Machine tool

Abstract

This machine tool includes a spindle, a spindle head movable in a vertical direction, an automatic tool changer provided on the front side of the spindle head and configured to change a tool held by the spindle, and a protective member configured to cover a gap between the spindle head and the automatic tool changer from above. An upper surface of the protective member has an inclined surface inclined in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and a front-rear direction.

Description

Machine tool

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine tool.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-128811 discloses a tool changer having a cover that prevents chips and cutting fluid from entering a turret mechanism section.

[0003] There is a long-felt need for a machine tool that can prevent the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure is a machine tool including a spindle that removably holds a tool, a spindle head that holds the spindle and is movable in the vertical direction, an automatic tool changer provided in front of the spindle head that can hold a plurality of the tools and exchanges the tool held by the spindle, and a protective member that covers a gap between the spindle head and the automatic tool changer from above, wherein an upper surface of the protective member has an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine tool according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine tool. FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the machine tool. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the machine tool. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a first modification. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a machine tool according to the first modification. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a second modification. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a machine tool according to a third modification.

[0006] In a machine tool, when chips and cutting fluid (coolant) scatter in a machining chamber during machining of a workpiece to be machined, the scattered chips and cutting fluid enter a gap (space) between the automatic tool changer and the spindle head as foreign matter. When foreign matter enters the gap, it may affect the operation of the machine tool including the tool changing operation. Specifically, when the spindle holds the tool with chips adhering to the tool, the chips may be bitten between the spindle and the tool.

[0007] The present disclosure can provide a machine tool that can easily prevent the intrusion of foreign matter into a gap between an automatic tool changer and a spindle head.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine tool 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine tool 10. Figure 3 is a partial side view of the machine tool 10. As shown in Figure 1, the machine tool 10 comprises a spindle 12 (see Figure 3), a spindle head 14, a base 16, a column 18, a table 20, a plurality of telescopic covers 22x, 22y, a pair of support members 24, a support structure 26, an automatic tool changer 28, a protective cover 30, a protective member 32, and a splash guard 34.

[0009] In the following explanation, the vertical direction will be referred to as the Z direction. The upward direction will be referred to as the +Z direction, and the downward direction as the -Z direction. Of the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, the direction from the automatic tool changer 28 toward the spindle head 14 will be referred to as the +Y direction (rear direction). Of the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, the direction from the spindle head 14 toward the automatic tool changer 28 will be referred to as the -Y direction (forward direction). The +Y direction and the -Y direction together will be referred to as the Y direction (forward / backward direction). The direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the Y direction will be referred to as the X direction. When viewing the machine tool 10 from the front in the +Y direction, the direction to the right will be referred to as the +X direction. When viewing the machine tool 10 from the front in the +Y direction, the direction to the left will be referred to as the -X direction.

[0010] As shown in Figure 3, the machine tool 10 processes a workpiece (not shown) using a tool 36 attached to the spindle 12. Examples of the tool 36 include drills, milling cutters, taps, reamers, cutting tools, etc. The machine tool 10 is, for example, a machining center.

[0011] The spindle 12 extends in the Z direction. The lower end of the spindle 12 is the tip of the spindle 12. The spindle 12 detachably holds the tool 36. Specifically, the tool 36 is held in a tool holder 38. The tool 36 is detachably attached to the spindle 12 via the tool holder 38. The tool 36 is attached to the spindle 12 by inserting the tool holder 38 into a mounting hole 40 provided at the tip of the spindle 12.

[0012] The spindle head 14 supports the spindle 12 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis (Z-axis) parallel to the Z-direction. Specifically, a spindle rotation motor 42 is provided on the upper part of the spindle head 14. When the spindle rotation motor 42 is driven, the spindle 12 rotates around the Z-axis. Therefore, when a tool 36 is held on the spindle 12, the tool 36 rotates together with the spindle 12. The spindle rotation motor 42 is, for example, a spindle motor.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the column 18 extends from the base 16 in the +Z direction. The spindle head 14 is located in front of the column 18 (towards the -Y direction). The spindle head 14 is mounted on the column 18 so as to be movable in the Z direction. The column 18 guides the movement of the spindle head 14 in the Z direction. Specifically, the column 18 is equipped with a spindle movement motor 44. When the spindle movement motor 44 is driven, the spindle head 14 moves along the column 18 in the Z direction. The spindle movement motor 44 is, for example, a servo motor.

[0014] The table 20 is supported by a base 16. The table 20 is located between the spindle head 14 and the base 16. The table 20 supports the workpiece. The table 20 is movable in the X direction by an X-axis movement mechanism (not shown) and is also movable in the Y direction by a Y-axis movement mechanism (not shown). By moving the spindle head 14 in the Z direction and the table 20 in the X and Y directions, the machine tool 10 can machine the workpiece in three dimensions.

[0015] [Correction based on Rule 91 26.02.2026] Multiple telescopic covers 22x, 22y protect the X-axis and Y-axis moving mechanisms from chips and cutting fluid generated during machining of the workpiece by the machine tool 10. Specifically, one telescopic cover 22y expands and contracts in the Y direction in response to the Y-direction movement of the table 20, thereby concealing the Y-axis moving mechanism. The other telescopic cover 22x expands and contracts in the X direction in response to the X-direction movement of the table 20, thereby concealing the X-axis moving mechanism.

[0016] Of the machine tool 10, the components located in the +Z direction above the upper surface of the base 16 are enclosed by the splash guard 34. The space enclosed by the splash guard 34 is the machining chamber 46 of the machine tool 10. The ends of the multiple telescopic covers 22x, 22y abut against one of the four side covers of the splash guard 34.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of support members 24 are provided on the column 18 at intervals in the X direction. As shown in Figure 1, the pair of support members 24 extend from the column 18 along the -Y direction. As shown in Figure 2, the tips of the support members 24 are located in front of the spindle head 14. A support structure 26 is attached to the tips of the support members 24.

[0018] The support structure 26 extends in front of the main shaft head 14 along the X direction. One end of the support structure 26 is connected to the tip of the support member 24 on the +X direction side. The other end of the support structure 26 is connected to the tip of the support member 24 on the -X direction side. Arms 48 extend downward from both ends of the support structure 26 (see Figure 4). A pivot shaft portion 50 extending in the X direction passes through the arm 48.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the automatic tool changer 28 is located in front of the spindle head 14. As shown in Figure 3, the automatic tool changer 28 faces the spindle head 14 and the support structure 26 in the Y direction. The automatic tool changer 28 automatically changes the tool 36 attached to the spindle 12.

[0020] The automatic tool changer 28 has a swivel turret (magazine) 52 and a turret swivel drive unit 54. The turret swivel drive unit 54 is a swivel motor such as a servo motor. When the turret swivel drive unit 54 is driven, the turret 52 rotates (swivels) around its central axis.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the turret rotation drive unit 54 is provided with a pair of arms 56 spaced apart in the X direction. The pair of arms 56 extend toward a pair of arms 48 of the support structure 26. As shown in Figure 4, the arms 56 are pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 50. Therefore, the automatic tool changer 28 is supported by the support structure 26 via the arms 56 and the pivot shaft 50. The automatic tool changer 28 is pivotable around the pivot shaft 50.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the turret 52 has a plurality of grips 58 arranged along the circumferential direction. The grips 58 removably hold the tool 36 via the tool holder 38.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic tool changer 28 is covered by a protective cover 30. Specifically, the protective cover 30 has a front cover 30f and a rear cover 30r.

[0024] The front cover 30f covers the automatic tool changer 28 from the front. The front cover 30f rotates together with the turret 52 when the turret 52 rotates. The front cover 30f has a plurality of notches 60 formed along the circumferential direction. The number of notches 60 is the same as the number of grips 58. In the circumferential direction, the spacing between the plurality of notches 60 is the same as the spacing between the plurality of grips 58.

[0025] The rear cover 30r covers the automatic tool changer 28 from the rear and is connected to the turret rotation drive unit 54. Therefore, when the turret 52 rotates, the rear cover 30r does not rotate. The rear cover 30r faces the spindle head 14 and the support structure 26.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, a recess 62 is formed on the radially inner side of the rear cover 30r. The recess 62 is recessed forward. A part of the turret rotation drive unit 54 protrudes rearward from the recess 62 of the rear cover 30r. Alternatively, a stepped portion 64 may be formed on the rear cover 30r instead of the recess 62.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, when the front cover 30f covers the turret 52 from the front and the rear cover 30r covers the turret 52 from the rear, multiple holes 66 are formed by the multiple notches 60 and the edge of the rear cover 30r. The grip 58 is exposed to the outside through the holes 66. The tool 36 can be attached to and detached from the grip 58 through the holes 66.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the protective member 32 covers the gap 68 between the spindle head 14 and the automatic tool changer 28 from above. Specifically, the protective member 32 is a plate-shaped member. The protective member 32 covers the space between the rear cover 30r and the support structure 26 located in front of the spindle head 14 from above. The protective member 32 covers the gap 68 between the spindle head 14 and the automatic tool changer 28 from above so that the spindle head 14 and the support structure 26 do not interfere with each other even when the automatic tool changer 28 swings around the pivot shaft 50.

[0029] In the machine tool 10, chips and cutting fluid are scattered when machining a workpiece. As shown by the white arrows in Figure 5, the scattered chips and cutting fluid fall from above. In this embodiment, the gap 68 between the spindle head 14 and the automatic tool changer 28 is covered from above by the protective member 32, so that the fallen chips and cutting fluid do not enter the gap 68 as foreign matter.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 32a of the protective member 32 is an inclined surface 32b that slopes diagonally downward with respect to the X direction. Specifically, the portion of the upper surface 32a of the protective member 32 on the +X direction side slopes diagonally downward as it goes towards the +X direction. The portion of the upper surface 32a of the protective member 32 on the -X direction side slopes diagonally downward as it goes towards the -X direction.

[0031] As a result, foreign objects that fall onto the upper surface 32a of the protective member 32 from above move along the inclined surface 32b, as indicated by the solid arrows. The moved foreign objects are then discharged into the space outside the gap 68 between the spindle head 14 and the automatic tool changer 28 in a plan view. This prevents foreign objects from accumulating on the upper surface 32a of the protective member 32. It also prevents foreign objects from moving toward the automatic tool changer 28 located in front of the protective member 32 and toward the spindle head 14 and support structure 26 located behind the protective member 32.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the protective member 32 is fixed to the automatic tool changer 28. Specifically, the protective member 32 is provided with a fixing arm 70 that extends along the rear cover 30r. By fixing the fixing arm 70 to the rear cover 30r, the protective member 32 is fixed to the automatic tool changer 28. This allows the protective member 32 to be easily positioned above the gap 68 between the automatic tool changer 28 and the spindle head 14. The fixing arm 70 is fixed to the rear cover 30r by screws or the like.

[0033] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool 10A according to the first modified example. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the machine tool 10A according to the first modified example. In the machine tool 10A according to the first modified example, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the machine tool 10 according to this embodiment (see Figures 1 to 5), and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0034] In the first modified example, the protective member 32 is fixed to the support structure 26. The protective member 32 is fixed to the support structure 26 by, for example, screws. Notches 72 are formed at both ends of the protective member 32 in the X direction to avoid interference with the pair of arms 48. The protective member 32 covers the gap 68 between the spindle head 14 and the automatic tool changer 28 from above so as not to interfere with the automatic tool changer 28 even when the automatic tool changer 28 swings around the pivot shaft 50. In the first modified example as well, by fixing the protective member 32 to the support structure 26, the protective member 32 can be easily positioned above the gap 68 between the automatic tool changer 28 and the spindle head 14.

[0035] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool 10B according to the second modified example. In Figure 8, the portion of the machine tool 10B on the -X side is shown in a broken section. In the second modified example, the machine tool 10B is equipped with a plurality of protective members 32d and 32u. Specifically, two protective members 32d and 32u are positioned above the gap 68 between the automatic tool changer 28 and the spindle head 14, spaced apart in the Z direction. The upper protective member 32u is fixed to the rear cover 30r. The upper protective member 32u is located between the upper portion of the rear cover 30r and the support structure 26. The lower protective member 32d is fixed to the support structure 26. The lower protective member 32d is located in the partial space between the upper portion of the recess 62 or stepped portion 64 of the rear cover 30r and the support structure 26. In plan view, it is desirable that the upper protective member 32u and the lower protective member 32d overlap each other.

[0036] In the second modified example, multiple protective members 32d and 32u are arranged at intervals in the Z direction above the gap 68 between the automatic tool changer 28 and the spindle head 14, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter from entering the gap 68.

[0037] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the machine tool 10C according to the third modified example. In the third modified example, the protective member 32 is fixed to the support structure 26. The protective member 32 is located in the partial space between the recess 62 or stepped portion 64 of the rear cover 30r and the support structure 26. Therefore, at least a part of the protective member 32 is located inside the recess 62 or stepped portion 64. In the third modified example, the protective member 32 can cover the gap 68 between the automatic tool changer 28 and the spindle head 14 from above without interference between the protective member 32 and the automatic tool changer 28.

[0038] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0039] (Note 1) The machine tools (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) of this disclosure include a spindle (12) that detachably holds a tool (36), a spindle head (14) that holds the spindle and is movable in the vertical direction (Z), an automatic tool changer (28) provided in front of the spindle head and capable of holding a plurality of the tools and changing the tools held on the spindle, and protective members (32, 32d, 32u) that cover the gap (68) between the spindle head and the automatic tool changer from above, wherein the upper surface (32a) of the protective member has an inclined surface (32b) that is inclined in a direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction (Y).

[0040] (Note 2) In the machine tool described in Note 1, the protective member may be fixed to the automatic tool changer.

[0041] (Note 3) In the machine tool described in Note 1, a plurality of the protective members may be provided, and each of the plurality of protective members may be fixed to the automatic tool changer or to a support structure (26) that supports the automatic tool changer.

[0042] (Note 4) In the machine tool described in Note 1, a protective cover (30) covering the automatic tool changer is further provided, and a recess (62) or a stepped portion (64) is formed in the portion (30r) of the protective cover facing the spindle head, and the protective member may be located inside the recess or the stepped portion.

[0043] (Note 5) In the machine tool described in Note 1 or 4, the protective member may be fixed to the support structure that supports the automatic tool changer.

[0044] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be variously added, replaced, changed, partially deleted, etc., without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content described in the claims and its equivalents. Also, these embodiments can be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as an example and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0045] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C... machine tool 12... spindle 14... spindle head 26... support structure 28... automatic tool changer 30... protective cover 30r... rear cover 32, 32d, 32u... protective members 32a... upper surface 32b... inclined surface 36... tool 62... recess 64... step portion 68... gap

Claims

1. A machine tool comprising: a spindle that detachably holds a tool; a spindle head that holds the spindle and is movable in the vertical direction; an automatic tool changer provided in front of the spindle head, capable of holding a plurality of the tools and for changing the tools held on the spindle; and a protective member that covers the gap between the spindle head and the automatic tool changer from above, wherein the upper surface of the protective member has an inclined surface that slopes in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction.

2. A machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the protective member is fixed to the automatic tool changer.

3. A machine tool according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the protective members are provided, and each of the plurality of protective members is fixed to the automatic tool changer or a support structure that supports the automatic tool changer.

4. A machine tool according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cover that covers the automatic tool changer, wherein a recess or stepped portion is formed in the portion of the protective cover facing the spindle head, and the protective member is located inside the recess or stepped portion.

5. A machine tool according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the protective member is fixed to a support structure that supports the automatic tool changer.

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