Machine tools

Abstract

To provide a machine tool that has a simple configuration and can be equipped with a steady rest device. [Solution] The machine tool comprises a bed (21), a first movable body (210) which is supported by the bed (21) so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and which is a work spindle or an anti-vibration device, a second movable body (220) which is supported by the bed (21) so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction and which is an anti-vibration device, and a supply mechanism (250) which forms a passage between the first movable body (210) and the second movable body (220) through which at least one of a fluid and electricity flows, and which supplies at least one of a fluid and electricity from the first movable body (210) to the second movable body (220) through the passage.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-264563 (Patent Document 1) discloses a lathe equipped with a first spindle capable of holding one end of a workpiece, a second spindle holding the other end of the workpiece and movable in the Z-axis direction which is the axial direction of the first spindle, a tool rest holding a tool and movable in the Z-axis direction, and a plurality of steady rests movable between the first and second spindles in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction which is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, for supporting the middle portion of the workpiece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-264563 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is known a steady rest device for preventing the vibration of a workpiece in a machine tool. To operate various actuators mounted on such a steady rest device, for example, power such as oil, air, or electricity is supplied and control signals are transmitted using a line body such as piping or wiring.

[0005] On the other hand, the steady-state device moves in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the workpiece spindle. In such a configuration, a flexible cable rack must be provided to accommodate the line body so that it can be pulled out from the steady-state device. In this case, there is a concern that the installation of the steady-state device will complicate the configuration of the machine tool. In particular, if a machine tool is equipped with multiple steady-state devices, a cable rack must be provided for each device, making it difficult to secure space.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a machine tool in which a steady rest device can be installed with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A machine tool according to the present invention comprises a bed, a first movable body which is a work spindle or an anti-sway device and is supported by the bed so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction, a second movable body which is supported by the bed so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and is also an anti-sway device, and a supply mechanism which forms a passage between the first movable body and the second movable body through which at least one of a fluid and electricity flows, and which supplies at least one of a fluid and electricity from the first movable body to the second movable body through the passage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a machine tool in which a steady rest device can be installed with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a machine tool in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the machine tool as seen in the direction of the arrows on line II-II in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the machine tool as seen in the direction of the arrows on line III-III in FIG. 1. [Figure 4]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a first step of positioning the first and second steady-state devices at target positions along the Z-axis. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram schematically showing a second step of positioning the first and second steady-state devices at target positions along the Z-axis. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram schematically showing a third step of positioning the first and second steadying devices at target positions along the Z axis. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram schematically showing a fourth step of positioning the first and second steadying devices at target positions along the Z axis. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a first modified example of the machine tool in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a second modified example of the machine tool in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a third modified example of the machine tool in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a fourth modified example of the machine tool in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a machine tool in a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the machine tool as seen in the direction of the arrows on line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the machine tool as seen in the direction of the arrows on line III-III in Fig. 1.

[0012] 1 to 3, machine tool 100 in this embodiment is a lathe that machines a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with the rotating workpiece. Machine tool 100 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for machining a workpiece are automated by numerical control using a computer.

[0013] The machine tool 100 has a bed 21 , a first workpiece spindle 12 , a second workpiece spindle 14 , a tool rest 16 , and a plurality of steady rests 31 .

[0014] The first work spindle 12, the second work spindle 14, the tool rest 16, and the plurality of steady rest devices 31 are mounted on a bed 21. The bed 21 is a base member for supporting the first work spindle 12, the second work spindle 14, the tool rest 16, and the plurality of steady rest devices 31, and is installed on the floor of a factory or the like. The bed 21 is made of metal such as cast iron.

[0015] The bed 21 is a slant bed type, and the support surfaces that support the first workpiece spindle 12, the second workpiece spindle 14, the tool rest 16, and the plurality of steady rests 31 are inclined.

[0016] The first workpiece spindle 12, the second workpiece spindle 14, the tool rest 16, and the plurality of steady rest devices 31 are arranged in the machining area 200. The machining area 200 is a space where the workpiece is machined, and is sealed by a cover (not shown) to prevent foreign matter such as chips or cutting oil generated during the machining of the workpiece from leaking outside the machining area 200.

[0017] The first work spindle 12 is capable of holding a workpiece. The first work spindle 12 rotates the workpiece around a central rotation axis 110 that is parallel to the Z-axis that extends horizontally. The second work spindle 14 is capable of holding a workpiece. The second work spindle 14 is disposed opposite the first work spindle 12 in the axial direction of the Z-axis (hereinafter also referred to as the "Z-axis direction"). The second work spindle 14 rotates the workpiece around the central rotation axis 110.

[0018] The first workpiece spindle 12 is fixed to a bed 21. The second workpiece spindle 14 is attached to the bed 21. The second workpiece spindle can be moved in the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, servo motors, etc.

[0019] The tool rest 16 can hold multiple tools. The tool rest 16 is a turret-type tool rest that moves the multiple tools it holds in the circumferential direction of a rotation center axis that is parallel to the Z axis, thereby indexing the tool to be used for machining.

[0020] The tool rest 16 has a saddle (not shown) and a cross slide (not shown). The saddle is attached to the bed 21. The saddle can be moved in the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, servo motors, etc. The cross slide is attached to the saddle. The cross slide can be moved in the X-axis direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "X-axis direction"), which is perpendicular to the Z-axis and inclined relative to the vertical and horizontal directions, by various feed mechanisms (a ball screw in this embodiment), guide mechanisms, servo motors, etc.

[0021] In this configuration, the tool post 16 is movable in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The tool post 16 may be configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "Y-axis direction"), which is perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis, in addition to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0022] The steady rest 31 is a device for preventing the vibration of a workpiece. The steady rest 31 is a device for preventing the vibration of a workpiece held by at least one of the first workpiece spindle 12 and the second workpiece spindle 14. The steady rest 31 is also called a steady rest or a workpiece support.

[0023] The machine tool 100 has a plurality of steady rest devices 31, including a first steady rest device 31A and a second steady rest device 31B. The first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B are arranged opposite each other in the Z-axis direction. The first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B are arranged between the first work spindle 12 and the second work spindle 14 in the Z-axis direction. The first steady rest device 31A is arranged between the first work spindle 12 and the second steady rest device 31B in the Z-axis direction. The second steady rest device 31B is arranged between the first steady rest device 31A and the second work spindle 14 in the Z-axis direction.

[0024] The second workpiece spindle 14, the first steadying device 31A, the second steadying device 31B, and the tool rest 16 are supported by a bed 21 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction.

[0025] More specifically, the bed 21 has pedestals 23 (23J, 23K). The pedestal 23 extends in the Z-axis direction. The pedestal 23 has a thickness in the Y-axis direction and a constant width in the X-axis direction, while extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] The pedestal 23 is made of the same casting that constitutes the bed 21. The pedestal 23 is provided on the support surface of the bed 21 that supports the first workpiece spindle 12, the first steady device 31A, the second steady device 31B, and the second workpiece spindle 14. The pedestal 23J and the pedestal 23K are provided with a gap between them in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The pedestal 23J is provided at a position spaced apart from the pedestal 23K diagonally upward along the X-axis direction.

[0027] The first steady-state device 31A, the second steady-state device 31B, and the second workpiece spindle 14 are arranged on a pedestal 23. The pedestal 23 supports the weight of the first steady-state device 31A, the second steady-state device 31B, and the second workpiece spindle 14. The pedestal 23 forms a sliding guide mechanism that supports the first steady-state device 31A, the second steady-state device 31B, and the second workpiece spindle 14 so that they can slide in the Z-axis direction.

[0028] The bed 21 further includes pedestals 22 (22J, 22K). The pedestal 22 extends in the Z-axis direction. The pedestal 22 has a thickness in the Y-axis direction and a constant width in the X-axis direction, while extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0029] Pedestal 22 is made of the same casting that makes up bed 21. Pedestal 22 is provided on the support surface of bed 21 that supports tool rest 16. Pedestal 22J and pedestal 22K are provided at an interval from each other in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (X-axis direction). Pedestal 22J is provided at a position spaced apart from pedestal 22K in the diagonally upward direction along the X-axis direction. Pedestal 22K is provided at a position spaced apart from pedestal 23J in the diagonally upward direction along the X-axis direction.

[0030] The tool rest 16 is disposed on a pedestal 22. The pedestal 22 supports the weight of the tool rest 16. The pedestal 22 constitutes a sliding guide mechanism that supports the tool rest 16 (saddle) so that it can slide in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] Next, we will explain the specific configuration of the steady-state device 31. The first steady-state device 31A and the second steady-state device 31 basically have the same structure, but differ in whether or not they include a feed mechanism 61 and a servo motor 62, which will be described later.

[0032] 2 and 3, the steady rest device 31 has a support mechanism 30. The support mechanism 30 is a device for supporting a workpiece. The support mechanism 30 has a pair of arms 32, a plurality of rollers 33, and a first actuator 260 (see FIGS. 4 to 7 described below).

[0033] Each arm 32 is supported rotatably around a rotation center axis extending in the Z-axis direction. A plurality of rollers 33 are provided at the tip of each arm 32, the base of each pair of arms 32, etc. The first actuator 260 is a device for rotating the pair of arms 32, and may be a motor or a piston cylinder that uses fluid pressure such as hydraulic pressure. When the first actuator 260 rotates the pair of arms 32 in accordance with the diameter of the workpiece to be supported, the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece is supported by the plurality of rollers 33.

[0034] The anti-vibration device 31 further includes a brake mechanism 90. The brake mechanism 90 is a device for fixing the position of the anti-vibration device 31 in the Z-axis direction. The brake mechanism 90 includes a brake pad 92 and a second actuator 270 (see FIGS. 4 to 7 below).

[0035] The brake pad 92 is provided on the bottom of the steady-state device 31. The brake pad 92 is made of a plate material whose thickness direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. The brake pad 92 is disposed so as to face the rear surface of the base 22 in the Y-axis direction and to straddle the bases 22J and 22K in the X-axis direction. The second actuator 270 is a device for stroking the brake pad 92 in the Y-axis direction, and may be an electromagnetic brake or a piston cylinder that utilizes fluid pressure such as hydraulic pressure.

[0036] The second actuator 270 strokes the brake pad 92 diagonally upward along the Y-axis direction, causing the brake pad 92 to come into close contact with the back surface of the base 22. The position of the anti-vibration device 31 in the Z-axis direction is fixed by the frictional force generated between the brake pad 92 and the base 22. The second actuator 270 strokes the brake pad 92 diagonally downward along the Y-axis direction, causing the brake pad 92 to move away from the back surface of the base 22. The frictional force between the brake pad 92 and the base 22 is eliminated, and the anti-vibration device 31 is released from being fixed by the brake mechanism 90.

[0037] 1 and 2, machine tool 100 further includes a feed mechanism 61 and a servo motor 62. Feed mechanism 61 applies a driving force in the Z-axis direction to first steady rest device 31A. Servo motor 62 is provided as a power source for feed mechanism 61.

[0038] The feed mechanism 61 has a rack 52 and a pinion 63. The rack 52 extends in the Z-axis direction. The rack 52 is attached to the bed 21. The pinion 63 is attached to the first steadying device 31A. The pinion 63 rotates while engaging with the rack 52. The pinion 63 receives rotational motion output by the servo motor 62 and rotates while engaging with the rack 52.

[0039] The servo motor 62 is attached to the first steady rest device 31A. The servo motor 62 can selectively output rotation in a forward direction or a reverse direction about a rotation center axis 120 through its output shaft. The rotation center axis 120 extends in the Y-axis direction. A reducer 66 is provided on the power transmission path from the servo motor 62 to the pinion 63. The reducer 66 reduces the speed of the rotation from the servo motor 62, converts the rotation about the rotation center axis 120 by 90° into rotation about a rotation center axis 130, and transmits the rotation to the pinion 63. The pinion 63 can rotate about the rotation center axis 130. The rotation center axis 130 extends in the X-axis direction. The pinion 63 meshes with the tooth surface of the rack 52.

[0040] The machine tool 100 further includes a linear scale 85. The linear scale 85 constitutes a position detection mechanism that detects the position of the first steady rest device 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0041] The linear scale 85 has a scale portion 86 and a head portion 87. The scale portion 86 extends in the Z-axis direction. The scale portion 86 is attached to the bed 21. The scale portion 86 is provided with a scale (not shown). The head portion 87 is attached to the first steadying device 31. The head portion 87 faces the scale portion 86 with a gap in the Y-axis direction. The head portion 87 moves in the X-axis direction together with the second workpiece spindle 14. The head portion 87 can read the scale provided on the scale portion 86.

[0042] 2, the machine tool 100 has a control device 400. The control device 400 controls the operation of the machine tool 100.

[0043] The components of the control device 400 are realized by hardware including computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various computer processors, storage devices such as memory or storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, as well as software stored in the storage devices and supplying processing instructions to the computing units. The computer programs may be configured by device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at higher layers thereof, or libraries that provide common functions to these programs.

[0044] The control device 400 has a numerical control device 410 and a servo driver 420. The numerical control device 410 executes a machining program that has been designed in advance. The machining program is written, for example, as an NC (Numerical Control) program. The numerical control device 410 controls the servo driver 420 and other components in accordance with the machining program. The servo driver 420 controls the power supply to the servo motor 62 so that the servo motor 62 rotates in accordance with commands from the numerical control device 410, including a target position for the first steady rest device 31A.

[0045] The linear scale 85 detects the position of the first steady device 31A in the Z-axis direction, and outputs the detected position information of the first steady device 31A to the servo driver 420. The servo driver 420 controls the power supply to the servo motor 53 so as to correct the difference between the position of the first steady device 31A detected by the linear scale 85 and the position of the first steady device 31A commanded by the numerical control device 410.

[0046] 1, machine tool 100 further includes a feed mechanism 51 for applying a driving force in the Z-axis direction to second workpiece spindle 14, and a servo motor 53 provided as a power source for feed mechanism 51. The configurations of feed mechanism 51 and servo motor 53 correspond to the configurations of feed mechanism 61 and servo motor 62 described above, respectively. Rack 52 is shared by feed mechanism 51 and feed mechanism 61.

[0047] 1 and 3, the second steady-state device 31B is not provided with a feed mechanism or servo motor for applying a driving force in the Z-axis direction to the second steady-state device 31B. In this embodiment, the first steady-state device 31A is a driving-side steady rest that is self-movable in the Z-axis direction, and the second steady-state device 31B is a driven-side steady rest that is not self-movable in the Z-axis direction and is moved in the Z-axis direction by the first steady-state device 31A.

[0048] 4 to 7 are diagrams schematically showing steps for positioning the first and second steadying devices at target positions along the Z axis.

[0049] 4 to 7, the first anti-vibration device 31A has a first actuator 260A and a second actuator 270A as the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270, respectively. The second anti-vibration device 31B has a first actuator 260B and a second actuator 270B as the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270, respectively.

[0050] Machine tool 100 further has line body 311, which is at least one of piping and wiring. Line body 311 extends between external equipment 310 and first steady rest device 31A. External equipment 310 is a hydraulic source that generates hydraulic pressure, an air compressor that generates compressed air, or a control device 400 that controls the operation of machine tool 100, etc. The piping is made up of tubular members that form a path through which fluids such as air or oil can flow. The wiring is made up of conductors that form a path through which electricity can flow.

[0051] At least one of the power and control signals for the first actuator 260A and the second actuator 270A mounted on the first anti-vibration device 31A is supplied to the first anti-vibration device 31A from an external device 310 through a line body 311. The power may be air, oil, electricity, or the like.

[0052] The machine tool 100 further includes a cable rack 320. The cable rack 320 is a flexible duct body. The line body 311 is housed in the cable rack 320. One end (moving end) of the cable rack 320 is connected to the first steadying device 31A. The one end of the cable rack 320 moves in the Z-axis direction together with the first steadying device 31A. The other end (fixed end) of the cable rack 320 is connected to the bed 21. The cable rack 320 is arranged to bend 180° between its one end and its other end. The cable rack 320 deforms so that its bending position changes as the first steadying device 31A moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0053] The machine tool 100 further includes a connecting mechanism 241. The connecting mechanism 241 is provided to the first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B. The connecting mechanism 241 detachably connects the first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B.

[0054] The connecting mechanism 241 has a third actuator 242 and a gripping portion 243. The gripping portion 243 is provided on the second steady state device 31B. The gripping portion 243 has a grip shape that extends in the Z-axis direction. The gripping portion 243 protrudes from the second steady state device 31B toward the first steady state device 31A. The gripping portion 243 protrudes from the side surface of the second steady state device 31B that faces the first steady state device 31A in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] The third actuator 242 is a device (clamper) for detachably gripping the gripping portion 243, and is operable between a clamped state in which the gripping portion 243 is gripped and an unclamped state in which the gripping portion 243 is released. The third actuator 242 may be an electric actuator that uses a motor to generate a clamping force for gripping the gripping portion 243, or may be a piston cylinder that uses fluid pressure such as hydraulic pressure.

[0056] The third actuator 242 is provided on the first anti-vibration device 31A. The third actuator 242 is provided on a side of the first anti-vibration device 31A that faces the second anti-vibration device 31A in the Z-axis direction. The third actuator 242 faces the gripper 243 in the Z-axis direction.

[0057] As the first steady-state prevention device 31A moves in the Z-axis direction and is positioned close to the second steady-state prevention device 31B, the gripper 243 is inserted into the third actuator 242. The third actuator 242 grips the gripper 243 by moving from the unclamped state to the clamped state. This results in the first steady-state prevention device 31A and the second steady-state prevention device 31B being connected by the connecting mechanism 241. The third actuator 242 releases the gripper 243 by moving from the clamped state to the unclamped state. This cancels the connection between the first steady-state prevention device 31A and the second steady-state prevention device 31B by the connecting mechanism 241.

[0058] The machine tool 100 further includes a supply mechanism 250. The supply mechanism 250 is provided in the first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B. The supply mechanism 250 forms a passage through which at least one of a fluid and electricity flows between the first steady rest device 31A and the second steady rest device 31B. The supply mechanism 250 supplies at least one of a fluid and electricity from the first steady rest device 31A to the second steady rest device 31B.

[0059] The supply mechanism 250 is a coupler 251. The coupler 251 has a first connection portion 252. The first connection portion 252 is provided on the first anti-vibration device 31A. The first connection portion 252 is provided on a side surface of the first anti-vibration device 31A that faces the second anti-vibration device 31B in the Z-axis direction. The first connection portion 252 is provided with at least one of piping and wiring to which at least one of power and control signals is supplied via a line body 311.

[0060] The coupler 251 further has a second connection portion 253. The second connection portion 253 is provided on the second anti-vibration device 31B. The second connection portion 253 is provided on a side surface of the second anti-vibration device 31B that faces the first anti-vibration device 31A in the Z-axis direction. The second connection portion 253 faces the first connection portion 252 in the Z-axis direction. At least one of piping and wiring extending toward the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B is provided on the second connection portion 253.

[0061] The second connection part 253 is detachably connected to the first connection part 252. By connecting the first connection part 252 and the second connection part 253 to each other, at least one of the piping and wiring described above is connected between the first steady state device 31A and the second steady state device 31B.

[0062] More specifically, as the first anti-vibration device 31A moves in the Z-axis direction and is positioned adjacent to the second anti-vibration device 31B, the first connection part 252 and the second connection part 253 are connected to each other. At this time, at least one of a pipe and a wire provided at the first connection part 252 and to which at least one of power and a control signal is supplied via the line body 311 is connected to at least one of a pipe and a wire provided at the second connection part 253 and extending toward the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B.

[0063] At least one of the power and the control signal for the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B is supplied from the external device 310 through the line body 311 and the coupler 251 to the second steadying device 31B.

[0064] In addition, when the external equipment 310 includes a coolant tank, the coolant stored in the coolant tank may be supplied to the first anti-vibration device 31A through the line body 311, or may be supplied to the second anti-vibration device 31B through the line body 311 and the coupler 251.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 4, in the initial state, a long workpiece W is held by the first workpiece spindle 12 and the second workpiece spindle 14 in Fig. 1. The first and second steady rest devices 31A and 31B are positioned apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. Below, we will explain the steps of positioning the first and second steady rest devices 31A and 31B to target positions along the Z-axis in accordance with the workpiece W.

[0066] 4 to 7, the direction from the first work spindle 12 to the second work spindle 14 is referred to as the "+Z axis direction," and the direction from the second work spindle 14 to the first work spindle 12 is referred to as the "-Z axis direction."

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the feed mechanism 61 moves the first steady-state device 31A in the +Z-axis direction. The first steady-state device 31A is positioned adjacent to the second steady-state device 31B. The first connecting portion 252 and the second connecting portion 253 of the coupler 251 are connected to each other. In addition, by operating the third actuator 242 from an unclamped state to a clamped state, the first steady-state device 31A and the second steady-state device 31B are connected by the connecting mechanism 241.

[0068] 6, next, the first steady-state device 31A is moved in the +Z-axis direction by the feed mechanism 61. The second steady-state device 31B moves in the +Z-axis direction together with the first steady-state device 31B. This step positions the second steady-state device 31B at the target position along the Z-axis.

[0069] The movement direction of the first steady-state suppression device 31A in this step may be the -Z-axis direction (the direction in which the first steady-state suppression device 31A pulls the second steady-state suppression device 31B). Even in this case, the first steady-state suppression device 31A and the second steady-state suppression device 31B are connected to each other by the connecting mechanism 241, so the second steady-state suppression device 31B moves in the -Z-axis direction together with the first steady-state suppression device 31B.

[0070] Next, at least one of the power and control signals for the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B is supplied from the external device 310 to the second steady-state device 31B via the line body 311 and the coupler 251. When the first actuator 260B operates, the support mechanism 30 supports the workpiece W in the second steady-state device 31B. When the second actuator 270B operates, the brake mechanism 90 fixes the position of the second steady-state device 31B in the Z-axis direction.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, next, the third actuator 242 is operated to change from the clamped state to the unclamped state, thereby releasing the connection state between the first and second steadying devices 31A and 31B by the connecting mechanism 241.

[0072] Next, the first steady-state device 31A is moved in the -Z-axis direction by the feed mechanism 61. The first steady-state device 31A moves to its target position along the Z-axis, leaving behind the second steady-state device 31B.

[0073] Next, at least one of the power and control signals for the first actuator 260A and the second actuator 270A is supplied from the external device 310 to the first steady-state device 31A through the line body 311. When the first actuator 260A operates, the support mechanism 30 supports the workpiece W in the first steady-state device 31A. When the second actuator 270A operates, the brake mechanism 90 fixes the position of the first steady-state device 31A in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] By the above steps, the positioning of the first and second steadying devices 31A and 31B in the Z-axis direction is completed.

[0075] The control device 400 may store in advance a limit distance that the first anti-vibration device 31A may move the second anti-vibration device 31B, based on the dimensions of the second anti-vibration device 31B in the Z-axis direction and the dimensions of the base 23 in the Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent the first anti-vibration device 31A from moving the second anti-vibration device 31B to a position beyond the stroke end in the Z-axis direction.

[0076] To summarize the configuration of machine tool 100 in embodiment 1 of the present invention as described above, machine tool 100 in this embodiment comprises bed 21, a first moving body 210 that is supported by bed 21 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction as a predetermined direction, and is a work spindle or a first anti-sway device 31A as an anti-sway device, a second moving body 220 that is supported by bed 21 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction and is a second anti-sway device 31B as an anti-sway device, and a supply mechanism 250 that forms a passage between first moving body 210 and second moving body 220 through which at least one of fluid and electricity flows, and supplies at least one of fluid and electricity from first moving body 210 to second moving body 220 through the passage.

[0077] The object supplied by the supply mechanism 250 may be a fluid such as air or oil, electricity, or both a fluid and electricity.

[0078] According to this configuration, supply mechanism 250 supplies at least one of fluid and electricity from first movable body 210 to second movable body 220, making it possible to omit a mechanism for supplying at least one of fluid and electricity from an external source to second movable body 220. This allows second movable body 220 (second steady rest device 31B) to be installed in machine tool 100 with a simple configuration.

[0079] In particular, in this embodiment, the first steady rest device 31A is provided with a cable rack 320 for pulling in the line body 311 from the external device 310, while the second steady rest device 31B is not provided with such a cable rack. This makes it possible to easily ensure the space required for installing the cable rack in a machine tool 100 equipped with multiple steady rest devices 31.

[0080] The supply mechanism 250 also has a first connection part 252 provided on the first moving body 210 (first anti-vibration device 31A) and a second connection part 253 provided on the second moving body 220 (second anti-vibration device 31B) and detachably connected to the first connection part 252, and is a coupler 251 that connects at least one of piping and wiring between the first moving body 210 (first anti-vibration device 31A) and the second moving body 220 (second anti-vibration device 31B) by connecting the first connection part 252 and the second connection part 253 to each other.

[0081] According to this configuration, at least one of a fluid and electricity can be supplied from the first moving body 210 to the second moving body 220 by the coupler 251.

[0082] The second moving body 220 (second steady-state device 31B) also has at least one of a first actuator 260B that operates the support mechanism 30 for supporting the workpiece, and a second actuator 270B that operates a brake mechanism 90 for fixing the position of the second moving body 220 (second steady-state device 31B) in the Z-axis direction. The supply mechanism 250 supplies at least one of power and a control signal for at least one of the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B from the first moving body 210 (first steady-state device 31A) to the second moving body 220 (second steady-state device 31B).

[0083] According to this configuration, the supply mechanism 250 supplies at least one of power and control signals for at least one of the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B from the first moving body 210 to the second moving body 220, thereby causing at least one of the first actuator 260B and the second actuator 270B to operate on the second moving body 220.

[0084] The machine tool 100 also includes a feed mechanism 61 that applies a driving force in the Z-axis direction to the first moving body 210 (first anti-vibration device 31A), and a connecting mechanism 241 that detachably connects the first moving body 210 (first anti-vibration device 31A) and the second moving body 220 (second anti-vibration device 31B).

[0085] According to this configuration, by connecting first moving body 210 and second moving body 220 to each other by connecting mechanism 241, second moving body 220 can be moved integrally with first moving body 210. In this case, it is possible to omit the feed mechanism in second moving body 220, and the configuration of machine tool 100 can be further simplified.

[0086] The connecting mechanism 241 also has a gripping portion 243 provided on the second moving body 220 (second anti-vibration device 31B) and a third actuator 242 provided on the first moving body 210 (first anti-vibration device 31A) that is operable between a clamped state in which the gripping portion 243 is gripped and an unclamped state in which the gripping portion 243 is released.

[0087] According to this configuration, the third actuator 242 can be operated by utilizing at least one of a fluid and electricity supplied to the first moving body 210 from the outside.

[0088] Explaining the configuration of machine tool 100 in this embodiment from another perspective, machine tool 100 comprises a bed 21, a first moving body 210 which is supported by bed 21 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction as a predetermined direction, and which is a work spindle or a first anti-sway device 31A as an anti-sway device, a second moving body 220 which is supported by bed 21 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction and which is a second anti-sway device 31B as an anti-sway device, a feed mechanism 61 which applies a driving force in the Z-axis direction to first moving body 210 (first anti-sway device 31A), and a connecting mechanism 241 which detachably connects first moving body 210 (first anti-sway device 31A) and second moving body 220 (second anti-sway device 31B).

[0089] According to this configuration, by connecting first moving body 210 and second moving body 220 to each other by connecting mechanism 241, second moving body 220 can be moved integrally with first moving body 210. This makes it possible to omit a feed mechanism for applying a driving force in the Z-axis direction to second moving body 220, and therefore second moving body 220 (second steady rest device 31B) can be installed in machine tool 100 with a simple configuration.

[0090] In this embodiment, the case where the first moving body 210 is the first steady rest 31A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first moving body 210 may be the second workpiece spindle 14. In this case, the machine tool 100 may have only the second steady rest 31B which is not self-propelled in the Z-axis direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the machine tool in the present invention is not limited to a lathe, but may be, for example, a multi-tasking machine having both a milling function that processes a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with a stationary workpiece, and a turning function that processes a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating workpiece.

[0092] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, various modifications of machine tool 100 described in the first embodiment will be described.

[0093] Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a first modified example of the machine tool in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 8, the machine tool in this modified example has a third steady rest device 31C, a fourth steady rest device 31D, a fifth steady rest device 31E, and a sixth steady rest device 31F. The third steady rest device 31C, the fourth steady rest device 31D, the fifth steady rest device 31E, and the sixth steady rest device 31F are arranged in the listed order from the negative side to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0094] The third and sixth anti-vibration devices 31C and 31F correspond to the first anti-vibration device 31A (first moving body 210) in embodiment 1. The third and sixth anti-vibration devices 31C and 31F are drive-side steady rests that have a feed mechanism 61 and are self-propelled in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] The fourth and fifth anti-sway devices 31D and 31E correspond to the second anti-sway device 31B (second moving body 220) in embodiment 1. The fourth and fifth anti-sway devices 31D and 31E do not have a feed mechanism 61 and are driven-side steady rests that cannot move independently in the Z-axis direction.

[0096] The machine tool has cable racks 320, including cable rack 320C that accommodates line body 311 extending between external equipment 310 and third anti-vibration device 31C, and cable rack 320F that accommodates line body 311 extending between external equipment 310 and sixth anti-vibration device 31F.

[0097] When the third anti-sway device 31C is positioned adjacent to the fourth anti-sway device 31D, a first connection part 252 provided on the third anti-sway device 31C and a second connection part 253 provided on the fourth anti-sway device 31D are connected to each other in the coupler 251. This makes it possible to supply at least one of power and control signals for the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270 mounted on the fourth anti-sway device 31D from the external device 310 to the fourth anti-sway device 31D via the line body 311 and the coupler 251.

[0098] Furthermore, by operating the third actuator 242 provided on the third steady-state device 31C from an unclamped state to a clamped state, the third actuator 242 grips the gripper 243 provided on the fourth steady-state device 31D. This results in a connected state of the third steady-state device 31C and the fourth steady-state device 31D by the connecting mechanism 241. The fourth steady-state device 31D can move integrally with the third steady-state device 31C, to which a driving force in the Z-axis direction is applied by the feed mechanism 61.

[0099] When the sixth anti-sway device 31F is positioned adjacent to the fifth anti-sway device 31E, the first connection part 252 provided on the sixth anti-sway device 31F and the second connection part 253 provided on the fifth anti-sway device 31E are connected to each other in the coupler 251. This makes it possible to supply at least one of power and control signals for the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270 mounted on the fifth anti-sway device 31E from the external device 310 via the line body 311 and the coupler 251 to the fifth anti-sway device 31E.

[0100] Furthermore, by operating the third actuator 242 provided on the sixth steady-state prevention device 31F from an unclamped state to a clamped state, the third actuator 242 grips the gripper 243 provided on the fifth steady-state prevention device 31E. This results in a connected state between the sixth steady-state prevention device 31F and the fifth steady-state prevention device 31E by the connecting mechanism 241. The fifth steady-state prevention device 31E can move integrally with the sixth steady-state prevention device 31F, to which a driving force in the Z-axis direction is applied by the feed mechanism 61.

[0101] In this modification, two cable racks 320 are sufficient for four steady rest devices 31, so it is possible to easily ensure the space required for installing the cable racks.

[0102] Figure 9 is a diagram schematically showing a second modified example of the machine tool in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 9, the machine tool in this modified example has a seventh steady rest device 31G, an eighth steady rest device 31H, and a ninth steady rest device 31I. The seventh steady rest device 31G, the eighth steady rest device 31H, and the ninth steady rest device 31I are arranged in the listed order from the negative side to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0103] The eighth steady rest 31H corresponds to the first steady rest 31A (first moving body 210) in embodiment 1. The eighth steady rest 31H has a feed mechanism 61 and is a drive-side steady rest that is self-moving in the Z-axis direction.

[0104] The eighth anti-sway device 31H has two third actuators 242 and two first connection portions 252. The two third actuators 242 are provided on a side surface of the eighth anti-sway device 31H facing the seventh anti-sway device 31G in the Z-axis direction and a side surface of the eighth anti-sway device 31H facing the ninth anti-sway device 31I in the Z-axis direction. The two first connection portions 252 are provided on a side surface of the eighth anti-sway device 31H facing the seventh anti-sway device 31G in the Z-axis direction and a side surface of the eighth anti-sway device 31H facing the ninth anti-sway device 31I in the Z-axis direction.

[0105] The seventh and ninth steady rests 31G and 31I correspond to the second steady rest 31B (second moving body 220) in embodiment 1. The seventh and ninth steady rests 31G and 31I do not have a feed mechanism 61 and are driven steady rests that cannot move independently in the Z-axis direction.

[0106] The machine tool has, as the cable rack 320, a cable rack 320H that accommodates the line body 311 extending between the external device 310 and the eighth steady rest 31H.

[0107] When the eighth anti-vibration device 31H is positioned adjacent to the seventh anti-vibration device 31G, a first connection part 252 provided on the eighth anti-vibration device 31H and a second connection part 253 provided on the seventh anti-vibration device 31G are connected to each other in the coupler 251. This makes it possible to supply at least one of power and control signals for the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270 mounted on the seventh anti-vibration device 31G from the external device 310 via the line body 311 and the coupler 251 to the seventh anti-vibration device 31G.

[0108] Furthermore, by operating the third actuator 242 provided on the eighth steady rest device 31H from an unclamped state to a clamped state, the third actuator 242 grips the gripper 243 provided on the seventh steady rest device 31G. This results in a connected state between the eighth steady rest device 31H and the seventh steady rest device 31G by the connecting mechanism 241. The seventh steady rest device 31G can move integrally with the eighth steady rest device 31H, to which a driving force in the Z-axis direction is applied by the feed mechanism 61.

[0109] When the eighth anti-vibration device 31H is positioned adjacent to the ninth anti-vibration device 31I, a first connection part 252 provided on the eighth anti-vibration device 31H and a second connection part 253 provided on the ninth anti-vibration device 31I are connected to each other in the coupler 251. This makes it possible to supply at least one of power and control signals for the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270 mounted on the ninth anti-vibration device 31I from the external device 310 via the line body 311 and the coupler 251 to the ninth anti-vibration device 31I.

[0110] Furthermore, by operating the third actuator 242 provided on the eighth steady rest device 31H from an unclamped state to a clamped state, the third actuator 242 grips the gripping portion 243 provided on the ninth steady rest device 31I. This results in a connected state of the eighth steady rest device 31H and the ninth steady rest device 31I by the connecting mechanism 241. The ninth steady rest device 31I is capable of moving integrally with the eighth steady rest device 31H, to which a driving force in the Z-axis direction is applied by the feed mechanism 61.

[0111] According to this configuration, the number of drive-side steady rests can be reduced, thereby further simplifying the configuration of the machine tool.

[0112] Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a third modified example of the machine tool in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 10, the machine tool in this modified example has a tenth steady rest device 31J and an eleventh steady rest device 31K. The tenth steady rest device 31J and the eleventh steady rest device 31K are arranged in the listed order from the negative side to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0113] The tenth steady rest 31J corresponds to the first steady rest 31A (first moving body 210) in embodiment 1. The tenth steady rest 31J has a feed mechanism 61 and is a drive-side steady rest that is self-propelled in the Z-axis direction.

[0114] The eleventh steady rest device 31K corresponds to the second steady rest device 31B (second moving body 220) in embodiment 1. The eleventh steady rest device 31K does not have a feed mechanism 61 and is a driven steady rest that cannot move by itself in the Z-axis direction.

[0115] The machine tool has, as the cable rack 320, a cable rack 320J that accommodates the line body 311 extending between the external device 310 and the tenth steady rest 31J.

[0116] The machine tool has a line body 256 as the supply mechanism 250 instead of the coupler 251. The line body 256 extends between the tenth steady-state device 31J (first movable body 210) and the eleventh steady-state device 31K (second movable body 220). The line body 256 includes at least one of piping and wiring, and a flexible tube member that houses at least one of the piping and wiring.

[0117] At least one of the power and control signals for the first actuator 260 and the second actuator 270 mounted on the eleventh anti-vibration device 31K can be supplied from the external device 310 to the eleventh anti-vibration device 31K via the line body 311 and the line body 256.

[0118] When the tenth steady rest device 31J is positioned close to the eleventh steady rest device 31K, the third actuator 242 provided on the tenth steady rest device 31J is operated from an unclamped state to a clamped state, causing the third actuator 242 to grip the gripper 243 provided on the eleventh steady rest device 31K. This results in a connected state between the tenth steady rest device 31J and the eleventh steady rest device 31K via the connecting mechanism 241. The eleventh steady rest device 31K is capable of moving integrally with the tenth steady rest device 31J, to which a driving force in the Z-axis direction is applied by the feed mechanism 61.

[0119] With this configuration, the line body 256 can supply at least one of fluid and electricity from the tenth steady-state device 31J (first moving body 210) to the eleventh steady-state device 31K (second moving body 220).

[0120] The control device 400 stores a predetermined maximum distance between the tenth and eleventh anti-sway devices 31J and 31K in the Z-axis direction. When the eleventh anti-sway device 31K is moved integrally with the tenth anti-sway device 31J, the control device 400 calculates the position of the driven-side eleventh anti-sway device 31K based on the position of the driving-side tenth anti-sway device 31J and stores the calculated position of the eleventh anti-sway device 31K. When the tenth anti-sway device 31J is then moved to a target position, the control device 400 controls the servo motor 62 that drives the tenth anti-sway device 31J based on information about the servo motor 62 and the stored position of the eleventh anti-sway device 31K so that the distance between the tenth and eleventh anti-sway devices 31J and 31K does not exceed a predetermined maximum distance. This configuration prevents excessive tension from acting on the line body 256.

[0121] Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a fourth modified example of the machine tool in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 11, the machine tool in this modified example has the above-mentioned tenth steady rest device 31J, eleventh steady rest device 31K, and twelfth steady rest device 31L. The tenth steady rest device 31J, eleventh steady rest device 31K, and twelfth steady rest device 31L are arranged in the listed order from the negative side to the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0122] The twelfth steady rest 31L corresponds to the first steady rest 31A (first moving body 210) in embodiment 1. The tenth steady rest 31J has a feed mechanism 61 and is a drive-side steady rest that is self-propelled in the Z-axis direction.

[0123] The machine tool has cable racks 320, including cable rack 320J that accommodates line body 311 extending between external equipment 310 and the tenth anti-sway device 31J, and cable rack 320L that accommodates line body 311 extending between external equipment 310 and the twelfth anti-sway device 31L.

[0124] In this modification, the tenth, eleventh and twelfth anti-vibration devices 31J, 31K and 31L are not provided with the connecting mechanism 241 (third actuator 242, gripping portion 243).

[0125] The tenth steady rest device 31J moves in the +Z-axis direction while in contact with the eleventh steady rest device 31K, thereby moving the eleventh steady rest device 31K in the +Z-axis direction. The twelfth steady rest device 31L moves in the -Z-axis direction while in contact with the eleventh steady rest device 31K, thereby moving the eleventh steady rest device 31K in the -Z-axis direction.

[0126] According to this configuration, it is possible to omit the connecting mechanism 241, and therefore the machine tool can have a simple configuration.

[0127] The configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate to form another machine tool.

[0128] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 12 first workpiece spindle, 14 second workpiece spindle, 16 tool rest, 21 bed, 22, 22J, 22K, 23, 23J, 23K base, 30 support mechanism, 31 steady rest device, 31A first steady rest device, 31B second steady rest device, 31C third steady rest device, 31D fourth steady rest device, 31E fifth steady rest device, 31F sixth steady rest device, 31G seventh steady rest device, 31H eighth steady rest device, 31I ninth steady rest device, 31J tenth steady rest device, 31K eleventh steady rest device, 31L twelfth steady rest device, 32 arm, 33 roller, 51, 61 feed mechanism, 52 rack, 53, 62 servo motor, 63 pinion, 66 reducer, 85 linear scale, 86 Scale unit, 87 head unit, 90 brake mechanism, 92 brake pad, 100 machine tool, 110, 120, 130 rotation center axis, 200 machining area, 210 first moving body, 220 second moving body, 241 connection mechanism, 242 third actuator, 243 gripping unit, 250 supply mechanism, 251 coupler, 252 first connection unit, 253 second connection unit, 256, 311 line body, 260, 260A, 260B first actuator, 270, 270A, 270B second actuator, 310 external equipment, 320, 320C, 320F, 320H, 320J, 320L cable rack, 400 control device, 410 numerical control device, 420 servo driver.

Claims

1. The bed and a first movable body that is supported by the bed so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction and is a work spindle or a vibration-retaining device; a second movable body that is supported by the bed so as to be slidable in the predetermined direction and that serves as a vibration prevention device; a supply mechanism that forms a passage between the first movable body and the second movable body through which at least one of a fluid and electricity flows, and supplies at least one of the fluid and electricity from the first movable body to the second movable body through the passage.

2. The supply mechanism includes: At least one of piping and wiring extending between the first moving body and the second moving body; a coupler having a first connection portion provided on the first movable body and a second connection portion provided on the second movable body and detachably connected to the first connection portion, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected to each other to connect at least one of piping and wiring between the first movable body and the second movable body.

3. the second moving body has at least one of a first actuator that operates a support mechanism for supporting a workpiece and a second actuator that operates a brake mechanism for fixing the position of the second moving body in the predetermined direction; 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the supply mechanism supplies at least one of power and a control signal of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator from the first movable body toward the second movable body.

4. a feed mechanism that applies a driving force in the predetermined direction to the first moving body; The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a coupling mechanism that detachably couples the first movable body and the second movable body.

5. The connecting mechanism includes: a gripping portion provided on the second moving body; 5. The machine tool according to claim 4, further comprising: a third actuator provided on the first movable body and operable between a clamped state in which the gripper is gripped and an unclamped state in which the gripper is released.

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