Machine tool

Abstract

To provide a machine tool allowing replacement of a tool by installing a long tool with a simple configuration while suppressing an installation space of the machine tool from being enlarged.SOLUTION: A machine tool 1 includes: a column 3; a saddle 4 which is vertically and movably supported by the column 3; a spindle head 5 which is provided in the saddle 4 and holds a tool T at a tip; a side surface cover 53 which is provided on a side of the saddle 4; an upper surface cover 56 which is provided above the saddle 4; a short tool magazine 13 which is provided adjacently to a side outside the side surface cover 53 and stores a short tool Ta having a tool length to be a prescribed length or less; a short tool replacing device 14 which replaces the short tool Ta between the short tool magazine 13 and the spindle head 5; a long tool holding member 15 which is provided above the upper surface cover 56 and holds a long tool Tb having a tool length longer than the short tool Ta; and a long tool replacing device 16 which replaces the long tool Tb between the long tool holding member 15 and the spindle head 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Machine tools such as machining centers are configured to accommodate a large number of tools and automatically change the tools attached to the spindle using a tool changer. Tools used in machine tools include short tools such as end mills, drills, and milling cutters, and long tools such as boring tools.

[0003] The tool magazine installed in the machine tool has an upper limit on the length of tools that can be stored, and short tools that are equal to or shorter than the upper limit of the predetermined length can be stored in the tool magazine, but long tools that are longer than the predetermined length cannot be stored in the tool magazine.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe machine tools that are configured to allow replacement of long tools by installing long tools separately from a short tool magazine. In the machine tool described in Patent Document 1, a long tool is placed in parallel with a workpiece on the upper surface of a table that is movably installed on a bed. The replacement of the long tool is performed by a gantry loader.

[0005] In the machine tool described in Patent Document 2, a long tool is placed on the upper surface of a pallet exchanger in an angular region between a processing pallet and a standby pallet in the pallet exchanger. The tool exchange of the long tool is performed using a table that is movable in the direction of the central axis of the rotating tool.

[0006] In the machine tool described in Patent Document 3, a short tool magazine is installed to the side of the spindle, and a long tool magazine is installed vertically in parallel to the short tool magazine. In the machine tool described in Patent Document 4, the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle is configured vertically, and long tools are arranged behind the spindle head and column. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-182138 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-186186 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2017-52023 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2018-58205 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the machine tool described in Patent Document 1, long tools are placed on a table, which makes the table large. In the machine tool described in Patent Document 2, long tools are placed in gap spaces, which makes the structure of the pallet changer complicated. In the machine tool described in Patent Document 3, the short tool magazine and the long tool magazine are placed on the sides of the spindle, which reduces the installation space for the short tool magazine and may reduce the number of short tools that can be stored. In the machine tool described in Patent Document 4, the tools are placed behind the spindle head and column, which requires a space larger than the installation space for the machine body, making the entire machine tool large.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a machine tool that allows long tools to be installed and tool replacement with a simple configuration, while suppressing the expansion of the installation space of the machine tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; A device is provided above the saddle. , having a window A top cover; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; A tool holder is provided above the top cover and holds a long tool having a longer length than the short tool. and configured to be able to pass through the window. A long tool holding member; a long tool exchange device for exchanging the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head; 、 The long tool changer includes: a vertical movement device that moves the long tool holding member while holding the long tool between a position above the window and a position below the window; a horizontal movement device that moves the long tool holding member, while holding the long tool, in a horizontal direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head, The long tool changer is configured to position the long tool holding member below the window by the vertical movement device, and then move the long tool holding member in a direction approaching the spindle head by the horizontal movement device, thereby mounting the long tool held by the long tool holding member on the spindle head. These are found in machine tools. Another aspect of the present invention is Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; a top cover provided above the saddle and having a window; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; a long tool holding member provided above the top cover, the long tool being longer than the short tool and configured to hold the long tool; a long tool changer for changing the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head, The long tool changer includes: A gripping member capable of gripping the long tool; a vertical movement device that moves the gripping member, which is holding the long tool, between a position above the window and a position below the window; a cover member fixed below the long tool holding member, movable horizontally relative to the top cover, configured to open and close the window, and configured to move integrally with the long tool holding member; and a window opening and closing horizontal movement device that moves the long tool holding member and the lid member in a horizontal direction relative to the top cover. Another aspect of the present invention is Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; a top cover provided above the saddle and having a window; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; a long tool holding member provided above the top cover, the long tool being longer than the short tool and configured to hold the long tool; a long tool changer for changing the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head, The long tool changer includes: A gripping member capable of gripping the long tool; a vertical movement device that moves the gripping member, which is holding the long tool, between a position above the window and a position below the window; a gripping member horizontal movement device that moves the gripping member holding the long tool in a horizontal direction parallel to an axial direction of a rotation center of the spindle head, The long tool change device in the machine tool is configured to position the gripping member holding the long tool at a position below the window by the up-down movement device, and then move the gripping member in a direction approaching the spindle head by the gripping member horizontal movement device, thereby mounting the long tool held by the gripping member to the spindle head. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the above machine tool, the short tool magazine is provided adjacent to the outer side of the side cover. The short tool changer exchanges short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head. Meanwhile, long tools are held by a long tool holding member provided above the top cover. The long tool changer exchanges long tools between the long tool holding member and the spindle head.

[0012] The long tool holding member is provided at a position independent of the short tool magazine. As described above, the short tool magazine is provided on the outer side of the side cover, and the long tool holding member is provided above the top cover. Therefore, since the long tool holding member is above the top cover, there is no need to increase the installation space of the machine tool.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing the long tool holding member above the top cover, the long tool holding member and the long tool changer can be installed without affecting other device configurations. For example, the long tool holding member and the long tool changer are provided independently of a table on which a workpiece is placed, a pallet changer, a short tool magazine, etc. Therefore, the configurations of the long tool holding member and the long tool changer are simplified. And, since there is no effect on the short tool magazine, there is no need to reduce the number of short tool magazines that can be accommodated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a first embodiment as viewed from the side (X-axis direction). [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the machine tool in FIG. 1 as viewed from above (Y-axis direction) on the paper. [Diagram 3] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool in FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side of the page, that is, as viewed from the rear (Z-axis direction) of the machine tool. [Figure 4] 11 is a view showing a state in which a long tool holding member is lowered during a long tool replacement operation in the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool of FIG. 4 as viewed from the right side (rear of the machine tool) on the page. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a long tool is attached to a spindle head during a long tool replacement operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are views showing a state in which the long tool is detached from the long tool holding member during the replacement operation of the long tool in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool of FIG. 7 as viewed from the right side of the page (the rear of the machine tool). [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a replacement completion state of the long tool replacement operation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the rear (Z-axis direction), showing a state in which a long tool holding member has been lowered. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the rear (Z-axis direction), showing a state in which a long tool holding member has been lowered. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the side (X-axis direction). [Figure 13] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool of FIG. 12 as viewed from the right side of the page (the rear of the machine tool). [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which, with a long tool being held by one of the long tool holding members in the fourth embodiment, the mounting table and the lid member are moved in the horizontal direction to open the window in the top cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the long tool holding member is lowered in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool of FIG. 15 as viewed from the right side of the page (the rear of the machine tool). [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which a long tool is attached to a spindle head during a long tool replacement operation in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] (1. First embodiment) (1-1. Configuration of machine tool 1) The configuration of machine tool 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 1, machine tool 1 is exemplified by a machining center that can position at least a tool T (rotating tool T) so that its central axis (the central axis of rotation of the spindle head) is horizontal.

[0016] Therefore, in this embodiment, the machine tool 1 is configured such that the central axis of the tool T coincides with the horizontal direction. That is, in the machine tool 1 in this embodiment, the direction that coincides with the central axis of the tool T among two orthogonal horizontal axes is defined as the Z-axis direction, the other of the two orthogonal horizontal axes that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0017] In addition to the configuration described below, the machine tool 1 can also be configured to be capable of changing the posture of the tool T so that the central axis of the tool T is in a direction different from the horizontal direction, in addition to the posture in which the central axis of the tool T coincides with the horizontal direction. In this case, the machine tool 1 is provided with, for example, a turning mechanism for changing the posture of a spindle head 5 (described later) that holds the tool T, so that the central axis of the tool T can be changed between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

[0018] Machine tool 1 in this embodiment includes a bed 2, a column 3, a saddle 4, a spindle head 5, a table 6, a pair of pallets 7a, 7b, a pallet changer 8, and an overall cover 9. Here, in the machine tool 1 in this embodiment, an example is given in which the spindle head 5 holding a tool T moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the bed 2, and the table 6 holding workpieces Wa, Wb moves in the Z-axis direction relative to the bed 2. However, the machine tool 1 may be configured so that at least the spindle head 5 moves in the Y-axis direction, and either the spindle head 5 or the table 6 moves in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0019] The bed 2 is installed on the installation surface of the machine tool 1. In this embodiment, the bed 2 has, for example, a rectangular upper surface. However, the shape of the bed 2 can be any shape. On the upper surface of the bed 2, an X-axis guide 21 extending in the X-axis direction (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1) and a Z-axis guide 22 extending in the Z-axis direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) are provided.

[0020] The column 3 is supported on the upper surface of the bed 2. In this embodiment, the column 3 is supported by an X-axis guide 21 on the bed 2. The column 3 is supported so as to be movable in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) relative to the bed 2. The column 3 is linearly driven by an X-axis drive device (not shown) such as a ball screw device or a linear motor. However, the column 3 may be fixed to the bed 2, or may be provided so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction relative to the bed 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the column 3 includes a Y-axis guide 31 extending in the Y-axis direction on a plane normal to the Z-axis direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1).

[0021] The saddle 4 is supported by a Y-axis guide 31 on the column 3. The saddle 4 is supported so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction (up and down direction) relative to the column 3. The saddle 4 is linearly driven by a Y-axis drive device (not shown) such as a ball screw device or a linear motor. The spindle head 5 is provided on the saddle 4, and holds a tool T at its tip. The tool T is detachable from the spindle head 5. Therefore, the tool T attached to the spindle head 5 is replaceable. The spindle head 5 includes a spindle housing and a spindle rotatably supported by the spindle housing, and the tool T is held at the tip of the spindle.

[0022] Here, the tools T held by the spindle head 5 include short tools Ta and long tools Tb. Therefore, either the short tool Ta or the long tool Tb is attached to the spindle head 5. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the spindle head 5 holds the short tool Ta.

[0023] The short tool Ta is a tool whose tool length is equal to or shorter than a predetermined length, and the long tool Tb is a tool whose tool length is longer than the predetermined length. In this embodiment, the predetermined length is set to the upper limit of the tool length that can be accommodated in the short tool magazine 13 described later. The short tool Ta is, for example, a rotating tool such as an end mill, a drill, a milling cutter, a gear skiving cutter, or a hob cutter. The long tool Tb is a rotating tool such as a boring tool.

[0024] The table 6 supports one of the workpieces Wa, Wb. However, in this embodiment, the table 6 supports one of the workpieces Wa, Wb via one of the pallets 7a, 7b described below.

[0025] The table 6 is supported by Z-axis guides 22 on the bed 2. The table 6 is supported so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction relative to the bed 2. Therefore, the table 6 moves relatively close to or away from the spindle head 5 in the horizontal direction. However, the table 6 may be fixed to the bed 2, or may be provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction relative to the bed 2.

[0026] The table 6 includes a table body 41 and a rotating table 42. The table body 41 is supported by Z-axis guides 22 and moves in the Z-axis direction relative to the bed 2. The rotating table 42 is supported on the upper surface of the table body 41 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (B-axis). The table body 41 is linearly driven by a Z-axis driving device (not shown) such as a ball screw device or a linear motor. The rotating table 42 is rotationally driven by a B-axis driving device (not shown) such as a motor.

[0027] The pallets 7a and 7b support the workpieces Wa and Wb. The pallets 7a and 7b may fix the workpieces Wa and Wb via a workpiece mounting jig (not shown). Furthermore, the pallets 7a and 7b are provided so as to be detachable from the upper surface of the table 6. In this embodiment, the pallets 7a and 7b are detachable from the upper surface of the rotary table 42.

[0028] The pallet exchange device 8 has a pair of rotating arms 8a, 8b that can rotate about a vertical axis and can hold a pair of pallets 7a, 7b. The pallet exchange device 8 exchanges the pair of pallets 7a, 7b between an installation position on the table 6 located on the spindle head 5 side in the Z-axis direction and a mounting table 8c at a setup position located on the side farther from the spindle head 5, by rotating the pair of rotating arms 8a, 8b 180 degrees about the vertical axis. However, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the pallet exchange device 8 is holding one pallet 7b and is not holding the other pallet 7a after delivering it to the table 6.

[0029] The overall cover 9 is attached to the bed 2 and is a cover that surrounds elements on the bed 2 of the machine tool 1. In particular, the overall cover 9 surrounds the machining area MA, the non-machining area UA, and the setup area PA. In this embodiment, the overall cover 9 includes a left front cover 51, a right front cover 52, a left side cover 53, a right side cover 54, a rear cover 55, and a top cover 56.

[0030] The left front cover 51 and the right front cover 52 are provided on a part of the front surface (the left side in FIG. 1) of the machine tool 1. The space between the left front cover 51 and the right front cover 52 is a work area for exchanging the workpiece Wb on the pallet 7b located on the mounting table 8c at the setup position in the pallet exchanger 8. A front door (not shown) is provided between the left front cover 51 and the right front cover 52.

[0031] The left side cover 53 and the right side cover 54 are provided to cover the sides of the non-machining area UA where the column 3 and saddle 4 are located, the sides of the machining area MA, and the sides of the setup area PA in the pallet exchange device 8.

[0032] The left side cover 53 has a window 53a for tool replacement of a short tool Ta at a position corresponding to the machining area MA. The right side cover 54 has a window 54a for work by an operator at a position corresponding to the machining area MA. The work window 54a is provided with a work door 54b that can be opened and closed. The back cover 55 covers the back of the non-machining area UA where the column 3 is located. The top cover 56 covers the entire area above the bed 2. The top cover 56 has a window 56a for tool replacement of a long tool Tb.

[0033] Here, the machining area MA is defined by a swivel cover 8d constituting the pallet exchange device 8, in addition to a left side cover 53 and a right side cover 54. Furthermore, the machine tool 1 is provided with machining area partition covers 11, 12. The machining area partition covers 11, 12 are formed, for example, of a telescopic cover or a bellows cover. The machining area partition covers 11, 12 partition the machining area MA from a non-machining area UA in which the column 3 and the saddle 4 are arranged. Furthermore, the machining area partition covers 11, 12 follow the movement of the spindle head 5 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0034] Furthermore, the machine tool 1 is provided with a short tool magazine 13, a short tool changer 14, a long tool holding member 15, and a long tool changer 16. The short tool magazine 13 and the short tool changer 14 are provided on the side of the machine tool 1, and the long tool holding member 15 and the long tool changer 16 are provided above the machine tool 1.

[0035] The short tool magazine 13 has a plurality of tool pots (registered trademark) 61, and a plurality of short tools Ta are stored in the plurality of tool pots (registered trademark) 61. The short tool magazine 13 is provided adjacent to the outer side of the left side cover 53. More specifically, the short tool magazine 13 is located to the side of the column 3, the saddle 4, and the spindle head 5. The short tool magazine 13 can be, for example, a disk turret type, a chain type, a matrix type, or the like.

[0036] The short tool magazine 13 includes a plurality of tool pots (registered trademark) 61 capable of holding a plurality of short tools Ta, and the tool pots (registered trademark) 61 are provided movably. The short tool magazine 13 is configured such that, for example, when the short tool Ta is held in the tool pots (registered trademark) 61, the central axis direction of the short tool Ta faces sideways (X-axis direction). Therefore, the width of the short tool magazine 13 in the X-axis direction corresponds to the maximum length classified as the short tool Ta. The short tool magazine 13 also includes a magazine cover 62 that covers the outside.

[0037] The short tool changer 14 performs tool change of the short tool Ta between the short tool magazine 13 and the spindle head 5. Tool change of the short tool Ta means mounting the short tool Ta carried out from the short tool magazine 13 on the spindle head 5 and carrying the short tool Ta removed from the spindle head 5 into the short tool magazine 13.

[0038] The short tool change device 14 includes, for example, a turn device 71, an exchange arm 72, and a shutter 73. The turn device 71 changes the attitude of the tool pot (registered trademark) 61 located at a predetermined position (the position closest to the exchange arm 72). In detail, the turn device 71 rotates the central axis of the tool pot (registered trademark) 61 located at the predetermined position from a state in which the central axis faces the X-axis direction to a state in which the central axis faces the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0039] The exchange arm 72 is formed, for example, in an S-shape and configured to be able to hold a short tool Ta at both ends. One end of the exchange arm 72 holds the short tool Ta held by the spindle head 5, and the other end holds the short tool Ta held by the turn device 71. The exchange arm 72 rotates to exchange the short tool Ta between the spindle head 5 and the turn device 71.

[0040] The shutter 73 of the short tool changer 14 is provided so as to be able to open and close a window provided in the left side cover 53 of the entire cover 9 at a position close to the change arm 72. The shutter 73 opens the window when the short tool Ta is changed by the change arm 72. On the other hand, the shutter 73 closes the window when tool change is not performed.

[0041] The long tool holding member 15 holds a long tool Tb. It is composed of a mounting table 81 on which the long tool Tb is placed. The mounting table 81 holds, for example, a holder portion of the long tool Tb and a tool shaft portion of the long tool Tb. More specifically, the mounting table 81 can hold, of the holder portion of the long tool Tb, an engagement groove portion (a portion having the same shape as the engagement groove that engages with the exchange arm 72) and a shank portion that fits into the spindle head 5. The mounting table 81 is formed, for example, in a V-shape, a U-shape, an arc-shaped concave shape, or the like.

[0042] The long tool holding member 15 also includes a locking mechanism 82 provided on the mounting table 81. The locking mechanism 82 is configured to be capable of engaging with the long tool Tb at both ends of the V-shape of the mounting table 81 in order to maintain the long tool Tb placed on the mounting table 81. The locking mechanism 82 is configured, for example, with a plunger.

[0043] In a reference state, the long tool holding member 15 is provided above the top cover 56. The reference state is a state in which the long tool Tb has not been changed. More specifically, the long tool holding member 15 is provided above the machining area MA. In this embodiment, the machine tool 1 is equipped with a plurality of (two) long tool holding members 15. The plurality of long tool holding members 15 hold the long tool Tb above the top cover 56 in a position in which the central axis direction of the long tool Tb coincides with the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5. The plurality of long tool holding members 15 are provided in parallel in the X-axis direction.

[0044] Further, the long tool holding member 15 is configured to be able to pass through the window 56a of the top cover 56 while holding the long tool Tb. In this embodiment, two long tool holding members 15 are configured to be able to pass through the windows 56a of the top cover 56 at the same time.

[0045] The long tool changer 16 performs tool change of the long tool Tb between the long tool holding member 15 and the spindle head 5. Tool change of the long tool Tb means that the long tool Tb held by the long tool holding member 15 above the top cover 56 is attached to the spindle head 5, and the long tool Tb removed from the spindle head 5 is placed in a state where it is held by the long tool holding member 15 above the top cover 56.

[0046] In a standard state, the long tool changer 16 is provided above the top cover 56, similar to the long tool holding member 15. The long tool changer 16 is configured to be able to move the long tool holding member 15, which holds a long tool Tb, in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position of a window 56a of the top cover 56, and also to be able to move the long tool holding member 15 in a state where the long tool Tb is held, in a horizontal direction that coincides with the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5. The long tool changer 16 includes a cover member 91, a horizontal movement device 92, and a vertical movement device 93.

[0047] The lid member 91 is fixed below the mounting table 81 constituting the long tool holding member 15. The lid member 91 is located below the window 56a of the top cover 56, i.e., on the machining area MA side. The lid member 91 closes the window 56a of the top cover 56 when the long tool holding member 15 is located above the window 56a.

[0048] The cover member 91 can move downward from a state in which it closes the window 56a. The cover member 91 moves downward away from the window 56a to open the window 56a. In this manner, the cover member 91 is configured to be able to open and close the window 56a. In addition, since the cover member 91 is fixed to the long tool holding member 15, it is configured to be able to move integrally with the long tool holding member 15. Therefore, a dedicated driving device for moving the cover member 91 is not required.

[0049] The horizontal movement device 92 is provided above the top cover 56, and is configured to be able to move the long tool holding member 15 in a horizontal direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5. The horizontal movement device 92 includes a pair of frames 101, a pair of horizontal guides 102, a horizontal moving body 103, and a drive device 104.

[0050] The pair of frames 101 are supported on the upper surface of the top cover 56, and are provided so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. The pair of frames 101 are also provided so as to be spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The pair of horizontal guides 102 are provided on each of the pair of frames 101 so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. The pair of horizontal guides 102 may be provided on the upper surfaces of the pair of frames 101, or may be provided on the side surfaces of the pair of frames 101.

[0051] The horizontal moving body 103 is supported across the pair of horizontal guides 102. The horizontal moving body 103 is supported so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. For example, the horizontal moving body 103 is formed in the shape of a parallel plate on a horizontal plane, but may be formed in any shape.

[0052] The driving device 104 is provided on the pair of frames 101, and moves the horizontal moving body 103 along the pair of horizontal guides 102 relative to the pair of frames 101. The driving device 104 is composed of, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The driving device 104 may also be composed of a ball screw mechanism, a linear motor, or the like. The driving device 104 is driven based on a command from a control device.

[0053] The vertical movement device 93 is provided above the top cover 56, and is configured to be able to move the long tool holding member 15 in the vertical direction between an upper position and a lower position of the window 56a. The vertical movement device 93 is configured to be able to move in the horizontal direction integrally with the long tool holding member 15 by the horizontal movement device 92. The vertical movement device 93 includes a vertical movement wall member 111, a pair of vertical movement guides 112, a vertical mover 113, a support shaft member 114, and a drive device 115.

[0054] The vertically movable wall member 111 is fixed to the horizontal moving body 103 and is provided in the form of a wall extending in the vertical direction. The vertically movable wall member 111 is provided so that the normal direction of the wall surface coincides with the Z-axis direction, but is not limited to this configuration. The vertically movable wall member 111 is located between the pair of frames 101 (between the X-axis direction) and extends from an upper position to a lower position with respect to the pair of frames 101.

[0055] The pair of vertical movement guides 112 are provided to extend in the vertical direction on the wall surface of the vertical movement wall member 111. The vertical mover 113 is supported across the pair of vertical movement guides 112. The vertical mover 113 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

[0056] The support shaft member 114 is fixed to the vertical moving body 113 and is a shaft member extending in the vertical direction. The lower end of the support shaft member 114 is fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 91 and moves the cover member 91 up and down. Since the cover member 91 is fixed to the long tool holding member 15, the support shaft member 114 is fixed to the long tool holding member 15 via the cover member 91 and is configured to move the long tool holding member 15 in the vertical direction.

[0057] The driving device 115 is provided on the vertically moving wall member 111, and moves the vertical moving body 113 and the support shaft member 114 along a pair of vertically moving guides 112 relative to the vertically moving wall member 111. The driving device 115 is composed of, for example, a ball screw mechanism or a linear motor. The driving device 115 may be composed of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. The driving device 115 is driven based on a command from a control device.

[0058] (1-2. Operation of machine tool 1) The operation of the machine tool 1, particularly the operation relating to replacement of the long tool Tb, will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. First, in a reference state as a start state of the operation, the cover member 91 closes the window 56a of the top cover 56. Therefore, the long tool holding member 15 is located above the top cover 56, and the horizontal movement device 92 and the vertical movement device 93 are also located above the top cover 56.

[0059] 4, the spindle head 5 and the saddle 4 are moved in the Y-axis direction to a long tool change position located at an upper position on the column 3. The table 6 is moved in the Z-axis direction to a long tool change position away from the spindle head 5 and the saddle 4, i.e., a pallet change position.

[0060] Then, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the vertical movement device 93 lowers the long tool holding member 15 holding the long tool Tb to a position below the window 56a of the top cover 56. The cover member 91 is fixed to the lower surface of the mounting table 81 of the long tool holding member 15 and is fixed to the lower end of the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93. Therefore, when the vertical movement device 93 lowers the long tool holding member 15, the cover member 91 also lowers together with the long tool holding member 15, and the window 56a of the top cover 56 is opened. Therefore, the long tool holding member 15 can pass through the opened window 56a. Then, the vertical movement device 93 positions the long tool holding member 15 at a position where the central axis of the long tool Tb held by the long tool holding member 15 coincides with the central axis of the spindle head 5.

[0061] 6, the horizontal movement device 92 horizontally moves the long tool holding member 15 holding the long tool Tb in the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5 toward the spindle head 5. By this operation, the long tool Tb held by the long tool holding member 15 is attached to the spindle head 5. In the spindle head 5, the attached long tool Tb is clamped by a clamping mechanism (not shown) or the like.

[0062] Here, the horizontal movement device 92 horizontally moves not only the long tool holding member 15, but also the cover member 91 and the vertical movement device 93. That is, in the machining area MA, in addition to the long tool holding member 15, the cover member 91 and the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93 also approach the spindle head 5. However, until the long tool Tb is attached to the spindle head 5, the cover member 91 and the support shaft member 114 are configured not to interfere with the spindle head 5 or surrounding members.

[0063] 7 and 8, the vertical movement device 93 slightly lowers the long tool holding member 15. At this time, the long tool Tb is attached to the spindle head 5. The long tool holding member 15 has a locking mechanism 82 at the tip of a mounting table 81. The locking mechanism 82 engages with the long tool Tb, thereby maintaining the long tool Tb mounted on the mounting table 81.

[0064] As the long tool holding member 15 descends, the locking mechanism 82 releases the long tool Tb, and the long tool holding member 15 separates from the long tool Tb attached to the spindle head 5. Since the locking mechanism 82 is composed of, for example, a plunger, the locked state can be easily released.

[0065] 9, the horizontal movement device 92 and the vertical movement device 93 move the long tool holding member 15 to its original position, i.e., to a position above the top cover 56. Specifically, first, the horizontal movement device 92 moves the long tool holding member 15 horizontally in the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5 in a direction away from the spindle head 5.

[0066] Next, the vertical movement device 93 raises the long tool holding member 15, passing it through the window 56a of the top cover 56 and positioning it above the top cover 56. In this state, the cover member 91 fixed to the lower surface of the mounting table 81 of the long tool holding member 15 closes the window 56a of the top cover 56. In other words, the cover member 91 separates the machining area MA from the area above the top cover 56. In this way, the long tool holding member 15 and the long tool changer 16 return to the reference state. Then, machining of the workpiece Wa by the long tool Tb is started.

[0067] When removing the long tool Tb attached to the spindle head 5, the above-mentioned operations are performed in reverse. When attaching another long tool Tb to the spindle head 5, assuming that the initial state is one in which the long tool Tb is attached to the spindle head 5, the following operations are performed.

[0068] First, the horizontal movement device 92 and the vertical movement device 93 are operated to place the long tool Tb attached to the spindle head 5 on one of the long tool holding members 15 that does not hold the long tool Tb, and remove the long tool Tb from the spindle head 5. Next, the horizontal movement device 92 and the vertical movement device 93 are operated to attach a replacement long tool Tb held by the other long tool holding member 15 to the spindle head 5. Then, the long tool holding member 15 is moved to a position above the top cover 56.

[0069] (1-3. Effects) According to the machine tool 1 of the first embodiment, the short tool magazine 13 is provided adjacent to the outer lateral side of the left side cover 53. Then, the short tool changer 14 performs tool change of the short tool Ta between the short tool magazine 13 and the spindle head 5. Meanwhile, the long tool Tb is held by a long tool holding member 15 provided above the top cover 56. Then, the long tool changer 16 performs tool change of the long tool Tb between the long tool holding member 15 and the spindle head 5.

[0070] The long tool holding member 15 is provided at a position independent of the short tool magazine 13. As described above, the short tool magazine 13 is provided on the outer lateral side of the left side cover 53, and the long tool holding member 15 is provided above the top cover 56. Therefore, since the long tool holding member 15 is above the top cover 56, there is no need to increase the installation space for the machine tool 1.

[0071] Furthermore, by providing the long tool holding member 15 above the top cover 56, the long tool holding member 15 and the long tool changer 16 can be installed without affecting other device configurations. For example, the long tool holding member 15 and the long tool changer 16 are provided independently of the table 6 on which the workpieces Wa, Wb are placed, the pallet changer 8, the short tool magazine 13, and the like. Therefore, the configurations of the long tool holding member 15 and the long tool changer 16 are simplified. And, since there is no effect on the short tool magazine 13, there is no need to reduce the number of short tool magazines 13 that can be accommodated.

[0072] The long tool holding member 15 is also composed of a mounting table 81 on which the long tool Tb is placed. This allows the long tool holding member 15 to be easily constructed and to stably hold the long tool Tb for a long period of time. Furthermore, the long tool holding member 15 is provided with a locking mechanism 82, thereby reliably maintaining the long tool Tb placed on the mounting table 81.

[0073] Furthermore, the long tool changer 16 includes a lid member 91 that is fixed below the long tool holding member 15, is configured to be able to open and close the window 56a of the top cover 56, and is configured to be able to move integrally with the long tool holding member 15. Therefore, the mechanism that drives the lid member 91 can also be used as the mechanism that drives the long tool holding member 15.

[0074] Furthermore, the long tool changer 16 includes a horizontal movement device 92 in addition to the vertical movement device 93. That is, the long tool changer 16 can move the long tool holding member 15 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. With this configuration, the long tool Tb can be easily changed between the long tool holding member 15 and the spindle head 5.

[0075] 2. Second Embodiment A machine tool 200 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The machine tool 200 of the second embodiment differs from the machine tool 1 of the first embodiment only in a long tool holding member 210. Other common configurations are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0076] The long tool holding member 210 includes a base portion 211 fixed to the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93, and a plurality of gripping members 212 provided below the base portion 211. The base portion 211 is formed of, for example, a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction.

[0077] The gripping member 212 is configured to be able to grip the long tool Tb. The gripping member 212 is configured, for example, with gripping claws or gripping arms. The gripping member 212 is provided so that its lower end is open. The gripping member 212 is capable of gripping the long tool Tb and releasing the gripped state. The gripping member 212 may be provided to be swingable or slidable with respect to the base portion 211.

[0078] Tool exchange of a long tool Tb by the machine tool 200 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the operation when the long tool Tb is released and gripped by the long tool holding member 210. The operation of releasing and gripping the long tool Tb by the long tool holding member 210 is performed by opening and closing the gripping member 212. The machine tool 200 of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the machine tool 1 of the first embodiment.

[0079] 3. Third Embodiment A machine tool 300 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The machine tool 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the machine tool 200 according to the second embodiment only in a cover member 310. Other common configurations are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In a machine tool 300 of the third embodiment, the cover member 310 does not have the long tool holding member 210 fixed thereto. The cover member 310 is provided on the top cover 56 so as to be slidable along the top cover 56, and is configured to be able to open and close a window 56a of the top cover 56. In this embodiment, tool change of the long tool Tb is performed with the cover member 310 sliding horizontally to open the window 56a, and when the tool change is completed, the cover member 310 slides to close the window 56a.

[0081] (4. Fourth embodiment) A machine tool 400 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 17. The machine tool 400 of the fourth embodiment differs from the machine tool 1 of the first embodiment in a long tool holding member 410, a cover member 420, a window opening / closing horizontal movement device 430, and a gripping unit 440 that constitutes the long tool changer 16. Other common components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0082] 12 and 13, the long tool holding member 410 is formed in the same shape as the long tool holding member 15 of the first embodiment. That is, the long tool holding member 410 is composed of a mounting table 81 (shown in FIG. 3) and a locking mechanism 82. The long tool holding member 410 is always located above the window 56a of the top cover 56.

[0083] The cover member 420 is fixed to the underside of the long tool holding member 410. The cover member 420 is provided above the top cover 56 so as to be slidable on the top cover 56, and is configured to be able to open and close the window 56a of the top cover 56. In this embodiment, the tool change of the long tool Tb is performed with the cover member 310 sliding to open the window 56a, and when the tool change is completed, the cover member 310 slides to close the window 56a. In addition, since the cover member 420 is fixed to the long tool holding member 410, the long tool holding member 410 also slides relative to the top cover 56 as the cover member 420 slides.

[0084] The window opening / closing horizontal motion device 430 is provided on the upper surface of the top cover 56, and slides the lid member 420 relative to the top cover 56. In other words, the window opening / closing horizontal motion device 430 slides the lid member 420 to open and close the window 56a. The window opening / closing horizontal motion device 430 can be a cylinder, a ball screw, a linear motor, or the like.

[0085] The gripping unit 440 includes a base portion 441 fixed to the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93, and a plurality of gripping members 442 provided on the base portion 441. Since the base portion 441 of the gripping unit 440 is fixed to the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93, the gripping unit 440 moves integrally with the support shaft member 114 of the vertical movement device 93.

[0086] The base portion 441 is formed of, for example, a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction. The gripping member 442 is configured to be able to grip the long tool Tb. The gripping member 442 is formed of, for example, gripping claws or gripping arms. The gripping member 442 is capable of gripping the long tool Tb and releasing the gripped state. The gripping member 442 may be provided to be swingable or slidable with respect to the base portion 441.

[0087] Next, an operation for replacing a long tool Tb in the machine tool 400 of the fourth embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 14, one long tool Tb held by the long tool holding member 410 is gripped by the gripping member 442 of the gripping unit 440. Next, the gripping unit 440 is raised by the vertical movement device 93 (gripping member vertical movement device). In other words, the gripping unit 440 lifts up one long tool Tb while gripping it.

[0088] 14, the window opening / closing horizontal movement device 430 slides the lid member 420 relative to the top cover 56 to open the window 56a of the top cover 56. As described above, since one long tool Tb is held by the holding unit 440, one long tool holding member 410 that slides together with the lid member 420 does not hold the long tool Tb.

[0089] 15 and 16, the gripping unit 440 holding the long tool Tb is lowered by the vertical movement device 93. The gripping unit 440 and the long tool Tb held by the gripping unit 440 pass through the window 56a of the top cover 56 and enter the machining area MA. Then, the vertical movement device 93 positions the gripping unit 440 at a position where the central axis of the long tool Tb held by the gripping unit 440 coincides with the central axis of the spindle head 5.

[0090] 17, the holding unit 440 holding the long tool Tb is moved horizontally in the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head 5 toward the spindle head 5 by the horizontal movement device 92 (holding member horizontal movement device). By this operation, the long tool Tb held by the holding unit 440 is attached to the spindle head 5. In the spindle head 5, the attached long tool Tb is clamped by a clamping mechanism (not shown) or the like.

[0091] Next, the gripping members 442 of the gripping unit 440 release the long tool Tb, and the above-mentioned operations are reversed. In this manner, the long tool Tb held by the long tool holding member 410 is attached to the spindle head 5. When removing the long tool Tb attached to the spindle head 5, the above-mentioned operations are reversed. The fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1,200,300,400 Machine tools 3. Column 4. Saddle 5 Spindle head 13 Short tool magazine 14 Short tool changer 15,210,410 Long tool holding member 16 Long tool changer 53 Left side cover 53a Window for changing short tools 56 Top cover 56a Window for changing long tools Ta Short tools Tb Long tools

Claims

1. Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; a top cover provided above the saddle and having a window; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; a long tool holding member provided above the top cover, holding a long tool having a longer tool length than the short tool and configured to be able to pass through the window; a long tool changer for changing the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head, The long tool changer includes: a vertical movement device that moves the long tool holding member while holding the long tool between a position above the window and a position below the window; a horizontal movement device that moves the long tool holding member, while holding the long tool, in a horizontal direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation center of the spindle head, the long tool change device is configured to position the long tool holding member below the window using the vertical movement device, and then move the long tool holding member in a direction approaching the spindle head using the horizontal movement device, thereby attaching the long tool held by the long tool holding member to the spindle head.

2. 2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the long tool holding member is configured as a mounting table on which the long tool is placed.

3. 3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein the long tool holding member is provided with a locking mechanism that is provided on the table and is capable of engaging with the long tool to maintain the long tool placed on the table.

4. The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein the long tool holding member is constituted by a gripping member capable of gripping the long tool.

5. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vertical movement device is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction integrally with the long tool holding member by the horizontal movement device.

6. the long tool changer includes a cover member fixed below the long tool holding member, configured to be able to open and close the window, and configured to be able to move integrally with the long tool holding member; The cover member is The window is closed in a state where the long tool holding member is located at a position above the window, The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the window is opened by moving downward from a position where the window is closed.

7. Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; a top cover provided above the saddle and having a window; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; a long tool holding member provided above the top cover, the long tool being longer than the short tool and configured to hold the long tool; a long tool changer for changing the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head, The long tool changer includes: A gripping member capable of gripping the long tool; a vertical movement device that moves the gripping member, which is holding the long tool, between a position above the window and a position below the window; a cover member fixed below the long tool holding member, movable horizontally relative to the top cover, configured to open and close the window, and configured to move integrally with the long tool holding member; a window opening and closing horizontal movement device that moves the long tool holding member and the cover member horizontally relative to the top cover.

8. the long tool changer further includes a gripping member horizontal movement device that moves the gripping member holding the long tool in a horizontal direction parallel to an axial direction of a rotation center of the spindle head, 8. The machine tool according to claim 7, wherein the long tool change device is configured to position the gripping member holding the long tool at a position below the window by the vertical movement device, and then move the gripping member in a direction approaching the spindle head by the gripping member horizontal movement device, thereby mounting the long tool held by the gripping member to the spindle head.

9. Columns and A saddle supported on the column so as to be movable in the vertical direction; a spindle head provided on the saddle and holding a tool at its tip; A side cover provided on a side of the saddle; a top cover provided above the saddle and having a window; a short tool magazine provided adjacent to an outer side of the side cover and configured to store short tools having a tool length equal to or shorter than a predetermined length; a short tool changer that changes the short tools between the short tool magazine and the spindle head; a long tool holding member provided above the top cover, the long tool being longer than the short tool and configured to hold the long tool; a long tool changer for changing the long tool between the long tool holding member and the spindle head, The long tool changer includes: A gripping member capable of gripping the long tool; a vertical movement device that moves the gripping member, which is holding the long tool, between a position above the window and a position below the window; a gripping member horizontal movement device that moves the gripping member holding the long tool in a horizontal direction parallel to an axial direction of a rotation center of the spindle head, the long tool change device is configured to position the gripping member holding the long tool at a position below the window by the up-down movement device, and then move the gripping member in a direction approaching the spindle head by the gripping member horizontal movement device, thereby attaching the long tool held by the gripping member to the spindle head.

Images