100.

[0022] Here, since the width of the cover opening is generally smaller than the width of the machine table 200, if the widths of the detachable sub-table 300 and the machine table 200 are made the same, the detachable sub-table 300 cannot be taken in and out through the cover opening. Therefore, by dividing the table placed on the machine table 200 into the detachable sub-table 300 and the fixed sub-table 600, it is possible to take in and out the detachable sub-table 300 through the cover opening. Therefore, the width of the detachable sub-table 300 is smaller than the widths of the machine table 200 and the cover opening.

[0023] The cart 400 is used to carry out the detachable sub-table 300 that has been slid in the direction of the arrow X, and to transfer the detachable sub-table 300 loaded with the workpiece to be processed to the machine table 200. The cart 400 can be moved to a position close to the machine base 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the close position) by running along the guide groove 501 of the guide base 500. Then, the detachable sub-table 300 can be transferred at this close position. The guide base 500 functions as a step stool for adjusting the height of the worker. Therefore, when a relatively tall worker works on the machine, the guide base 500 is omitted.

[0024] 2 is a perspective view of the machine table 200, the detachable sub-table 300, and the fixed sub-table 600, showing their arrangement when processing a workpiece. With the detachable sub-table 300 in contact with and fixed to the machine table 200, processing of the workpiece is carried out. The fixed sub-table 600 is formed with a plurality of grooves 601 extending in the longitudinal direction of the detachable sub-table 300. The grooves 601 are formed in a T-shape consisting of an enlarged groove portion 601a with a relatively large width and a reduced groove portion 601b with a relatively small width. The grooves 601 are well known and are generally referred to as T-slots.

[0025] In plan view, the detachable sub-table 300 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a plurality of grooves 301 extending in the longitudinal direction of the detachable sub-table 300 are formed on the upper surface. The grooves 301 are the same as the grooves 601 in that they are made up of an enlarged groove portion and a reduced groove portion (i.e., they are T-shaped grooves). The grooves 301 are also known.

[0026] The upper surfaces of the detachable sub-table thick portion 302 and the detachable sub-table thin portion 303 of the detachable sub-table 300 are flush with each other, and the underside of the detachable sub-table thin portion 303 is positioned higher than the underside of the detachable sub-table thick portion 302. Therefore, a relatively large clearance is formed between the machine table 200 and the detachable sub-table thin portion 303. Part of a positioning mechanism, which will be described later, is attached to the detachable sub-table thin portion 303.

[0027] A chip cover 5, which is thinner than the detachable sub-table thin section 303, is provided between the detachable sub-table 300 and the fixed sub-table 600. The chip cover 5 is disposed slightly below the upper surfaces of the detachable sub-table 300 and the fixed sub-table 600. Iron scraps and the like generated during machining fall onto the chip cover 5, thereby preventing the iron scraps and the like from falling onto the machine table 200 below the chip cover 5.

[0028] 3 is a perspective view of the machine table 200. In a plan view, the machine table 200 is formed in a rectangular shape, and a plurality of grooves 201 (corresponding to machine table groove portions) extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine table 200 are formed on the upper surface. The grooves 201 are the same as the grooves 601 in that they are made up of an enlarged groove portion 201a and a reduced groove portion 201b (i.e., they are T-shaped grooves). The grooves 201 are also publicly known.

[0029] A ball lifter 2 is housed in each groove 201. Since grooves 201 are existing grooves in which T-slot nuts 4 and spacer blocks for evenly supporting the load of detachable sub-table 300 are attached, there is no need to form separate grooves for housing ball lifters 2 in machine table 200. This makes it possible to reduce the facility costs of the processing device.

[0030] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the ball lifter. The ball lifter 2 includes a lift frame section 21, a support ball 22, a lift ball 23, and a fluid chamber 24. A lift ball holding section 21a made of a curved surface along the lift ball 23 is formed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the lift frame section 21. A plurality of small-diameter support balls 22 are arranged on this lift ball holding section 21a, and the lift ball 23 is supported by these support balls 22.

[0031] In this way, by supporting the lift ball 23 on the support balls 22, the lift ball 23 can be rolled in the lift ball holding portion 21a. The upper end of the lift ball 23 is located slightly above the upper surface of the lift frame portion 21. A plurality of rolling mechanisms, each of which is made up of the lift ball holding portion 21a, the plurality of support balls 22, and the lift ball 23, are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the lift frame portion 21. The installation intervals of the rolling mechanisms are preferably equal.

[0032] In the state shown in FIG. 2, the ball lifter 2 is covered by the detachable sub-table 300. That is, in a plan view, the ball lifter 2 is hidden under the detachable sub-table 300. Here, if metal chips generated when processing a workpiece enter the gap between the machine table 200 and the detachable sub-table 300, the metal chips may interfere with the workpiece and make it difficult to push the detachable sub-table 300. Therefore, it was conventionally considered that the ball lifter 2 could not be installed at the processing position of the workpiece. The present invention was created by overcoming such technical prejudice, and since the workpiece is processed with the ball lifter 2 covered by the detachable sub-table 300, metal chips generated during processing are prevented from entering the gap between the machine table 200 and the detachable sub-table 300. This allows the ball lifter 2 to be installed in an environment that was previously considered impossible to install.

[0033] Referring again to FIG. 4, the fluid chamber 24 is made of an elastic material and is disposed below the lift frame section 21. A fluid supply port 24a is provided at an end of the fluid chamber 24. When pressurized fluid is fed into the fluid chamber 24 from a supply section (corresponding to a lifting means) not shown in the figure through the liquid supply port 24a, the fluid chamber 24 expands upward, and the lift ball 23 can be lifted together with the lift frame section 21 (corresponding to the "support position (after lift)" in FIG. 4). By releasing the pressurized fluid from the fluid chamber 24, the lift ball 23 can be lowered together with the lift frame section 21 (corresponding to the "unsupported position (before lift)" in FIG. 4).

[0034] Air can be used as the pressurized fluid. Using air can reduce costs. In addition, air can be released into the atmosphere after use, making post-treatment easy. However, oil can also be used as the pressurized fluid instead of air.

[0035] By moving the lift frame portion 21 upward, the detachable sub-table 300 is pushed up by the lift balls 23. This allows the detachable sub-table 300 to float above the machine table 200. Then, when a horizontal force is applied to the detachable sub-table 300, the lift balls 23 roll due to frictional force, allowing the detachable sub-table 300 to slide smoothly. In other words, since the detachable sub-table 300 can be moved manually, there is no need to install a lifting machine or the like.

[0036] The ball lifter 2 of this embodiment is designed to expand the fluid chamber 24 using pressurized fluid, so that the detachable sub-table 300, which is a heavy object (which can weigh as much as 300 kg), can be reliably lifted.

[0037] Here, when the lifting distance (corresponding to the distance between the supported position and the unsupported position) of the lift frame portion 21 is K, the lifting distance K is preferably 15 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less. The smaller the lifting distance K, the more relaxed the stroke amount restriction of the machining tool. By limiting the lifting distance K to 15 mm or less, the stroke amount restriction of the machining tool is sufficiently relaxed, and the degree of freedom of machining can be increased. This effect is further enhanced by limiting the lifting distance K to 5 mm or less. The lifting distance K of the lift frame portion 21 can be appropriately adjusted depending on the expandable volume of the fluid chamber 24 and the amount of pressure fluid supplied.

[0038] Next, a positioning mechanism for positioning the detachable sub-table 300 on the machine table 200 will be described. The positioning mechanism consists of a locator block 30 and a piston-incorporated locator 40. The piston-incorporated locator 40 is disposed on the back side of the thin section 303 of the detachable sub-table. Note that since FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the detachable sub-table 300, the piston-incorporated locator 40 is not shown. The locator block 30 is disposed on the upper surface side of the machine table 200. The locator block 30 and the piston-incorporated locator 40 work together to realize the positioning mechanism.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the piston-integrated locator 40, and FIG. Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the positioning mechanism. Figure 7 corresponds to the clamping time, and Figure 8 corresponds to the unclamping time. In order to simplify the drawings, the right half of the positioning mechanism is shown as a cross-sectional view, and the left half is not shown as a cross-sectional view.

[0040] 6, locator block 30 has legs 31 at its bottom, and is attached by fitting legs 31 into grooves 201 in machine table 200. Since grooves 201 are existing ones as described above, there is no need to create additional mounting holes for mounting locator block 30. A stepped groove 32 is formed in the center of the locator block 30 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the locator block 30. The stepped groove 32 is made up of a lower step 32a and an upper step 32b, and the width of the lower step 32a is greater than the width of the upper step 32b.

[0041] Flat portions 32b1 facing each other are formed on the side surface of the upper portion 32b, and a lock ball groove 32b2 is formed in each flat portion 32b1. The lock ball groove 32b2 is formed in a substantially V-shape and extends in the longitudinal direction of the locator block 30 (in other words, the sliding direction of the detachable sub-table 300).

[0042] 5, 7 and 8, the piston-embedded locator 40 has a piston portion 41, and a chamber 42 is formed between the upper end of the piston portion 41 and the back surface of the thin portion 303 of the detachable sub-table. The chamber 42 communicates with a fluid supply port 303a provided on the outer surface of the thin portion 303 of the detachable sub-table, and a pressurized fluid can be pumped into the chamber 42 through the fluid supply port 303a. The pressurized fluid can be the same as that of the ball lifter 2. When the pressurized fluid is supplied into the chamber 42, the chamber 42 expands downward, and the piston portion 41 is pressed down. The chamber 42 is sealed by seal rings 42a to 42c.

[0043] A spring accommodating portion 41b is formed in the piston portion 41, and a clamp spring 45 is disposed in the spring accommodating portion 41b. The upper end of the clamp spring 45 abuts against the upper wall of the spring accommodating portion 41b, and the lower end of the clamp spring 45 abuts against the spring support portion 40a protruding toward the central axis C of the piston portion 41.

[0044] Even if the piston portion 41 is pushed down, the spring support portion 40a is not synchronized with the piston portion 41 because it is fastened to the detachable sub-table thin portion 303. Therefore, when the piston portion 41 is pushed down, the clamp spring 45 is pressed toward the spring support portion 40a and charged in the contracting direction. When the supply of pressurized fluid is stopped, the spring force charged in the clamp spring 45 pushes the piston 41 up, and the chamber 42 contracts.

[0045] The tip of the piston portion 41 is provided with a piston protruding portion 41c that protrudes radially outward. Inside the piston portion 41, a piston hollow portion 41a is formed so as to surround the central axis C of the piston portion 41, and a lock pin 44 is disposed in this piston hollow portion 41a. The lock pin 44 is suspended by an unlocking spring 47. A throttle-shaped portion 44a having a smaller diameter than other portions is formed at the lower end of the lock pin 44. In addition, a speed adjustment spring 48 is provided on the lock pin 44.

[0046] A ball support opening 41d that supports the lock ball 49a is formed on the side of the piston portion 41. The outer diameter of this ball support opening 41d is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lock ball 49a. A plate material 49b is provided on the side of the piston portion 41, and the lock ball 49a partially protrudes from a plate material hole 49b1 formed in this plate material 49b, so that the lock ball 49a does not pass through the plate material hole 49b1 and fall out.

[0047] The center of the locator block 32 is provided with a two-surface restraint section 32c consisting of a tapered surface 32c1 and a non-tapered surface 32c2, and the piston-incorporated locator 40 is provided with a two-surface restraint section 41e consisting of a tapered surface 41e1 and a non-tapered surface 41e2, and when the two-surface restraint section 32c of the locator block 32 and the two-surface restraint section 41e of the piston-incorporated locator 40 are in contact with each other, switching between an unclamped state and a clamped state, which will be described in detail below, is performed. It is preferable that the taper standard conform to JIS B6064-1 and ISO 12164-1.

[0048] Next, the operation of the positioning mechanism will be described with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. In the clamped state, the piston portion 41 is suspended by the clamp spring 45, and the piston protruding portion 41c is in a state of being pressed against the upper surface 32a1 of the lower portion 32a of the locator block 30. In this clamped state, the workpiece is processed by the processing tool. In the clamped state, the lock balls 49a are pressed against the lock ball grooves 32b2. The clamped state can be stabilized by the lock balls 49a being pressed against the lock ball grooves 32b2.

[0049] In the clamped state, when pressurized fluid is supplied into the chamber 42, the piston portion 41 moves downward while charging the clamp spring 45 in the contracting direction. When the piston portion 41 moves downward, the lock ball 49a is pushed toward the central axis C of the piston portion 41 while ascending the lock ball groove portion 32b2. According to the configuration of this embodiment, when transitioning from the clamped state to the unclamped state, the lock ball 49a can be moved while being pressed by the throttle-shaped portion 44a of the piston portion 41. This makes it possible to prevent the lock ball 49a from falling out into the piston hollow portion 41a.

[0050] As described above, the lock pin 44 is suspended from the unlocking spring 47 so that it can swing up and down, and therefore the upward swinging of the lock pin 44 allows the lock ball 49a to disengage from the lock ball groove 32b2. In other words, if the lock pin 44 is fixed without being suspended by a spring, the lock ball 49a may interfere with the lock pin 44 when climbing the lock ball groove 32b2, causing the piston part 41 to become inoperable. In this embodiment, the lock pin 44 is pushed upward by the lock ball 49a climbing the lock ball groove 32b2 (in other words, the lock pin 44 is retracted upward), so malfunction of the piston part 41 can be more reliably prevented.

[0051] As described above, the lock pin 44 is provided with a speed adjustment spring 47, which can slow down the speed at which the lock pin 44 is pushed upward. In other words, if an unexpected load is applied when the lock pin 44 is pushed upward, the contact between the lock ball 49a and the throttle-shaped portion 44a may be broken, causing the lock ball 49a to fall into the piston hollow portion 41a. By providing the speed adjustment spring 47, even if an unexpected load is applied, the lock ball 49a and the throttle-shaped portion 44a can be kept in contact with each other while switching from the clamped state to the unclamped state. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the lock ball 49a from falling.

[0052] With the positioning mechanism switched to the unclamped state, the lift frame portion 21 of the ball lifter 2 is moved upward from the unsupported position to the supported position, whereby the lift balls 23 come into contact with the detachable sub-table 300, causing the detachable sub-table 300 to float. Then, by pushing the detachable sub-table 300 toward the front side of the processing device, the lift balls 23 roll, causing the detachable sub-table 300 to slide smoothly.

[0053] Conventionally, a lifting machine or the like was used to lift the detachable sub-table 300, which increased capital investment and took time for replacement. According to this embodiment, replacement can be performed simply by lifting the lift frame portion 21 from the unsupported position to the supported position and manually sliding the detachable sub-table 300. Therefore, compared to the conventional method, capital investment can be reduced and replacement time can be shortened.

[0054] In addition, the detachable sub-table 300, on which the jigs and workpieces are set in advance, can be brought in on the dolly 400 and set to the processing position in a short time by simply sliding it. This significantly reduces the non-operational time of the processing device, thereby increasing the operating rate of the processing device.

[0055] Furthermore, the ball lifter 2 and the positioning mechanism can be easily retrofitted to a general-purpose machine, and thus the operating rate of the general-purpose machine can be improved by retrofitting them.

[0056] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mechanism is composed of a locator block 30 and a piston-integrated locator 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other positioning mechanisms (e.g., see Patent Document 1) that can switch the machine table 200 and the detachable sub-table 300 between a clamped state and an unclamped state may be used.

[0057] (Variation 2) A second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Elements having the same functions as those of the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. A side groove 301a is formed on the side of the detachable sub-table 300. The side groove 301a is a so-called T-groove, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the groove 301. Here, for convenience of explanation, the longitudinal direction of the groove 301 is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X1 direction is defined as the X2 direction.

[0058] The support legs 61 are a pair, each extending in the vertical direction. A leg mounting part 61a that is mounted in the side groove 301a is provided at the lower end of the support leg 61. A holding part 61b that holds the slide rail 62 so that the slide rail 62 can slide in the X1 direction is provided at the upper end of the support leg 61.

[0059] A ball spline 63 is attached to the slide rail 62 via an attachment member 62a. The ball spline 63 includes a spline shaft 63a extending in the X2 direction and a spline nut 63b attached to the spline shaft 63a. A magnet stand (not shown) with an indicator (not shown) is attached to the spline nut 63b. The indicator is of a dial type. The spline nut 63b can be moved linearly in the X2 direction along the spline shaft 63a. Therefore, the position of the indicator can be changed in the planar direction by moving the slide rail 62 in the X1 direction or moving the spline nut 63b in the X2 direction. The indicator allows the setting status of the workpiece (including parallelism and perpendicularity with respect to the groove 301) to be confirmed (in other words, centering work can be performed).

[0060] According to this modified example, the centering work is performed in advance outside the machine using an indicator, and the detachable sub-table 300 can be quickly transported into the machine after the centering work has been completed. It goes without saying that the process of transporting the detachable sub-table 300 into the machine is performed after removing the equipment (including the support legs 61, slide rails 62, ball spline 63, etc.) used in the centering work. Since there is no need to perform the centering work inside the machine, the effect of the detachable sub-table 300 described above (the replacement process of the processed material can be achieved in a short time without using a lifting machine, etc.) can be enhanced. Since the side groove 301a is an existing groove provided in a conventional detachable sub-table, there is no need to machine a separate mounting groove for mounting the support leg 61. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 2 Ball lifter 5 Chip cover 21 Lift frame section 21a Lift ball holder 22 Support ball 23 Lift Ball 24 Fluid Chamber 25 Fluid supply port 30 Locator Block 31 Legs 32 Step groove 32a Lower section 32a1 top surface 32b Upper section 32b1 Flat part 32b2 Lock ball groove 32c Two-sided restraint part 32c1 Tapered surface 32c2 Non-tapered surface 40 Piston built-in locator 40a Spring support 41 Piston section 41a Piston hollow section 41b Spring housing 41c Piston extension 41d Ball support opening 41e Two-sided restraint part 41e1 Tapered surface 41e2 Non-tapered surface 42 Ward Room 44 Lock pin 44a Squeezing shape part 45 Clamp spring 47 Unlocking spring 48 Speed ​​adjustment spring 49a Rock Ball 49b Board material 49b1 Plate hole 61 Support legs 62 Slide rail 63 Ball spline 100 Machine Pedestal 200 Machine Table 300 Detachable sub-table 302 Detachable sub-table thick section 303 Detachable sub-table thin section 303a Fluid supply port 600 Fixed Subtable 400 Carts 201 301 601 Groove 301a Side groove

Claims

1. A processing device having an automatic tool changing function for processing a metal workpiece into a predetermined shape on a detachable sub-table that is detachably mounted on a machine table, a ball lifter including a plurality of lift balls and a lift frame portion having a concave-shaped lift ball holding portion formed on an upper surface thereof for accommodating each lift ball in a rollable manner, the ball lifter being accommodated in a machine table groove portion formed in the machine table; a lifting means for lifting and lowering the lift frame portion between a support position where the detachable sub-table is slidably supported by the plurality of lift balls and a non-support position below the support position; A processing apparatus comprising:

2. The distance between the supported position and the unsupported position is 15 mm or less.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The width of the detachable sub-table is smaller than the width of the machine table.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The lifting means has a supply unit that supplies pressure fluid to the ball lifter, When the pressure fluid is supplied, the lift frame portion rises toward the support position.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The pressure fluid is air.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The machine table and the detachable sub-table are provided with a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism includes a locator block disposed on the upper surface side of the machine table, and a piston-embedded locator disposed on the rear surface side of the detachable sub-table, the locator block has a stepped groove portion whose lower portion has a width greater than that of an upper portion, The piston-integrated locator includes a piston portion having a horizontally extending protrusion formed at a tip thereof, the piston portion operates between a clamped state in which the protruding portion is in pressure contact with the upper surface of the lower portion and an unclamped state in which the protruding portion is separated from the upper surface of the lower portion.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The machine table and the detachable sub-table are provided with a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism includes a locator block disposed on the upper surface side of the machine table, and a piston-embedded locator disposed on the rear surface side of the detachable sub-table, the locator block has a stepped groove portion whose lower portion has a width greater than that of an upper portion, The piston-integrated locator includes a piston portion having a horizontally extending protrusion formed at a tip thereof, the piston portion operates between a clamped state in which the protruding portion is in pressure contact with the upper surface of the lower portion and an unclamped state in which the protruding portion is separated from the upper surface of the lower portion.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3.

8. The machine table and the detachable sub-table are provided with a positioning mechanism, the positioning mechanism includes a locator block disposed on the upper surface side of the machine table, and a piston-embedded locator disposed on the rear surface side of the detachable sub-table, the locator block has a stepped groove portion whose lower portion has a width greater than that of an upper portion, The piston-integrated locator includes a piston portion having a horizontally extending protrusion formed at a tip thereof, the piston portion operates between a clamped state in which the protruding portion is in pressure contact with the upper surface of the lower portion and an unclamped state in which the protruding portion is separated from the upper surface of the lower portion.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4.

9. A lock ball groove is formed on the side surface of the upper portion, the piston portion has a lock ball supported in a ball support opening formed in a side surface of the piston portion, the lock ball is pressed against the lock ball groove in the clamped state, and is released from the lock ball groove when the clamped state transitions to the unclamped state; 9. The processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The piston portion has a piston hollow portion extending in a vertical direction, a lock pin that prevents the lock ball from falling into the piston hollow portion is accommodated in the piston hollow portion, The lock pin is suspended by a spring.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The tip of the lock pin has a drawn portion, The drawn portion is in contact with the lock ball. The processing apparatus according to claim 10 .

12. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3.

14. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4.

15. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6.

16. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 7 .

17. A side groove is formed on a side surface of the detachable sub-table, The side groove is a mounting groove for mounting an indicator for checking the setting status of the workpiece.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 8.

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