Horizontal machine tool

Abstract

A horizontal machine tool (horizontal machining center S) according to the present invention comprises: a main spindle head (1H) that rotatably supports, while aligning along the horizontal direction, a main spindle (1) for gripping a machining tool (5a) for machining a workpiece (W) as a machining target and that is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-rear direction within a machining region; and a table (T) that is disposed so as to be movable in the up-down direction while facing the main spindle head (1H) in the front-rear direction and that holds the workpiece (W) within the machining region.

Description

Horizontal machine tool

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

[0002] Conventional horizontal machine tools include a horizontal machining center having two tool spindles configured to be independently movable in the left - right (X - axis) direction, up - down (Y - axis) direction, and front - rear (Z - axis) direction. Since such a horizontal machining center can exchange cutting tools for each tool spindle, it can suppress the time loss during tool exchange, and thus is adopted as a means to improve machining efficiency.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid - Open No. 2008 - 110463, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004 - 532741

[0004] By the way, conventional horizontal machining centers are configured such that the workpiece side does not move and only the spindle side moves. Therefore, the movement time of the spindle until machining starts and the time required for machining are long, and there is a demand to further suppress time loss.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above - mentioned points, and an object thereof is to provide a horizontal machine tool capable of shortening the movement time of the spindle and the time required for machining and improving machining efficiency.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the horizontal machine tool according to the present invention includes a spindle head that rotatably supports a spindle that holds a machining tool while being supported along the horizontal direction and is supported so as to be movable in the left - right direction, up - down direction, and front - rear direction within a machining area, and a table that is arranged so as to be movable in the up - down direction while facing the spindle head in the front - rear direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a horizontal machine tool capable of shortening the movement time of the spindle and the time required for machining and improving machining efficiency.

[0008] It is a front - side perspective view showing the horizontal machine tool of this embodiment. It is a rear - side perspective view showing the horizontal machine tool of this embodiment.

[0009] A horizontal machining center S, which is a horizontal machine tool according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In this description, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the surface on which the workpiece is positioned in front of the column is considered the front. The left-right direction when viewed from the front is defined as the X-axis, the up-down direction as the Y-axis, and the front-back direction as the Z-axis. The axis that rotates around the X-axis is defined as the A-axis, and the axis that rotates around the Z-axis is defined as the C-axis.

[0010] The horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, which is a horizontal machine tool, is equipped with a spindle moving mechanism S1 and a workpiece moving mechanism S2. The spindle moving mechanism S1 is configured to move the spindle 1 that performs machining on the workpiece W. The workpiece moving mechanism S2 is configured to move the workpiece W. The spindle moving mechanism S1 and the workpiece moving mechanism S2 are surrounded by a frame (not shown).

[0011] Two spindle columns C (first column C1, second column C2) are provided on the spindle bed B, which forms the base of the spindle movement mechanism S1. Each spindle column C is equipped with a spindle head 1H, an A-axis pivoting mechanism 1A, a C-axis pivoting mechanism 1C, a Y-axis moving mechanism 2, a Z-axis moving mechanism 3, and an X-axis moving mechanism 4. Each spindle column C is also equipped with a tool magazine 5.

[0012] The spindle head 1H is configured to support the spindle 1, which grips the machining tool 5a (cutting tool). The spindle head 1H is equipped with a spindle motor (not shown) that rotates the spindle 1, which is positioned along the front-rear direction (horizontal direction). In the standby configuration of the horizontal machining center S, the spindle 1 is supported so as to be aligned with the Z-axis direction. The A-axis rotation means 1A is configured to support the spindle head 1H so as to be rotatable around the A-axis AX1A. The C-axis rotation means 1C is configured to support the spindle head 1H so as to be rotatable around the C-axis AX1C, together with the A-axis rotation means 1A. The A-axis rotation means 1A and the C-axis rotation means 1C are each fitted with a braking device (brake, not shown). The braking device is configured to fix the spindle head 1H, which has been rotated to an arbitrary direction (angle) by each rotation means, and to perform machining of the workpiece W. Braking systems include hydraulically or electrically operated disc brakes (hydraulic disc brakes, electromagnetic disc brakes), and are selected according to the specifications.

[0013] The Y-axis moving mechanism 2 is configured to support the spindle head 1H together with the C-axis pivoting mechanism 1C so that it can move in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction). The Y-axis moving mechanism 2 includes a Y-saddle 2a, a Y-rail 2b, and a Y-drive unit (not shown). The Y-saddle 2a slides up and down on the Y-rail 2b while supporting the C-axis pivoting mechanism 1C. The Y-rail 2b is installed on the side of the Z-saddle 3a, which will be described later, extending in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The Y-drive unit is the power source when the Y-saddle 2a moves along the Y-rail 2b.

[0014] The Z-axis moving mechanism 3 is configured to support the spindle head 1H together with the Y saddle 2a so that it can move in the Z-axis direction (front-to-back direction). The Z-axis moving mechanism 3 includes a Z saddle 3a, a Z rail 3b, and a Z drive unit (not shown). The Z saddle 3a slides back and forth on the Z rail 3b while supporting the Y saddle 2a. The Z rail 3b is installed on the upper surface of the X saddle 4a, which will be described later, extending in the front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction). The Z drive unit is the power source when the Z saddle 3a moves along the Z rail 3b.

[0015] The X-axis moving mechanism 4 is configured to support the spindle head 1H together with the Z saddle 3a so that it can move in the X-axis direction (left-right direction). The X-axis moving mechanism 4 includes an X saddle 4a, an X rail 4b, and an X drive unit (not shown). The X saddle 4a slides left and right on the X rail 4b while supporting the Z saddle 3a. The X rail 4b is installed on the upper surface of the spindle-side bed B, extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The X drive unit is the power source when the X saddle 4a moves along the X rail 4b.

[0016] The X-rail 4b is common to all machines, and the two spindle columns C are arranged side-by-side along the X-axis direction on the X-rail 4b. In other words, the two spindles 1 move along a single X-rail 4b. Furthermore, known feed mechanisms such as ball screws (not shown) are employed in the drive units of the Y-axis moving means 2, Z-axis moving means 3, and X-axis moving means 4. The appropriate form of these feed mechanisms is adopted as needed, depending on the required machining accuracy, specifications, etc.

[0017] The tool magazine 5 houses multiple machining tools 5a and is configured to allow selection of any machining tool 5a to be supplied to the spindle column C. Each tool magazine 5 is located above each spindle column C on a frame (not shown). Each tool magazine 5 employs a feeding mechanism (so-called a disc type) in which the stored machining tools 5a rotate in a circular orbit around a vertical axis AXV parallel to the Y axis. In other words, each tool magazine 5 houses each machining tool 5a so that it can circulate on a horizontal plane and can be arbitrarily selected and removed.

[0018] Furthermore, known configurations are applied to each part of the tool magazine 5, and appropriate configurations are appropriately applied considering the shape and quantity of tools to be stored, space efficiency, etc. For example, the feeding mechanism (not shown) may be a so-called disc type, a chain type that circulates in an oval orbit (not shown), etc., which are appropriately selected and applied.

[0019] When changing the machining tool 5a, first, the spindle column C is moved as appropriate to move the spindle 1 to the tool change position at the bottom of the tool magazine 5. Next, an empty tool gripping part (not shown) in the tool magazine 5 is moved to the tool change position. Then, the used tool removed from the spindle 1 is transferred to the empty tool gripping part and gripped. After that, the tool gripping part holding the new tool is moved to the tool change position and mounted on the spindle 1. These tool change operations are appropriately commanded by a control program stored in the control unit (not shown) in accordance with the machining process of the workpiece W.

[0020] Next, the workpiece moving mechanism S2 will be described. The workpiece moving mechanism S2 is configured to move the workpiece W, which is the object to be machined, in conjunction with the movement of the spindle 1. The workpiece moving mechanism S2 is positioned opposite the two spindle columns C in front of them (in the Z-axis direction). The workpiece moving mechanism S2 includes a table T and a pair of left and right table columns TC. The table T is configured to hold the workpiece W, which is the object to be machined, within the machining area. The table T is positioned along a table rotation axis AXT parallel to the X-axis direction, and both ends of the table are supported by an upper and lower moving table 6a, which will be described later, so that they can rotate around the table rotation axis AXT. In other words, the table T is stretched across a pair of table columns TC. The table T is provided with a holding mechanism (not shown) to fix the workpiece W to the table T when machining the workpiece W.

[0021] The table column TC is configured to move the table T together with the workpiece W. The table column TC is located outside the machining area in the left-right direction. The table column TC is equipped with vertical movement means 6, forward-backward movement means 7, and table rotation means 8.

[0022] The vertical movement mechanism 6 is configured to support the table T so that it can move vertically (in the Y-axis direction) together with the workpiece W. The vertical movement mechanism 6 comprises a vertical movement platform 6a, vertical rails 6b, and a vertical drive unit (not shown). The vertical movement platform 6a slides vertically on the vertical rails 6b while rotatably supporting the end of the table T. The vertical rails 6b are installed on the side of the front-to-back movement platform 7a, which will be described later, extending vertically (in the Y-axis direction). The vertical drive unit is the power source when the vertical movement platform 6a moves along the vertical rails 6b.

[0023] The forward / backward movement mechanism 7 is configured to support the table T so that it can move along with the workpiece W in the forward / backward direction (Z-axis direction). The forward / backward movement mechanism 7 comprises a forward / backward movement platform 7a, forward / backward rails 7b, and a forward / backward drive unit (not shown). The forward / backward movement platform 7a slides along with the table T along the forward / backward rails 7b. The forward / backward rails 7b are installed on the upper surface of the workpiece-side bed BW, which will be described later, extending in the forward / backward direction (Z-axis direction). The forward / backward drive unit is the power source when the forward / backward movement platform 7a moves along the forward / backward rails 7b.

[0024] The table rotation mechanism 8 is configured to support the table T together with the workpiece W so that it can rotate around the table rotation axis AXT. The table rotation mechanism 8 includes a pivot support 8a and a rotation drive unit (not shown). The pivot support 8a is provided on the vertical movement table 6a and pivotally supports the end of the table T so that it can rotate around the table rotation axis AXT. The rotation drive unit is provided on the vertical movement table 6a of one of the table columns TC and is the power source when the table T rotates.

[0025] Next, the operation and effects of the horizontal machining center S as a horizontal machine tool according to this embodiment will be described. In the horizontal machining center S according to this embodiment, the spindle head 1H is arranged to be movable in the left-right (X-axis), up-down (Y-axis), and front-back (Z-axis) directions relative to the spindle-side bed B. In addition, the table T is supported so as to be movable in the up-down (Y-axis) and front-back (Z-axis) directions relative to the workpiece-side bed BW, and so as to be rotatable around the table rotation axis AXT along the left-right (X-axis) direction.

[0026] In other words, the spindle 1 and the table T are configured to move in conjunction with each other, allowing for movement toward and away from one another. This configuration reduces the movement time of the spindle 1 in the vertical and horizontal directions, as well as the time required for workpiece positioning, thereby shortening the time required for machining. This improves machining efficiency.

[0027] Furthermore, by configuring the spindle 1 and table T to move in conjunction in the vertical direction, the overall vertical dimension of the device can be reduced. This increases the rigidity of the spindle column C. Also, by reducing the overall vertical dimension of the device, the space created above the device can be used to introduce equipment for loading and unloading workpieces W. When loading and unloading workpieces W, the time required for loading and unloading can be reduced by moving the table T up and down, further reducing the time required for processing. In addition, because the overall vertical dimension of the device is reduced, the rigidity of the spindle column C is increased, which improves the processing accuracy of the workpieces W.

[0028] Furthermore, since the spindle 1 and the table T are configured to move in conjunction in the front-to-back direction, the table T can be moved back and forth when loading and unloading the workpiece W, thereby reducing the time required for loading and unloading, and thus further reducing the time required for processing.

[0029] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, the table T is configured to rotate around a table rotation axis AXT that extends in the left-right direction. With this configuration, when machining the back side of the workpiece W as viewed from the spindle 1, the rotation of the table T brings the machining area of ​​the workpiece W closer to the spindle 1. With this configuration, the amount of overhang of the spindle 1 from the spindle column C can be kept to a minimum. As a result, the rigidity required for machining can be ensured without increasing the weight of the structure supporting the spindle head 1H. In addition, since there is no need to reposition the workpiece W, the time required for machining can be shortened. This further improves machining efficiency.

[0030] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, the spindle head 1H is configured to be rotatable, with the A-axis rotating around the X-axis and the C-axis rotating around the Z-axis. This configuration allows the spindle 1 to machine the workpiece W from the side and from below. This makes it easier to discharge chips generated during cutting, thereby further increasing machining efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, the tool magazine 5 for housing the machining tool 5a is located above the spindle head 1H. This configuration reduces the time lost when changing tools and shortens the overall cycle time of the machining process. This further improves machining efficiency.

[0032] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, the machining tools 5a housed in the tool magazine 5 are arranged to be rotatable around the vertical axis AXV. This configuration improves the space efficiency above the spindle column C, allowing the tool magazine 5 to be installed without increasing the overall vertical dimensions of the device.

[0033] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, two spindles 1 are provided, and these spindles 1 are arranged to move independently of each other. With this configuration, the two spindles 1 can perform different machining operations simultaneously, thereby shortening the overall cycle time of the machining process. This further enhances machining efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, in the horizontal machining center S of this embodiment, two spindle columns C are provided on a single X-rail 4b. This configuration makes it possible to shorten the overall cycle time of the machining process.

[0035] Although the best embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the design can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the spindle-side bed B and the workpiece-side bed BW are configured separately, but it is possible to configure the spindle-side bed B and the workpiece-side bed BW as an integrated unit. By adopting such a configuration, dimensional accuracy can be further improved. Also, in this embodiment, there are two spindle columns C, but it is possible to have a configuration with only one of the first column C1 and the second column C2. In other words, it may be a machining center with only one spindle head 1H. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in this embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, in the horizontal machine tool of this embodiment, if a welding gun is provided on the spindle head 1H, it functions as a welding machine, and if a tool for FSW (Friction Stir Welding) is provided, it functions as a device for friction stir welding. In other words, the horizontal machine tool of this embodiment is not limited to a horizontal machining center, and various machining operations can be performed depending on the configuration installed on the spindle head 1H.

[0036] S Horizontal machining center (horizontal machine tool), 1 spindle, 1H spindle head, 4b X rail, 5 tool magazine, AXV vertical axis, T table

Claims

1. A horizontal machine tool characterized by comprising: a spindle head that rotatably supports a spindle that grips a machining tool, while being aligned horizontally, and which is supported to be movable in the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions within the machining area; and a table that is positioned to be movable in the up-down direction, facing the spindle head in the front-back direction.

2. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the table is arranged to be movable in the front-rear direction while facing the spindle head in the front-rear direction.

3. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the table is rotatably arranged around a table rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, while facing the spindle head in the front-rear direction.

4. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the spindle head is supported so as to be rotatable to at least one of the A-axis and the C-axis.

5. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a tool magazine for housing the machining tool is installed above the spindle head.

6. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 5, characterized in that the tool magazine rotates the machining tool around a vertical axis.

7. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a pair of spindles are provided, and each spindle is arranged to be independently movable from one another.

8. A horizontal machine tool according to claim 7, characterized in that a pair of spindles are arranged to be movable on a single X-rail extending in the left-right direction.

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