Working machinery

Abstract

To provide a machine tool which can easily perform replacement or the like of a work-piece, a processing tool, etc. and can perform replacement of also a spindle unit.SOLUTION: An NC lathe comprises: a lathe body 4; a spindle unit 6; tool fitting means 8; a first opening / closing cover structure 44 for covering an upper space of a processing zone 42; and a second opening / closing cover structure 62 for covering a front upper space of the lathe body 4. The second opening / closing cover structure 62 comprises: a front cover member 88 for covering a front opening 84 of a body cover 72; and an upper surface cover member 90 for covering an upper opening 86 of the body cover 72. The front cover member 88 and the upper surface cover member 90 are so configured as to pass a first open state that the front opening 84 of the body cover 72 is mainly opened and can move to a second open state that also the upper opening 86 is opened. In relation to this, a stopper member 102, which restrains movement beyond the first open state, is detachably provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool that performs machining such as cutting a workpiece using a machining tool.

Background Art

[0002] As a machine tool for cutting a workpiece, a machine tool provided with an opening / closing cover body that opens and closes an upper space extending from the upper front part to the front upper part of the machine tool body has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this machine tool, an opening is provided in the main body cover of the machine tool body, and guide rails are provided on both sides of this opening. The opening / closing cover body includes an upper cover and a front cover that are pivotally connected to each other, and an opening / closing handle is provided at the tip of the front cover. Further, the rear end of the upper cover body is pivotally attached to the machine tool body, and the tip of the front cover is movably received by a pair of guide rails.

[0003] In this machine tool, when the handle is lifted in the opening direction, the upper cover and the front cover are folded and protrude above the main body cover. By being folded in this way, the opening of the main body cover is opened and becomes an open state. Also, when the handle is lowered in the closing direction, the upper cover and the front cover are spread over the upper surface and the front surface of the main body cover. By spreading in this way, the opening of the main body cover is closed and becomes a closed state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this machine tool, when the opening and closing cover (upper cover and front cover) is in the open position, the opening of the main body cover is opened, and the upper space extending from the upper front of the machine tool body to the upper front is opened. Therefore, this open upper space can be used to easily replace workpieces and machining tools, and to perform maintenance and inspection of the spindle unit, tool mounting means, etc.

[0006] On the other hand, with such machine tools, prolonged use can make high-precision machining difficult due to wear and deterioration. For this reason, the entire spindle unit may be replaced with a new one when used for extended periods. The spindle unit is large and heavy, and is typically lifted from the machine tool body using a crane or similar equipment within the premises for replacement.

[0007] However, conventional machine tools lack a large opening in the main body cover. For example, even in machine tools like the one shown in Reference 1, the opening is not large enough when the cover is held in the open position, making it impossible to remove the spindle unit through the open opening. Therefore, when replacing the spindle unit, a part of the main body cover must be removed to create a large opening, through which the old spindle unit is removed and the new spindle unit is installed. This makes the spindle unit replacement process complicated and time-consuming.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a machine tool that allows for easy replacement of workpieces, machining tools, etc., as well as easy replacement of the spindle unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The machine tool according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a machine tool body, a spindle unit for supporting a chuck means for holding a workpiece so as to be rotatable in a predetermined direction, a tool mounting means for attaching a machining tool for machining the workpiece, a first open / close cover structure for covering the space above the machining area for machining the workpiece in an open / close manner, and a second open / close cover structure for covering the front upper space extending from the upper front of the machine tool body to the front upper surface in an open / close manner. The second opening / closing cover structure comprises a front cover member for covering the front opening of the main body cover of the machine tool body, a top cover member for covering the top opening of the main body cover of the machine tool body, and a guide rail mechanism for guiding the opening and closing of the front cover member, wherein the rear end of the top cover member is pivotably attached to the machine tool body, and the top cover member and the front cover member are pivotably connected to each other. The front cover member The tip of the front cover member is movably received by the guide rail mechanism, and the front cover member and the top cover member cover the front opening and the top opening of the machine tool body from a closed state. While lifting the front cover member, move it It is configured to be movable along the guide rail mechanism from a first open state, which mainly opens the front opening, to a second open state, which opens both the front opening and the top opening. In relation to the guide rail mechanism, a first stopper means is provided to restrain the movement of the front cover member and the upper cover member beyond the first open state. The first stopper means is provided and is detachably mounted at a first predetermined location in the guide rail mechanism corresponding to the first open state. A machine tool characterized by the following features.

[0010] Furthermore, in the machine tool according to claim 2 of the present invention, the guide rail mechanism comprises a pair of guide rails extending along both sides of the front opening and the top opening of the body cover of the machine tool body, the front cover member's front end is movably received by the pair of guide rails, and the first stopper means is at least one of the pair of guide rails The first predetermined part It is characterized by being detachably provided.

[0011] Furthermore, in the machine tool described in claim 3 of the present invention, at least one of the pair of guide rails On the one hand The second stopper means restrains the movement of the front cover member and the upper cover member beyond the second open state. The second stopper means is provided at a second predetermined portion of the front cover member and the upper cover member on at least one of the guide rails, corresponding to the second open state. Furthermore, a retaining member for holding the front cover member and the upper cover member in the second predetermined location is detachably attached to the guide rail mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, in the machine tool according to claim 4 of the present invention, the spindle unit is supported at the rear of the machine tool body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, the tool mounting means is attached to a tool slide mechanism supported at the front of the machine tool body so as to be movable in the lateral direction opposite to the spindle unit, the machining area exists between the spindle unit and the tool mounting means, and when the spindle unit is removed from the machine tool body, the front cover member and the top cover member are held in the second open state, and the spindle unit is positioned at the front end position in the front-rear direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in the machine tool described in claim 5 of the present invention, a first protective cover member for covering a part of the upper and front sides of the tool slide mechanism and a second protective cover member for covering the upper side of the first protective cover member are provided between the tool slide mechanism and the machine tool body, and a liquid ejection means for ejecting liquid toward the upper surface of the second protective cover member is also provided.

[0014] Furthermore, in the machine tool according to claim 6 of the present invention, the first opening and closing cover structure comprises a lid member that covers the upper part of the tool mounting means and a shutter member that covers the upper part of the machining area, wherein the lid member is detachably attached to the machine tool body and the shutter member is detachably attached to the machine tool body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The machine tool according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided with a second opening / closing cover structure for opening and closing the front upper space extending from the upper front to the front upper surface of the machine tool body, and this second opening / closing cover structure comprises a front cover member, an upper cover member, and a guide rail mechanism for guiding the opening and closing of the front cover member, and the front cover member and the upper cover member are movable along the guide rail mechanism from a closed state through a first open state to a second open state, so that by holding it in the first open state, the upper front of the machine tool body is mainly opened, and through this opened opening, workpiece and processing tool replacement, maintenance and inspection of tool mounting means, etc. can be easily performed, and by holding it in the second open state, the upper front and front upper surface of the machine tool body are greatly opened, and through this opened opening, maintenance and inspection of the spindle unit and workpiece transport device, etc. can be easily performed, and the spindle unit can also be easily replaced.

[0016] Furthermore, since a first stopper means is provided in relation to the guide rail mechanism, during normal opening and closing operations of the second opening / closing cover structure, when the front cover member and the top cover member reach the first open state, the first stopper means restrains movement beyond this first open state. This prevents the cover from opening beyond the first open state, thereby improving the usability of the second opening / closing cover structure. In addition, since this first stopper means is detachably provided on the guide rail means, the front cover member and the top cover member can be moved to the second open state by removing this first stopper means.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the machine tool described in claim 2 of the present invention, the guide rail mechanism includes a pair of guide rails extending along both sides of the front opening and top opening of the main body cover, and both sides of the tip of the front cover member are movably received by the pair of guide rails. Therefore, by moving the tip of the front cover member along the pair of guide rails, the front cover member and the top cover member can be opened while folding. In addition, a first stopper means is provided detachably at a first predetermined portion of at least one of the pair of guide rails. Therefore, when the front cover member and the top cover member are opened to a first open state, the tip of the front cover member comes into contact with the first stopper means, and this first stopper means can restrain opening movement beyond the first open state. Furthermore, by removing this first stopper means, it becomes possible to open the front cover member and the top cover member beyond the first open state to a second open state.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the machine tool described in claim 3 of the present invention, a second stopper means is provided at least one of the pair of guide rails at a second predetermined portion, so that the movement of the front cover member and the top cover member beyond the second open state can be restrained by this second stopper means. In addition, by attaching a holding member to the guide rail mechanism while the front cover member and the top cover member are held in the second open state, these front cover member and top cover member can be safely held in the second open state.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the machine tool described in claim 4 of the present invention, the spindle unit is supported at the rear of the machine tool body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. When removing the spindle unit from the machine tool body, the front cover member and the top cover member are held in a second open state, and the upper front and upper front portions of the machine tool body are opened up significantly. The spindle unit is positioned at the front end in the front-rear direction, allowing it to be positioned below the open upper space of the machine tool body. This facilitates the removal of the spindle unit from the machine tool body and the installation of a new spindle unit onto the machine tool body.

[0020] Further, according to the machine tool of claim 5 of the present invention, a first protective cover member for covering the upper surface side and the front surface side of a part of the tool slide mechanism is provided between the tool slide mechanism and the machine tool body, and a second protective cover member for covering the upper surface side of the first protective cover member is provided. Therefore, the tool slide mechanism can be protected by the first and second protective cover members. Furthermore, since a liquid ejection means is provided, chips and the like scattered on the upper surface of the second protective cover member can be removed by the liquid ejected from this liquid ejection means, and the periphery of the processing area, particularly the upper surface of the second protective cover member, can be kept clean.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the machine tool of claim 6 of the present invention, the first opening / closing cover structure includes a lid member that covers the upper part of the tool mounting means and a shutter member that covers the upper part of the processing area. Therefore, by removing the lid member, maintenance and inspection of the tool mounting means can be easily performed. Also, by removing this lid member and opening the shutter member, the upper part of the processing area is largely opened, and maintenance, inspection, and replacement of the spindle unit can be easily performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Front view showing an embodiment of a NC lathe as an example of the machine tool according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second opening / closing cover structure of the NC lathe in FIG. 1 is held in the closed state. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second opening / closing cover structure of the NC lathe in FIG. 1 is held in the first open state. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second opening / closing cover structure of the NC lathe in FIG. 1 is held in the second open state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a front view showing the state in which a pair of X-axis slides of the NC lathe in FIG. 1 are moved to both sides, and FIG. 5(b) is a front view showing the state in which the pair of X-axis slides are moved to the central side. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a front view showing parts of the first and second protective cover members in an extended state, and Figure 7(b) is a front view showing parts of them in a retracted state. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the NC lathe shown in Figure 1, with the first opening / closing cover structure held in the open position and the second opening / closing cover structure held in the second open position. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the NC lathe in Figure 1, with the spindle unit moved further forward in the front-to-back direction from the state shown in Figure 8 to the front end position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of an NC lathe as an example of a machine tool according to the present invention will be described. In Figures 1 and 2, the NC lathe 2 as an example of a machine tool includes a lathe body 4 (which constitutes the machine tool body) that is installed on the floor of a factory or the like, a spindle unit 6 is arranged at the rear of the lathe body 4 (machine tool body), and a tool mounting means 8 is provided at the front of it.

[0024] In this embodiment, as can be seen from Figure 1, a pair of spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) are arranged at a distance from the lathe body 4 (machine tool body) in the lateral direction (so-called X-axis direction, which is the left-right direction in Figure 1 and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2), and the pair of spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) are mounted so as to be able to reciprocate in the front-rear direction (so-called Z-axis direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1 and the left-right direction in Figure 2) of the lathe body 4. In addition, a pair of tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) are provided opposite the pair of spindle units 6 (6a, 6b), and the pair of tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) are mounted so as to be able to reciprocate in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) of the lathe body 4.

[0025] The pair of spindle units 6(6a,6b) and the pair of tool mounting means 8(8a,8b) have substantially the same structure, and below, one of the spindle units 6a(6b) and tool mounting means 8a(8b) will be described. In the illustrated configuration, the spindle unit 6a(6b) is supported at the rear of the lathe body 4 (machine tool body) via a first slide mechanism 10 so as to be able to reciprocate. The first slide mechanism 10 (which constitutes the spindle slide mechanism) has a Z-axis linear guide 12 attached to the lathe body 4 and extending in the Z-axis direction, and a Z-axis slide 14 that is movably supported on the Z-axis linear guide 12, and the spindle unit 6a(6b) is detachably attached to this Z-axis slide 14.

[0026] The first slide mechanism 10 further includes a Z-axis drive means 16 for moving the Z-axis slide 14 in the Z-axis direction. This Z-axis drive means 16 has a Z-axis ball screw shaft 18 that is rotatably supported on the lathe body 4, and a Z-axis nut 20 that is screwed onto the Z-axis ball screw shaft 18, and the Z-axis nut 20 is attached to the Z-axis slide 14. The Z-axis drive means 16 includes a Z-axis drive motor 22, which is driven and connected to the Z-axis ball screw shaft 18.

[0027] With this configuration, when the Z-axis drive motor 22 is driven in a predetermined direction (or the opposite direction), the Z-axis ball screw shaft 18 is rotated in a predetermined direction (or the opposite direction) by the Z-axis drive motor 22, thereby moving the Z-axis slide 14, i.e., the spindle unit 6a (6b), toward (or toward) the tool mounting means 8a (8b) in the Z-axis direction (front-rear direction).

[0028] Although not shown, the spindle unit 6(6a,6b) has a spindle that is rotatably supported, and a spindle chuck mechanism is attached to this spindle, and the workpiece to be machined is detachably held by this spindle chuck mechanism. The spindle unit 6(6a,6b) has a spindle drive motor (not shown), and this spindle drive motor rotates the spindle (and integrally with it the spindle chuck mechanism and the workpiece held therein) in a predetermined direction.

[0029] The illustrated tool mounting means 8a(8b) is supported to reciprocate freely at the front of the lathe body 4 (machine tool body) via a second slide mechanism 24 (which constitutes the tool slide mechanism). Referring also to Figure 6, the second slide mechanism 24 has an X-axis linear guide 26 attached to the lathe body 4 and extending in the X-axis direction, and an X-axis slide 28 that is movably supported on the X-axis linear guide 26, to which the tool mounting means 8a(8b) is attached.

[0030] The second slide mechanism 24 further includes an X-axis drive means 30 for moving the X-axis slide 28 in the X-axis direction. This X-axis drive means 30 has an X-axis ball screw shaft 32 rotatably supported by the lathe body 4 and an X-axis nut 34 (see Figure 1) screwed onto the X-axis ball screw shaft 32, and the X-axis nut 34 is attached to the X-axis slide 28. The X-axis drive means 30 includes an X-axis drive motor 36, which is driven and connected to the X-axis ball screw shaft 32.

[0031] With this configuration, when the X-axis drive motor 36 is driven in a predetermined direction (or the opposite direction), the X-axis ball screw shaft 32 is rotated in a predetermined direction (or the opposite direction) by the X-axis drive motor 36, thereby moving the X-axis slide 28, i.e., the tool holding means 8a (8b), inward (or outward) in the X-axis direction (lateral direction).

[0032] A tool mounting member 40 of the tool mounting means 8a (8b) is attached to this X-axis slide 28, and a machining tool used when machining a workpiece, such as a cutting tool (not shown), is attached to this tool mounting member 40.

[0033] In this NC lathe 2, a machining area 42 for machining a workpiece (not shown) is provided between the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) and the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b). In this embodiment, a common machining area 42 is provided for the pair of spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) and the pair of tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b).

[0034] Above the machining area 42, a first open / close cover structure 44 is provided to prevent the scattering of machining fluid, chips, etc. This first open / close cover structure 44 comprises a lid member 46 that covers the area above the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) and a shutter member 48 that covers the area above the machining area 42. The lid member 46 is detachably attached to the lathe body 4 (see Figures 8 and 9), and the shutter member 48 is detachably attached to the lathe body 4. In this configuration, a drive cylinder mechanism 50 is attached to the lathe body 4, and the shutter member 48 is attached to the output section 52 of the drive cylinder mechanism 50.

[0035] With this configuration, when the lid member 46 is attached to the lathe body 4, the lid member 46 covers the top of the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) (see Figures 2 to 4). In this attached state, when the drive cylinder mechanism 50 is further extended, the shutter member 48 moves toward the lid member 46 (i.e., forward) and closes to cover the top of the machining area 42 (see Figures 2 to 4). In this closed state, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the entire top of the machining area 42 is covered by the lid member 46 and the shutter member 48, suppressing the scattering of machining fluid, chips, etc. from the machining area 42 to the outside.

[0036] In this closed state, when the drive cylinder mechanism 50 is retracted, the shutter member 48 separates from the lid member 46, opening up the upper part of the machining area 42 (see Figure 8), allowing the loading of workpieces, as described later, through this opened opening. Furthermore, when the shutter member 48 is in the open state, if the lid member 46 is removed, as shown in Figure 9, the upper part of the machining area 42 is greatly opened, making it easy to perform maintenance and inspection work on the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) and the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b), as well as replacement work on the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b).

[0037] A second opening / closing cover structure 62 is provided on the outside of the first opening / closing cover structure 44, and a front upper space 64 is provided between the first cover structure 44 and the second cover structure 62, extending from the upper front to the front upper surface of the lathe body 4. This front upper space 64 is used as a transport space for transporting the workpiece as described later.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer surface of the lathe body 4 is covered by a body cover 72, which comprises a front cover 74 covering the front of the lathe body 4, a top cover 76 covering its upper surface, a rear cover 78 covering its rear surface, a left side cover 80 covering its left side, and a right side cover 82 covering its right side. The front cover 74 is positioned on the front side of a pair of tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) and related components (such as the second slide mechanism 24a, 24b), and is detachably attached to the front of the lathe body 4.

[0039] With this configuration, by attaching the front cover 74, the lower front of the lathe body 4 is covered by the front cover 74. Furthermore, by removing the front cover 74, the lower front of the lathe body 4 is opened, making it easy to perform maintenance and inspection of the pair of tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) and related components (such as the second slide mechanism 24a, 24b).

[0040] The lathe body 4 (body cover 72) has a front opening 84 (see Figures 3 and 4) at the upper front, and a top opening 86 (see Figures 3 and 4) at the front of its upper surface, with the front opening 84 and top opening 86 forming a continuous working opening. The second opening / closing cover structure 62 is provided to open and close this working opening (the front opening 84 and top opening 86 of the body cover 72), and includes a front cover member 88 to cover the front opening 84, a top cover member 90 to cover the top opening 86, and a guide rail mechanism 92 (see Figures 8 and 9) to guide the opening and closing of the front cover member 88.

[0041] The rear end of the top cover member 90 (left end in Figure 2) is pivotably attached to the opening 86 of the top surface of the lathe body 4 via a plurality of hinges 94, and the front end of this top cover member 90 and the rear end of the front cover member 88 are pivotably attached to each other via a plurality of hinges 96. In addition, rollers 98 (only one shown in Figures 3 and 4) are rotatably mounted on both sides of the front end of the front cover member 88, and these rollers 98 are movably received by the guide rail mechanism 92.

[0042] Furthermore, a gripping handle 91 for opening and closing is provided at the lower front end of the front cover member 88. By grasping and lifting this gripping handle 91, the second opening / closing cover structure 62 can be opened (first open state shown in Figure 3, second open state shown in Figure 4), and by grasping and lifting this gripping handle 91, the second opening / closing cover structure 62 can be closed (state shown in Figure 2).

[0043] The guide rail mechanism 92 includes a pair of guide rails 100 (only one is shown in Figures 3 and 4) provided along both sides of the front opening 84 and the top opening 86 of the main body cover 72. The pair of guide rails 100 extend from the lower end of the front opening 84 to the rear end of the top opening 86, and the rollers 98 of the front cover member 88 are rotatably received in the guide recesses of the pair of guide rails 100.

[0044] With this configuration, by gripping and lifting the gripping handle 91, the pair of rollers 98 provided on the front cover member 88 move upward along the pair of guide rails 100 on the lathe body 4 side, and then move further backward. As the rollers 100 move in this way, the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 are folded in half by the hinge 96 so that they protrude upward, and in this way the front opening 84 and the top opening 86 of the body cover 72 are opened, and the second opening / closing cover structure 62 is in the open state.

[0045] Furthermore, by holding the grip handle 91 and lowering it, the pair of rollers 98 of the front cover member 88 move forward along the pair of guide rails 100 and then move downward. As the rollers 98 move in this manner, the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 close the front opening 84 and top opening 86 of the main body cover 72, and the second opening / closing cover structure 62 becomes closed.

[0046] In connection with this guide rail mechanism 92, a first stopper means 102 is provided to restrict the movement of a pair of rollers 98 of the front cover member 88. In this embodiment, the first stopper means 102 is detachably attached to a first predetermined portion of the guide recess of the pair of guide rails 100, that is, to a position corresponding to the first open state shown in Figure 3. This first stopper means 102 is composed of, for example, a block-shaped member, and this block-shaped member is detachably attached by mounting screws or the like. By providing the first stopper means 102 in this way, when the front cover member 88 is moved in the opening direction to the first open state (open state shown in Figure 3), the rollers 98 of the front cover member 88 come into contact with the first stopper means 102 (block-shaped member) and their movement is prevented, thereby restricting the movement of the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 beyond the first open state.

[0047] In this first open state, as shown in Figure 3, the main front opening 84 of the main body cover 72 is opened, and various operations described later can be performed through this front opening 84. The first stopper means 102 may be provided on both of the pair of guide rails 100, or it may be provided on only one of them.

[0048] In this NC lathe 2, when it is desired to open the top opening 86 of the main body cover 72, the first stopper means 102 can be removed. Doing so allows the pair of rollers 98 of the front cover member 88 to move further backward. When the first stopper means 102 is removed and the front cover member 88 is moved further backward, as shown in Figure 4, the front opening 84 of the main body cover 72 opens up to its top opening 86, creating a second open state in which the working opening of the main body cover 72 is greatly opened, and various operations described later can be performed through the greatly opened front opening 84 and top opening 86.

[0049] The front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 are configured to maintain this second open state by balancing their movement in the opening direction and the movement in the closing direction. Therefore, even if you release your hand from the grip handle 91, they remain in this second open state and do not move in the closing direction due to their own weight or other factors.

[0050] Corresponding to this second open state, a second stopper means (not shown) is provided to restrict the movement of a pair of rollers 98 of the front cover member 88. The second stopper means is provided at a second predetermined portion (a portion further back than the first predetermined portion) of the guide recess of the pair of guide rails 100, that is, at a position corresponding to the second open state shown in Figure 4, and is composed of, for example, a bent portion obtained by bending a part of the guide rail.

[0051] By providing a second stopper means (not shown) in this manner, when the front cover member 88 is moved in the opening direction to the second open state (open state shown in Figure 4), the roller 98 of the front cover member 88 comes into contact with this second stopper means (bent portion), preventing its movement. This restricts the movement of the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 beyond the second open state. This second stopper means may be provided on both of the pair of guide rails 100, similar to the first stopper means 102 described above, or it may be provided on only one of them.

[0052] To hold the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 in the second open state, a retaining member (not shown), for example, made of a block-shaped member, may be provided. This retaining member is detachably attached, for example, by a mounting screw (not shown), to the front side of the guide roller 98 located in the guide recess of the guide rail 100 (i.e., the guide roller 98 that is in the second open state). By attaching the retaining member in this way, the guide roller 98 is positioned between the second stopper means (bent portion) and the retaining member, and its movement is restrained. This allows the front cover member 88 and the top cover member 90 to be safely held in the second open state, and reliably prevents the front cover member and the top cover member 90 from moving in the closing direction during various operations.

[0053] In this configuration, a gas spring cylinder 104 is interposed between the upper end of the lathe body 4 and the inner surface of the upper cover member 90. This gas spring cylinder 104 is provided to assist in the opening and closing operation of the second opening / closing cover structure 62 (front cover member 88 and upper cover member 90). When opening, it acts to reduce the lifting force required to lift the front cover member 88 in the opening direction, and when closing, it acts to prevent the front cover member 88 from suddenly dropping due to gravity.

[0054] From a safety standpoint, the gas spring cylinder 104 is preferably configured as follows: It is preferable to install the gas spring cylinder 104 so that it is in its most extended state when the second opening / closing cover structure 62 (front cover member 88 and upper cover member 90) is in the second open state. With this configuration, when the gas spring cylinder 104 is removed while the second opening / closing cover structure 62 is held in the second open state, the gas spring cylinder 104 will not suddenly extend when removed, and the gas spring cylinder 104 can be safely removed.

[0055] In this embodiment of the NC lathe 2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a workpiece transport device 112 for transporting workpieces is attached to the lathe body 4. The workpiece transport device 112 comprises a workpiece supply mechanism 114 for supplying workpieces to be machined, a workpiece discharge mechanism 116 for discharging machined workpieces, and a workpiece transport mechanism 118 for transporting workpieces to the machining area 42 of the lathe body 4. The workpiece supply mechanism 114 is located on one side of the lathe body (right side in Figure 1), and the workpiece discharge mechanism 116 is located on the other side of the lathe body 4 (left side in Figure 1).

[0056] The workpiece transport mechanism 118 has a support frame 120 that extends through the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4 between the workpiece supply mechanism 114 and the workpiece discharge mechanism 116, and both ends of this support frame 120 are supported by support legs 122. The workpiece transport mechanism 118 further includes a loader 124 for transporting workpieces, and this loader 124 is movably mounted on the support frame 120 via a linear guide 125. The loader 124 is equipped with a loader chuck 126 for holding workpieces.

[0057] With this configuration, the loader chuck 126 of the loader 124 of the workpiece transport mechanism 118 holds the workpiece to be machined in the workpiece supply mechanism 114 and transports it to the machining area 42 of the lathe body 4, where it is transferred to the spindle chuck means of the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b). The loader chuck 126 of the loader 124 also receives the machined workpiece held by the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) and transports the received workpiece to the workpiece discharge mechanism 116 for discharge. As the loader 124 moves in this manner, when supplying a workpiece it moves to the outside of the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4 and is positioned above the workpiece supply mechanism 114 (see Figure 1), and when discharging a workpiece it moves to the outside of the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4 and is positioned above the workpiece discharge mechanism 116.

[0058] In this NC lathe 2, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, cover units 142 (142a, 142b, 142C) are provided to cover the second slide mechanism 24 (tool slide mechanism) of the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b). In this embodiment, cover unit 142a is disposed between the right end of the lathe body 4 and the X slide 28 of one of the second slide mechanisms 24a, cover unit 142b is disposed between the left end of the lathe body 4 and the X slide 28 of the other second slide mechanism 24b, and cover unit 142c is disposed between the X slide 28 of one of the second slide mechanisms 24a and the X slide 28 of the other second slide mechanism 24b.

[0059] The cover units 142 (142a, 142b, 142c) are substantially identical in configuration and include a first protective cover member 144 for covering a portion of the upper and front sides (front side of the lathe body 4) of the second slide mechanism 24 (24a, 24b), and a second protective cover member 146 for covering the upper side of the first protective cover member 144. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the first protective cover member 144 is composed of a bellows member 148, which contracts by folding inward and expands by opening to both sides. The second protective cover member 146 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped members 150, which are attached to the upper surface of the bellows member 148. The plurality of plate-shaped members 150 contract by overlapping each other and expand by being pulled out.

[0060] Mounting brackets 152 (only one of a pair of mounting brackets is shown in Figure 7) are attached to both ends of the first and second protective cover members 144 and 146, and the members are attached via these mounting brackets 152. For example, in the right cover unit 142a, one mounting bracket 152 is attached to the right end of the lathe body 4, and the other mounting bracket 152 is attached to the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24a. In the left cover unit 142b, one mounting bracket 152 is attached to the left end of the lathe body 4, and the other mounting bracket 152 is attached to the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24b. Furthermore, in the center cover unit 142c, one mounting bracket 152 is attached to the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24a, and the other mounting bracket 152 is attached to the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24b.

[0061] With this configuration, when the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24a (or 24b) moves outward as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5(a), the first and second protective cover members 144 and 146 of the outer cover unit 142a (or 142c) contract, while the first and second protective cover members 144 and 146 of the central cover unit 142c expand. Also, when the X-slide 28 of the second slide mechanism 24a (or 24b) moves inward as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5(b), the first and second protective cover members 144 and 146 of the outer cover unit 142a (or 142c) expand, while the first and second protective cover members 144 and 146 of the central cover unit 142c contract.

[0062] In relation to this cover unit 142 (142a, 142b, 142c), it is further configured as follows. Referring to Figure 6, the second protective cover member 146 (a plurality of plate-shaped members 150) extends downward inclined toward the inner processing area 42, with an upwardly projecting upper end portion 146a provided at the upper end of the inclination, and downwardly hanging lower portions 146b provided at the lower ends of the inclination.

[0063] In relation to the second protective cover member 146 of this cover unit 142 (142A, 142B, 142C), a liquid ejection means 154 is provided for ejecting a liquid (for example, a machining fluid used for machining on the lathe 2). The liquid ejection means 154 comprises an ejection nozzle 156, which is provided above the inclined upper end of the second protective cover member 146 (a plurality of plate-shaped members 150), and the liquid (for example, a machining fluid) is ejected downward from this ejection nozzle 156.

[0064] As the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection means 154 (ejection nozzle 156) in this manner, chips and other debris scattered on the upper surface of the cover unit 142 (142a, 142b, 142c) during processing (i.e., the upper surface of the second protective cover member 146) flow down along that upper surface with the liquid and are collected below the processing area 42. By ejecting the liquid in this manner, the upper surface of the cover unit 142 (142a, 142b, 142c) can be kept clean.

[0065] In relation to this second protective cover member 146, it is further configured as follows: An upward-sloping cover 162 is provided on the rear side of the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b) (in other words, the front side of the lathe body 4), and this upward-sloping cover 162 is positioned between the inner cover 164 on the lathe body 4 side and the tool mounting member 40 of the tool mounting means 8 (8a, 8b). This upward-sloping cover 162 extends downward inclined toward the tool mounting member 40 side, and because it is configured in this way, chips and other debris scattered on this upward-sloping cover member 162 fall downward along its upper surface.

[0066] Furthermore, the lower end of the inner cover 164 is located inside and overlaps with the upper projection 146a of the second protective cover member 146 (multiple plate-shaped members 150), and therefore, it is possible to prevent scattered chips and liquid (processing fluid) from the ejection nozzle 156 from flowing towards the operator (right side in Figure 6).

[0067] In this NC lathe 2, the opening and closing of the second opening / closing cover structure 62 is performed, for example, as follows. During machining using the NC lathe 2, a stopper member 102 is attached to the guide rail 100 of the guide rail mechanism 92, and the second opening / closing cover structure 62 (front cover member 88 and rear cover member 90) is opened and closed between the closed state shown in Figure 2 and the first open state shown in Figure 3.

[0068] In this case, when the second opening / closing cover structure 62 is set to the first open state, the front opening 84 of the main body cover 72 is opened, as can be seen from Figure 3, and the following operations can be easily performed through this front opening 84 (during these operations, the loader 124 of the workpiece transport device 112 is positioned outside the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4).

[0069] For example, by opening the shutter member 48 of the first opening / closing cover structure 44, the area above the machining area 42 is opened, and through this opened space, workpieces can be attached to and removed from the spindle chuck means (not shown) of the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b), and the spindle chuck means can be maintained and inspected. When performing maintenance and inspection, it is preferable to move the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) to the front end position of the first slide mechanism 10 (the position shown in Figure 7). By moving it in this way, the spindle chuck means side of the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) protrudes significantly into the machining area 42, making maintenance and inspection even easier.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, by removing the lid member 46 of the first opening / closing cover structure 44, the area above the tool holding means 8(8a,8b) is opened, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and this opened space can be used to easily perform maintenance and inspection of the tool holding means 8(8a,8b). In addition, by opening the shutter member 48 at this time, a larger space is created above the tool holding means 8(8a,8b), which can improve workability.

[0071] In this NC lathe 2, when it is desired to greatly open the front upper space 64, including the upper opening 86 of the main body cover 72, the first stopper means 102 attached to the guide rail mechanism 92 is removed, and with the stopper means removed, the second opening / closing cover structure 62 (front cover member 88 and rear cover member 90) is opened and closed between the closed state shown in Figure 2 and the second open state shown in Figure 4.

[0072] In this case, when the second opening / closing cover structure 62 is opened to the second open state, as can be seen from Figure 4, the front opening 84 and top opening 86 of the main body cover 72 are opened wide, and the following operations can be performed through these front openings 84 and top openings 86. In this second open state, by positioning the loader 124 of the workpiece transport device 112 in the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4, the loader 124 is exposed to the outside through the front openings 84 and top openings 86 of the main body cover 72, thereby making it easy to perform maintenance on the loader 124 through these front openings 84 and top openings 86.

[0073] Furthermore, in this second open state, by removing the lid member 46 of the first opening / closing cover structure 44 and opening the shutter member 48 (at this time, the loader 124 of the workpiece transport device 112 is positioned outside the front upper space 64 of the lathe body 4), as shown in Figure 8, the area above the machining area 42 and the tool holding means 8 (8a, 8b) is greatly opened, and maintenance and inspection of the spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) and the tool holding means (8a, 8b) can be made even easier by utilizing this opened space.

[0074] Furthermore, with the second opening / closing cover structure 62 held in the second open state and the first opening / closing cover structure 44 held in the open state (with the lid member 46 removed and the shutter member 48 in the open state), it is preferable to move the main spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) to the front end position of the first slide mechanism 10 (the position shown in Figure 9). Moving it in this way makes maintenance and inspection of the main spindle unit 6 (6a, 6b) even easier.

[0075] In addition, in this state, the spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) can be easily removed from the first slide mechanism 10. Furthermore, even after removal, the upper front space 64, which is the space above the machining area 42 and extends from the front opening 84 to the top opening 86 of the main body cover 72, is largely open. Therefore, the removed spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) can be transported out of the lathe body 4 relatively easily using an in-plant crane (not shown) without the need to remove large parts, except for the removal of the cover member 46. This makes the replacement of the spindle units 6 (6a, 6b) easier compared to conventional systems.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above in relation to an NC lathe as an example of a machine tool, the present invention is not limited to such an NC lathe, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] For example, although the above-described embodiment was explained in relation to a machine tool equipped with a pair of spindle units and a pair of tool mounting means, it is not limited to this configuration and can be similarly applied to a machine tool equipped with one spindle unit and one corresponding tool mounting means.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained in the context of a lathe body combined with a workpiece transfer device, the invention is not limited to this configuration and can be similarly applied to a lathe body alone without a workpiece transfer device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 2 NC Lathes (Machine Tools) 4. Lathe body (machine tool body) 6, 6a, 6b Spindle Unit 8,8a,8b Tool mounting means 10. First slide mechanism 24. Second slide mechanism 42 Machining area 44. First opening / closing cover structure 46 Lid member 48 Shutter component 62. Second opening / closing cover structure 64 Front upper space 72 Main unit cover 84 Front opening 86 Top opening 112 Workpiece Transfer Device 114 Workpiece supply mechanism 116 Workpiece ejection mechanism 118 Workpiece Transfer Mechanism 124 Loader 142, 142a, 142b, 142c Cover Unit 144 First protective cover member 146 Second protective cover member 154 Liquid ejection means

Claims

1. The machine tool comprises a machine tool body, a spindle unit for supporting a chuck mechanism for holding a workpiece so as to be rotatable in a predetermined direction, a tool mounting mechanism for attaching a machining tool for machining the workpiece, a first open / close cover structure for covering the space above the machining area where the workpiece is machined in an open / close manner, and a second open / close cover structure for covering the front upper space extending from the upper front of the machine tool body to the front upper surface in an open / close manner. The second opening / closing cover structure comprises a front cover member for covering the front opening of the main body cover of the machine tool body, a top cover member for covering the top opening of the main body cover of the machine tool body, and a guide rail mechanism for guiding the opening and closing of the front cover member. The rear end of the top cover member is pivotably attached to the machine tool body, the top cover member and the front cover member are pivotably connected to each other, the front end of the front cover member is movably received by the guide rail mechanism, and the front cover member and the top cover member are configured to move along the guide rail mechanism from a closed state covering the front and top openings of the machine tool body, through a first open state where the front opening is mainly opened by moving the front cover member while lifting it, to a second open state where the front and top openings are opened. A machine tool characterized in that, in relation to the guide rail mechanism, a first stopper means is provided for restraining movement of the front cover member and the upper cover member beyond the first open state, and the first stopper means is detachably provided at a first predetermined location in the guide rail mechanism corresponding to the first open state.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail mechanism comprises a pair of guide rails extending along both sides of the front opening and the top opening of the main body cover of the machine tool body, the front cover member's front end portion is movably received by the pair of guide rails, and the first stopper means is detachably provided at the first predetermined portion of at least one of the pair of guide rails.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the pair of guide rails is provided with a second stopper means for restraining movement of the front cover member and the top cover member beyond the second open state, the second stopper means is provided at a second predetermined portion on at least one of the guide rails corresponding to the second open state of the front cover member and the top cover member, and a holding member for holding the front cover member and the top cover member at the second predetermined portion is detachably attached to the guide rail mechanism.

4. The machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the spindle unit is supported at the rear of the machine tool body so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, the tool mounting means is attached to a tool slide mechanism supported at the front of the machine tool body so as to be movable laterally opposite to the spindle unit, the machining area exists between the spindle unit and the tool mounting means, and when the spindle unit is removed from the machine tool body, the front cover member and the top cover member are held in the second open state, and the spindle unit is positioned at the front end position in the front-rear direction.

5. The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein, in relation to the tool slide mechanism, a first protective cover member for covering the upper and front sides of a part of the tool slide mechanism and a second protective cover member for covering the upper side of the first protective cover member are provided between the tool slide mechanism and the machine tool body, and a liquid ejection means for ejecting liquid toward the upper surface of the second protective cover member is further provided.

6. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the first opening / closing cover structure comprises a lid member that covers the upper part of the tool mounting means and a shutter member that covers the upper part of the machining area, the lid member being detachably attached to the machine tool body and the shutter member being detachably attached to the machine tool body.

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