Processing device

Abstract

To provide a processing device capable of efficiently performing cutting treatment and heat treatment, such as quenching on a workpiece, and achieving high quality.SOLUTION: A processing device includes: a support mechanism 10 that supports a rod-like workpiece; a cutting mechanism 30 that cuts the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10; a cutting fluid recovery mechanism 40 which recovers a cutting fluid; a heat treatment mechanism 50 having a coil part 51 that moves relative to the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10 to perform induction heating on the workpiece W; a vibration prevention mechanism 20 which inhibits axial runout during induction heating of the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10; and a coolant recovery mechanism 60 which moves following the heat treatment mechanism 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a processing apparatus capable of laser hardening in addition to cutting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus capable of efficiently and with good quality performing heat treatment such as hardening of a workpiece and cutting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a support mechanism for supporting a workpiece, a cutting mechanism for cutting the workpiece supported by the support mechanism, a heat treatment mechanism having a coil unit for induction heating the workpiece by moving relative to the workpiece supported by the support mechanism, and a vibration damping mechanism for suppressing axial runout during induction heating of the workpiece supported by the support mechanism.

[0006] In the present invention, the heat treatment mechanism employs induction heating by a coil unit. Induction heating is efficient because it can accurately and rapidly heat up to a desired temperature. Further, in the heat treatment mechanism of the present invention, the work supported by the support mechanism and the coil unit move relative to each other, so that heat treatment by induction heating can be performed on a desired location of the work, which is more efficient. Furthermore, in the present invention, the anti-vibration mechanism suppresses axial deflection during induction heating of the work supported by the support mechanism, so that the heat treatment by the heat treatment mechanism can be performed with good quality.

[0007] The anti-vibration mechanism is preferably capable of relative movement with respect to the work supported by the support mechanism, and moves relative to a contact position that contacts the work and a non-contact position that forms a space between the work and the heat treatment mechanism that moves relative to the work so that the heat treatment mechanism can pass through.

[0008] According to such a configuration, by relatively moving the anti-vibration mechanism between the contact position and the non-contact position with respect to the work as needed, the movement of the coil unit with respect to the work is not obstructed by the anti-vibration mechanism, and induction heating of the work can be continuously performed, which is efficient. Further, due to continuous induction heating, it is easy to equalize the temperature in the work, so that the heat treatment can be performed with good quality.

[0009] The cutting mechanism is preferably capable of relative movement with respect to the work supported by the support mechanism, and moves relative to a contact position that contacts the work and a non-contact position that forms a space between the work and the heat treatment mechanism that moves relative to the work so that the heat treatment mechanism can pass through.

[0010] According to such a configuration, in addition to the anti-vibration mechanism, the cutting mechanism also relatively moves between the contact position and the non-contact position with respect to the work, so that the movement of the coil unit with respect to the work is not obstructed by the cutting mechanism either. Thus, the transition between the cutting process and the heat treatment process becomes smooth, which is more efficient. In addition, when the cutting process and the heat treatment are carried out simultaneously, the movement of the coil part relative to the workpiece does not interfere with the cutting mechanism, and the induction heating of the workpiece can be continuously performed, which is more efficient. Furthermore, due to this continuous induction heating, it is easy to equalize the temperature in the workpiece, so that the heat treatment can be performed with good quality.

[0011] The workpiece is rod-shaped, and the coil part has an annular shape capable of surrounding the workpiece. This is preferable.

[0012] According to such a configuration, since the coil part has an annular shape capable of surrounding the workpiece, it is easy to equalize the induction heating on the side surface of the workpiece in the circumferential direction, so that the heat treatment can be performed with better quality.

[0013] The workpiece is rod-shaped, and the coil part may have a curved surface part capable of facing the side surface of the workpiece. It may have.

[0014] According to such a configuration, since the coil part has a curved surface part capable of facing the side surface of the rod-shaped workpiece, it becomes easier to bring the coil part close to the workpiece to a position where induction heating is generated in the workpiece supported by the support mechanism (specifically, compared with the coil part having an annular shape), which is efficient.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] As described above, a processing apparatus is provided that can efficiently and with good quality perform heat treatment such as quenching of a workpiece and a cutting process.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a support mechanism 10 that supports a bar-shaped workpiece W, a vibration damping mechanism 20 that suppresses the axial runout of the bar-shaped workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10, a cutting mechanism 30 having a cutting tool 311 that cuts the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10, a coolant recovery mechanism 40 that recovers the coolant supplied to the workpiece W during cutting, a heat treatment mechanism 50 having a coil part 51 that inductively heats the workpiece W while moving relative to the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10, and a coolant recovery mechanism 60 that recovers the coolant supplied to the workpiece W during heat treatment. Further, the processing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 80 that controls the operations of the respective mechanisms. Further, the processing apparatus 1 may include a processing chamber 70 that houses the respective mechanisms.

[0018] The processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the heat treatment mechanism 50 employs induction heating by the coil portion 51. Induction heating is efficient because it can accurately and rapidly heat up to a desired temperature. Further, in the processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the work W supported by the support mechanism 10 and the coil portion 51 move relative to each other, so that heat treatment by induction heating can be performed on a desired portion of the work W, which is more efficient. Furthermore, in the processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the vibration damping mechanism 20 suppresses the axial runout during the induction heating of the work W supported by the support mechanism 10, so that the heat treatment can be performed with good quality.

[0019] More specifically, in the induction heating in the processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the induction heating is sequentially performed by the coil portion that moves from one end of the rod-shaped work W to the other end, a temperature difference may occur between the one end and the other end. This temperature difference may contribute to the occurrence of axial runout during the induction heating of the work W. On the other hand, since the vibration damping mechanism 20 suppresses the axial runout due to the temperature difference, the heat treatment by induction heating can be performed with good quality.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a work processed by the processing apparatus 1. FIG. 3(a) is a side view, and FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c) are perspective views. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), the work W of this embodiment is a hollow cylindrical shaft, and has a first end Wa, a second end Wb opposite to the first end Wa in the axial direction of the work W, an opening W1 formed at the first end Wa, and an opening W2 formed at the second end Wb. Further, the work W is made of a steel material containing carbon. Examples of such a work W include a hollow rack bar used in a steering device of an automobile or the like. The rack bar has a tooth portion (not shown) that meshes with the tooth portion of the pinion gear. Note that the work W may be formed solid. In this embodiment, the work W as a shaft is exemplified, but the shape and use of the work W are not particularly limited.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a composite apparatus that supports the workpiece W such that the axis of the workpiece W is along the horizontal direction and can perform both cutting and heat treatment on the workpiece W. Hereinafter, in the supported state of the workpiece W, the axial direction of the workpiece W is referred to as the Z direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z direction in the horizontal direction is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the Y direction in the vertical direction is referred to as the X direction.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support mechanism 10 of the present embodiment includes a first support portion 11 that supports the first end portion Wa of the workpiece W and a second support portion 12 that supports the second end portion Wb of the workpiece W. The first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12 are arranged to face each other in the Z direction.

[0023] The first support portion 11 has a plurality of claw portions 111 that grip the side surface of the workpiece W. Each claw portion 111 is arranged at equal intervals on a concentric circle. Further, each claw portion 111 is movable forward and backward with respect to the side surface of the workpiece W. Furthermore, the first support portion 11 is rotatable about its axis so as to rotate the supported workpiece W about its axis. As such a first support portion 11, for example, an independent chuck, a hydraulic power chuck, or a collet chuck can be employed.

[0024] The second support portion 12 includes a rotating center 121 that presses by bringing the tip portion into contact with the end face portion of the workpiece W, and a center rest 122 that moves the rotating center 121 forward and backward with respect to the end face portion of the workpiece W. The rotating center 121 and the center rest 122 are arranged on the same axis. The rotating center 121 has a tapered surface that tapers toward the tip. The rotating center 121 supports the workpiece W by advancing into the second end portion Wb of the workpiece W and bringing the tapered surface into contact with the inner peripheral edge portion of the opening W2 in the workpiece W. In the case of a solid workpiece W, a center hole (not shown) into which the tip portion of the rotating center 121 can be inserted is formed in the second end portion Wb of the workpiece W, and the second support portion 12 supports the workpiece W by bringing the tip portion of the rotating center 121 into contact with the inner peripheral edge portion of the center hole. Further, the workpiece W supported by the rotating center 121 can move forward and backward in the Z direction by the center rest 122. Furthermore, the second support portion 12 can rotate about its axis so as to rotate the supported workpiece W about its axis.

[0025] From the above, the workpiece W can rotate about its axis while being supported by the first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12.

[0026] The first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12 are formed of, for example, a material having a predetermined hardness.

[0027] The anti-vibration mechanism 20 of the present embodiment suppresses the axial runout of the workpiece W during cutting and heat treatment by receiving the side surface of the workpiece W from below. More specifically, when the processing apparatus 1 performs cutting processing or heat treatment while rotating the workpiece W about its axis, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 suppresses the axial runout of the workpiece W rotating about its axis.

[0028] The anti-vibration mechanism 20 includes a main body 21 that forms a base, and a clamp portion 22 that extends upward from the upper end portion of the main body 21.

[0029] In this embodiment, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 moves relative to the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10. Note that the workpiece W may move relative to the anti-vibration mechanism 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 has a contact position P1 (the position in FIG. 1) where the main body 21 contacts the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10, and a non-contact position P2 (the position in FIG. 2) where a space (gap) is formed between the workpiece W so that at least the coil portion 51 of the heat treatment mechanism 50 that moves relative to the workpiece W (preferably, in addition to the heat treatment mechanism 50, a coolant recovery mechanism 60 (described later) that moves following the heat treatment mechanism 50) can pass through. The anti-vibration mechanism 20 moves between these two positions. Thereby, the processing apparatus 1 can relatively move the anti-vibration mechanism 20 between the contact position P1 with the workpiece W and the non-contact position P2 as needed, so that the movement of the coil portion 51 relative to the workpiece W is not obstructed by the anti-vibration mechanism 20, and the induction heating of the workpiece W can be continuously performed, which is efficient. Also, since the movement of the coil portion 51 is not obstructed by the anti-vibration mechanism 20, the speed and the like related to the movement of the coil portion 51 relative to the workpiece can be uniformly controlled. Therefore, the processing apparatus 1 can easily make the induction heating by the heat treatment mechanism 50 uniform, and thus can perform the heat treatment with good quality.

[0030] The main body 21 is, that is, movable in the Z direction. Specifically, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 has a drive unit (not shown) that drives the movement of the main body 21 in the Z direction and a first guide unit such as a rail (not shown) that guides the movement of the main body 21 in the Z direction. Thus, the main body 21 is made movable in the Z direction. By moving the main body 21 in the Z direction, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 can be arranged at a preferable position for suppressing the axial runout of the workpiece W. Therefore, the anti-vibration mechanism 20 can prevent the obstruction of the movement of other mechanisms (specifically, the heat treatment mechanism 50 and the coolant recovery mechanism 60 described later) in the Z direction.

[0031] The clamp portion 22 has a function as a gripping portion that grips the lower surface and the side surface of the workpiece W to prevent the workpiece W from falling. Further, the clamp portion 22 is movable forward and backward with respect to the work W supported by the support mechanism 10. Specifically, the clamp portion 22 has a contact position P1 where it can contact the work W supported by the support mechanism 10, and a non-contact position P2 (below the work W) that forms a space through which a coil portion 51 (more specifically, the coil portion 51 with the work W disposed inside) described later can pass in the Z direction between the work W in the supported state. The clamp portion 22 is movable forward and backward (movable) between the contact position P1 and the non-contact position P2. For example, the clamp portion 22 may be connected to a cylinder that moves forward and backward (moves) between the contact position P1 and the non-contact position P2. Thereby, the clamp portion 22 prevents interference with the movement of the coil portion 51 (more specifically, the coil portion 51 with the work W disposed inside) in the Z direction.

[0032] Further, the clamp portion 22 can move the gripped work W from the support position of the support mechanism 10 to an arbitrary position. Specifically, the clamp portion 22 can move the work W between a support position that is the position where the support mechanism 10 supports the work W and a non-support position that forms a gap between the first end portion Wa of the work W released from the support mechanism 10 and the first support portion 11 or between the second end portion Wb and the second support portion 12. Further, the gap has a size that allows the annular coil portion 51 to be inserted and removed from the first end portion Wa or the second end portion Wb of the work W. By having the clamp portion 22 as described above in the vibration damping mechanism 20, the processing apparatus 1 can efficiently perform the operation of inserting and removing the annular coil portion 51.

[0033] The cutting mechanism 30 of the present embodiment includes a first cutting mechanism 30a disposed below the support mechanism 10 and a second cutting mechanism 30b disposed above the support mechanism 10. The first cutting mechanism 30a has a tool rest 31a that supports a cutting tool 311a for cutting the work W. Similarly, the second cutting mechanism 30b has a tool rest 31b that supports a cutting tool 311b for cutting the work W. The tool rests 31a and 31b have a cutting fluid supply portion (not shown) that supplies cutting fluid to the work W and a cutting fluid tank (not shown) that stores the cutting fluid.

[0034] In this embodiment, the cutting mechanism 30 moves relative to the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cutting mechanism 30 has a tool rest 31 that contacts the cutting tool 311 with the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10 at a contact position P3 (the position in FIG. 1), and a non-contact position P4 (the position in FIG. 2) that forms a space (gap) between the workpiece W and the cutting mechanism 30 so that at least the coil portion 51 of the heat treatment mechanism 50 that moves relative to the workpiece W (preferably, in addition to the heat treatment mechanism 50, a coolant recovery mechanism 60 (described later) that follows and moves with the heat treatment mechanism 50) can pass through. The cutting mechanism 30 moves between these positions. Thereby, in addition to the vibration damping mechanism 20, the processing apparatus 1 also relatively moves the cutting mechanism 30 between the contact position P3 and the non-contact position P4 with respect to the workpiece W, so that the movement of the coil portion 51 relative to the workpiece W is not obstructed by the cutting mechanism 30. Therefore, the transition between the cutting process by the cutting mechanism 30 and the heat treatment by the heat treatment mechanism 50 is smooth and efficient. Further, since there is no obstruction by the cutting mechanism 30, the speed and the like related to the movement of the coil portion 51 relative to the workpiece W can be uniformly controlled. Therefore, since the processing apparatus 1 can easily equalize the induction heating by the heat treatment mechanism 50, heat treatment can be performed with better quality.

[0035] The tool rest 31a is movable in the X and Z directions. Specifically, the first cutting mechanism 30a has a drive unit (not shown) that drives the movement of the tool rest 31a in the X and Z directions, and a second guide unit (not shown) such as a rail that guides the movement of the tool rest 31a in the X and Z directions. Thus, the tool rest 31a is movable in the X and Z directions. Similarly, the second cutting mechanism 30b has a drive unit (not shown) that drives the movement of the tool rest 31b in the X and Z directions, and a third guide unit (not shown) that guides the movement of the tool rest 31b in the X and Z directions. Thus, the tool rest 31b is movable in the X and Z directions. Note that the tool rest 31a disposed below the workpiece W may be guided by the first guide unit of the vibration damping mechanism 20 instead of the second guide unit. That is, the tool rest 31a and the vibration damping mechanism 20 may share one guide unit. As the tool holders 31a and 31b move in the Z direction, the cutting tools 311a and 311b also move in the Z direction, thereby enabling cutting processing at a predetermined position in the Z direction of the workpiece W.

[0036] The tool holders 31a and 31b can rotate the cutting tools 311a and 311b around the axes of the cutting tools 311a and 311b (with the X direction as the axis). Further, the tool holders 31a and 31b can rotate the cutting tools 311a and 311b so as to take a first state in which the rotation axes of the cutting tools 311a and 311b are along one direction and a second state in which the rotation axes are inclined in an arbitrary direction with respect to the first state.

[0037] As the cutting tools 311a and 311b, for example, a milling cutter and an end mill can be used when rotating the cutting tools 311a and 311b, and, for example, a cermet throwaway tip can be used when not rotating the cutting tools 311a and 311b.

[0038] The cutting fluid supply unit is configured to move together with the cutting tools 311a and 311b as the tool holders 31a and 31b move, and supply cutting fluid to the cutting surface of the workpiece W.

[0039] The cutting fluid recovery mechanism 40 of this embodiment is a circulation type that filters the cutting fluid supplied to the workpiece W, removes chips, and supplies the cutting fluid from which the chips have been removed to the cutting fluid supply unit. Specifically, the cutting fluid recovery mechanism 40 includes, for example, a receiving part (not shown) embedded in the bottom of the processing chamber 70 for receiving the cutting fluid containing chips, a guiding part (not shown) for guiding the cutting fluid to the receiving part, a filter part (not shown) provided so as to intersect the flow direction of the cutting fluid for separating chips from the cutting fluid, and a pump (not shown) for supplying the cutting fluid that has passed through the filter part to the cutting fluid supply unit. The guiding part may be an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the receiving part or an inclined groove that slopes downward toward the receiving part. The filter part may be provided in the middle of the guiding part or between the guiding part and the receiving part. Further, the receiving part may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the filter part may be provided so as to intersect the flow direction of the cutting fluid in the receiving part. Note that when the processing apparatus 1 does not have the processing chamber 70, the cutting fluid recovery mechanism 40 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 30 in the X direction.

[0040] The heat treatment mechanism 50 of this embodiment performs quenching for hardening the surface of the workpiece W. The heat treatment mechanism 50 is disposed above the support mechanism 10.

[0041] The heat treatment mechanism 50 includes a coil part 51 for inductively heating the workpiece W, a high-frequency power supply 52 for adjusting the frequency of the voltage applied to the coil part 51, a coolant supply part 53 for supplying coolant to the workpiece W, and a coolant tank (not shown) for storing the coolant. In this embodiment, the coil part 51 and the coolant supply part 53 are mounted on the high-frequency power supply 52. Further, the high-frequency power supply 52 is movable relative to the workpiece W. Thereby, as the high-frequency power supply 52 moves relative to the workpiece W, the coil part 51 and the coolant supply part 53 are movable relative to the workpiece W.

[0042] The coil part 51 inductively heats the workpiece W so that the surface temperature of the workpiece W becomes 100°C to 1200°C.

[0043] The coil part 51 has an annular part 511 formed so as to surround the side surface of the workpiece W. The annular part 511 is formed by a copper tube that spirally advances along a circle having a predetermined diameter. In other words, the coil part 51 is constituted by an annular turn coil having a predetermined diameter. Thereby, the processing apparatus 1 can equalize the induction heating of the workpiece W by the coil part 51 in the circumferential direction of the side surface of the workpiece W, so that heat treatment can be performed with better quality.

[0044] Further, the inner diameter of the annular part 511 is configured to be larger than that of the second support part 12, and is configured such that when the coil part 51 is moved in the Z direction, the annular part 511 can surround the side surface of the second support part 12.

[0045] The coil part 51 is movable in the Z direction with the workpiece W disposed inside. That is, the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10 and the coil part 51 are relatively movable. Further, when the workpiece W moves between the supported position and the non-supported position by the clamp part 22 of the vibration damping mechanism 20, the coil part 51 is movable in accordance with the movement of the clamp part 22 with the workpiece W disposed inside. In other words, the high-frequency power supply 52 is movable in accordance with the movement of the clamp part 22.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as described above, the coil part 51 is mounted on the high-frequency power supply 52. Further, the coil part 51 and the high-frequency power supply 52 are connected by a coil lead (not shown). The high-frequency power supply 52 is, for example, a matching transformer or a current transformer. Further, the coil part 51 and the coil lead may be covered by a cover member (not shown) for preventing short-circuiting by chips. However, since less power loss occurs when the coil lead connecting the coil part 51 and the high-frequency power supply 52 is short, it is preferable that the coil part 51 be mounted on the high-frequency power supply 52. Also, it is preferable that the coil part 51 be mounted on the high-frequency power supply 52 in order to prevent chips and cutting fluid from adhering to the coil part 51 during cutting.

[0047] Further, the coil unit 51 sets the frequency of the voltage applied to the workpiece W in the range of, for example, 0.3 kHz to 400 kHz. Thereby, high-frequency induction heating can be generated in the workpiece W. The frequency can be set according to the model and specifications of the high-frequency power supply.

[0048] The high-frequency power supply 52 has a cold water cable 521 for supplying cold water circulated inside.

[0049] The high-frequency power supply 52 is movable in the X direction and the Z direction. Specifically, the heat treatment mechanism 50 has a drive unit (not shown) for driving the movement of the high-frequency power supply 52 in the X direction and the Z direction, and a fourth guide unit (not shown) such as a rail for guiding the movement of the high-frequency power supply 52 in the X direction and the Z direction. Thus, the high-frequency power supply 52 is movable in the X direction and the Z direction. Further, when viewed from one side in the Z direction, the fourth guide unit extends so as to be able to guide the heat treatment mechanism 50 to a position where the heat treatment mechanism 50 does not overlap the workpiece W. Note that the high-frequency power supply 52 disposed above the workpiece W may be guided by the third guide unit of the second cutting mechanism 30b instead of the fourth guide unit. That is, the heat treatment mechanism 50 and the second cutting mechanism 30b may share one guide unit. As the high-frequency power supply 52 moves in the X direction, the coil unit 51 and the coolant supply unit 53 also move in the X direction, whereby heat treatment at a predetermined position in the length direction of the workpiece W becomes possible. Also, as the high-frequency power supply 52 moves in the X direction, the coil unit 51 and the coolant supply unit 53 also move in the X direction, whereby when viewed from one side in the Z direction, the heat treatment mechanism 50 can be retracted above the workpiece W. Therefore, interference with the movement of the second cutting mechanism 30b in the Z direction by the heat treatment mechanism 50 is prevented.

[0050] The coolant supply unit 53 can supply coolant to the workpiece W within 3.0 seconds after the induction heating of the workpiece W. The coolant supply unit 53 has a nozzle 531 for injecting coolant against the workpiece W and an elongated branch pipe portion 532 branched from the nozzle 531.

[0051] The nozzle 531 injects the coolant toward a predetermined location of the workpiece W. For example, the nozzle 531 may be able to eject the coolant in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction by inclining the nozzle 531.

[0052] The end portion of the branch pipe portion 532 (the end portion on the side opposite to the connection end portion of the nozzle 531) is connected to the coolant tank via a pump.

[0053] When not in operation, the heat treatment mechanism 50 of the present embodiment is stored in an isolation chamber (not shown) in the processing chamber 70. Specifically, when the heat treatment mechanism 50 for machining the workpiece W is not in operation, the heat treatment mechanism 50 is stored in the isolation chamber in order to prevent the adhesion of cutting fluid and chips. Note that the heat treatment mechanism 50 may be protected by an isolation wall that prevents the adhesion of cutting fluid and chips.

[0054] The coolant recovery mechanism 60 of the present embodiment is disposed below the support mechanism 10. The coolant recovery mechanism 60 includes a receiving portion 61 that receives the coolant supplied to the workpiece W, and a recovery pipe portion 62 that recovers the coolant in the receiving portion 61.

[0055] The receiving portion 61 is disposed below the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10. The receiving portion 61 is constituted by a container having an open upper portion.

[0056] The receiving portion 61 is movable in the X direction and the Z direction. Specifically, the coolant recovery mechanism 60 includes a drive portion (not shown) that drives the movement of the receiving portion 61 in the X direction and the Z direction, and a fifth guide portion (not shown) such as a rail that guides the movement of the receiving portion 61 in the X direction and the Z direction. Thus, the receiving portion 61 is enabled to move in the X direction and the Z direction. Note that instead of the fifth guide portion, the receiving portion 61 may be guided by the first guide portion of the vibration damping mechanism 20 or the second guide portion of the first cutting mechanism 30a. That is, the receiving portion 61, the vibration damping mechanism 20, and the first cutting mechanism 30a may share one guide portion. The movement of the receiving part 61 in the Z direction enables the alignment of the coolant recovery mechanism 60 over the length direction of the workpiece W.

[0057] Further, the receiving part 61 is movable along the Z direction in accordance with the movement of the nozzle 531 (high-frequency power supply 52). In other words, the receiving part 61 is movable in parallel with the nozzle 531 in the Z direction.

[0058] The recovery pipe part 62 recovers the coolant by suction. The recovery pipe part 62 is connected to the coolant tank. Thereby, the coolant can be recycled.

[0059] Here, the heat treatment mechanism 50 that employs induction heating may require a change in the composition of the coolant according to the type of the workpiece W. Examples of the coolant include a polymer alone, water alone, or a mixture of a polymer and water. In particular, a coolant containing a polymer is preferably recovered from the viewpoints of reuse and the environment. On the other hand, according to the coolant recovery mechanism 60 of the present embodiment, the mixing of the cutting fluid into the coolant is suppressed, so that the coolant is easily recyclable. Also, consideration can be given to the environmental aspect.

[0060] The control unit 80 of the present embodiment controls the movement amounts of the above respective mechanisms, the rotation speeds of the support mechanism 10 and the cutting tool 311, and the timing and supply amounts of the supply of the cutting fluid and the coolant.

[0061] Next, the operation of the processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be exemplified in the case of performing heat treatment after cutting the workpiece W. Note that the processing apparatus 1 may perform cutting treatment after heat-treating the workpiece W. Also, the processing apparatus 1 may be configured to perform cutting treatment and heat treatment simultaneously. Further, the number of times of cutting treatment and heat treatment can be appropriately changed and set.

[0062] (Preparation stage) First, the processing apparatus 1 supports the workpiece W by the support mechanism 10. At this time, the clamp part 22 of the vibration-proof mechanism 20 may also support the workpiece W. Next, the first support portion 11 and the second support portion 12 are used to center the workpiece W in a state of being rotated around the axis. Next, when the clamp portion 22 of the vibration damping mechanism 20 does not support the workpiece W, the clamp portion 22 of the vibration damping mechanism 20 is advanced toward the workpiece W so as to receive the side surface of the workpiece W, and the workpiece W is supported.

[0063] (Cutting process stage) The processing device 1 moves the tool rests 31a and 31b to predetermined positions in the axial direction of the workpiece W. At this time, the workpiece W may be rotated around the axis as necessary. Next, the cutting tool 311 is advanced so as to contact the workpiece W, and the workpiece W is cut by supplying cutting fluid to the workpiece W by the cutting fluid supply unit. At this time, the cutting tools 311a and 311b may be rotated around the axis as necessary. Further, the cutting fluid is circulated between the cutting fluid recovery mechanism 40 and the cutting fluid supply unit.

[0064] (Transition stage to heat treatment) After the cutting process, the second support portion 12 is retracted to release the second end portion Wb of the workpiece W. Next, by moving the centering table 122 in the Z direction so as to be released from the workpiece W, a gap through which the coil portion 51 can pass is formed between the second end portion Wb of the workpiece W and the second support portion 12. Then, the coil portion 51 is moved so as to be guided into the gap, and the workpiece W is disposed inside the coil portion 51. After the movement of the coil portion 51, the workpiece W is supported by the second support portion 12. Further, the cutting mechanism 30 is retracted to a position that does not interfere with the movement of the heat treatment mechanism 50 and the coolant recovery mechanism 60.

[0065] (Heat treatment stage) The processing device 1 moves the coil part 51 and the nozzle 531 to a predetermined position of the workpiece W. After induction heating the workpiece W by the coil part 51, within a predetermined time (for example, within 3.0 seconds), the nozzle 531 supplies a coolant to the workpiece W. At this time, the workpiece W may be rotated around its axis as needed. Thereby, the surface of the workpiece W is hardened. When supplying the coolant to the workpiece W, the nozzle 531 and the coolant recovery mechanism 60 are moved in parallel in the Z direction, and the receiving part 61 receives the coolant supplied to the workpiece W. Also, the coolant is circulated between the coolant recovery mechanism 60 and the coolant supply part 53. Note that during the heat treatment, the workpiece W may or may not be rotated around its axis.

[0066] As described above, one embodiment has been shown as an example. However, the processing device according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Also, the processing device according to the present invention is not limited by the above-described effects. The processing device according to the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0067] Also, in the above embodiment, the second support part 12 is shown in a mode having the rotation center 121 and the center pressing base 122. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second support part 12 may have a plurality of claw parts similar to the first support part 11.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the heat treatment mechanism 50 performs quenching as the heat treatment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The heat treatment mechanism may perform tempering, high-frequency annealing, high-frequency heating, high-frequency annealing, etc.

[0069] Further, the coolant recovery mechanism may be of the type shown in FIG. 4. That is, the coolant recovery mechanism 60 in FIG. 4 includes a receiving portion 61 disposed at the bottom of the processing chamber 70 and opening upward, a recovery pipe portion 62 for recovering the coolant in the receiving portion 61, and a guiding portion 63 provided above the receiving portion 61, connected to the recovery pipe portion 62, and configured to guide the coolant in the receiving portion 61 to the recovery pipe portion 62. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the guiding portion 63 has a lower end portion to which the recovery pipe portion 62 is connected and an upper end portion disposed below the workpiece W, and is configured to be inclined from the upper end portion toward the lower end portion. Due to such an inclination, the guiding portion 63 guides the coolant from the upper end portion to the lower end portion.

[0070] Further, the coil portion 51 may be of the type shown in FIG. 5. That is, the coil portion 51 in FIG. 5 has a curved surface portion 512 that can face the side surface of the workpiece W. In other words, the coil portion 51 is constituted by a saddle-shaped coil. Further, the coil portion 51 is configured to be movable around the workpiece W so as to arbitrarily adjust the distance between the curved surface portion 512 and the workpiece W. Thereby, compared with an annular-shaped coil portion, it is easier to bring the coil portion 51 closer to the workpiece W to a position where induction heating is generated in the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10, which is efficient. And in the case of the coil portion 51 having the curved surface portion 512, it is preferable that the workpiece W supported by the support mechanism 10 is rotatable about an axis. By the workpiece W being rotatable about an axis, even in the case of the curved coil portion 51, induction heating can be made uniform over the circumferential edge direction of the side surface of the workpiece W.

[0071] Further, the coil portion 51 in FIG. 5 may be movable around the workpiece W so as to arbitrarily adjust the distance between the curved surface portion 512 and the workpiece W. For example, when viewed from one side in the Z direction as in FIG. 5, the curved surface portion 512 is formed in an arc shape. Also, the coil portion 51 may be configured to be movable to a position where at least the center of the arc in the curved surface portion 512 overlaps with the center of the workpiece W when approaching the workpiece W from above.

[0072] The coil part may be of the form shown in Fig. 6. That is, the coil part 51 in Fig. 6 has a rectangular opposing surface part 513 configured to be able to approach the work W so that the distance from all parts of the work W is below a predetermined value. The opposing surface part 513 is formed along a single plane. Compared with a coil part having an annular part 511 and a curved surface part 512, such an opposing surface part 513 is likely to approach locations on the surface of the work W where the undulations of the surface, such as corners and recesses of the work W, are large, so that the heat treatment region A of the work W can be set more flexibly. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, by rotating the work W around its axis while moving the coil part 51 in the X direction, a helical heat treatment region A can be formed on the side surface of the work W.

[0073] Furthermore, the heat treatment mechanism 50 may have a plurality of coil parts 51 with different shapes.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0074] 1: Processing device, 10: Support mechanism, 11: First support part, 111: Claw part, 12: Second support part, 121: Rotation center, 122: Center rest, 20: Vibration damping mechanism, 21: Main body, 22: Clamping part, 30: Cutting mechanism, 31: Tool rest, 311: Cutting tool, 40: Cutting fluid recovery mechanism, 50: Heat treatment mechanism, 51: Coil part, 511: Annular part, 512: Curved surface part, 513: Opposing surface part, 52: High-frequency power supply, 521: Cold water cable, 53: Cooling fluid supply part, 531: Nozzle, 532: Branch piping part, 60: Cooling fluid recovery mechanism, 61: Receiving part, 62: Recovery piping part, 63: Inducing part, 70: Processing chamber, 80: Control part, W: Work, Wa: First end, Wb: Second end, W1: Opening of the first end, W2: Opening of the second end, A: Heat treatment region

Claims

1. A support mechanism for supporting a bar-shaped workpiece having one end and the other end such that the axis of the workpiece is along the horizontal direction; A cutting mechanism for cutting the workpiece supported by the support mechanism; A cutting fluid recovery mechanism for recovering the cutting fluid supplied to the workpiece during cutting; A heat treatment mechanism having a coil portion for inductively heating the workpiece by moving relative to the workpiece supported by the support mechanism; A vibration damping mechanism for suppressing axial runout of the workpiece during inductive heating of the workpiece supported by the support mechanism; A coolant recovery mechanism disposed below the support mechanism and moving following the heat treatment mechanism; Comprising; The processing apparatus, wherein the relative movement between the coil portion and the workpiece is a movement for inductively heating from the one end of the workpiece to the other end of the workpiece.

2. The vibration damping mechanism is movable relative to the workpiece supported by the support mechanism, and relatively moves between a contact position in contact with the workpiece and a non-contact position forming a space between the workpiece so that the heat treatment mechanism moving relative to the workpiece can pass through. The processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The cutting mechanism is movable relative to the workpiece supported by the support mechanism, and relatively moves between a contact position in contact with the workpiece and a non-contact position forming a space between the workpiece so that the heat treatment mechanism moving relative to the workpiece can pass through. The processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coil portion has an annular shape capable of surrounding the workpiece.

5. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coil portion has a curved surface portion capable of facing the side surface of the workpiece.

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