Patent Description:
Typically, there has been a work processing apparatus configured to perform thermal spray processing or clad processing (also called "cladding") for a work piece made of a metal material. For example, a laser processing apparatus disclosed in <CIT> below performs, for an engine cylinder head as a work piece, the clad processing of a valve seat portion. In this laser processing apparatus, a mount on which the work piece is placed is supported on a rotation base to be rotatably driven in a state in which the mount is displaceable in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction perpendicular to each other through an X-axis slider and a Y-axis slider.

However, in the laser processing apparatus described in <CIT> above, the rotation base cannot continuously rotate in one direction for the purpose of avoiding entanglement of wiring of an X-axis motor and a Y-axis motor each included in the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider supported on the rotation base. For this reason, there is a problem that limitations on the contents of processing for the work piece and the type of work piece are great.

It is an object of the present invention is to provide a work processing apparatus configured so that limitations on the contents of processing for a work piece or the type of work piece can be reduced and processing for a wider range of processing contents and work piece can be performed.

This object is achieved by a work processing apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

In order to achieve the object, a feature of the present invention is a work processing apparatus which includes a work table arranged facing a processing head configured to perform processing for a work piece and configured to hold the work piece, a table displacement mechanism configured to displace the work table in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the processing head, a table displacement mechanism drive apparatus configured to generate drive force for driving the table displacement mechanism, a table rotary drive apparatus configured to support the work table and the table displacement mechanism such that the work table and the table displacement mechanism are integrally rotatably drivable, and a control apparatus configured to control actuation of each of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus and the table rotary drive apparatus, the work processing apparatus including: a drive source displacement apparatus configured to cause the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus to approach or separate from the table displacement mechanism to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus to the table displacement mechanism or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus from the table displacement mechanism.

According to the feature of the present invention configured as described above, the work processing apparatus is configured to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus configured to provide drive force to the table displacement mechanism to the table displacement mechanism supported on the table rotary drive apparatus or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus from the table displacement mechanism by the drive source displacement apparatus. Thus, the work table can be rotated without the need for considering wiring of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus. As a result, the work processing apparatus according to the present invention can perform forward or reverse rotation of the work table more than once, and can perform high-speed rotation of the work table. Thus, limitations on the contents of processing for the work piece or the type of work piece can be reduced, and processing for a wider range of processing contents and work piece can be performed.

Further, another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus in which the table rotary drive apparatus further supports a weight holding tool such that the weight holding tool is rotatably drivable, and the weight holding tool holds a counter weight on an opposite side of a rotation center axis of the table rotary drive apparatus from a position of the work table.

According to the other feature of the present invention configured as described above, the work processing apparatus holds the counter weight on the opposite side of the rotation center axis of the table rotary drive apparatus from the position of the work table. Thus, balance of the work table holding the work piece upon rotary drive can be ensured, and rotary drive of the work table can be stabilized.

Further, still another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus further including: a weight displacement mechanism configured to displace the weight holding tool in a radial direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the table rotary drive apparatus.

According to the other feature of the present invention configured as described above, the work processing apparatus includes the weight displacement mechanism configured to displace the weight holding tool configured to hold the counter weight in the radial direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the table rotary drive apparatus. Thus, according to the mass of the work piece or the number of rotations of the work table, centrifugal force generated by the counter weight can be set or changed as necessary.

Further, still another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus in which the weight displacement mechanism is driven by the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus.

According to the other feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the work processing apparatus, the weight displacement mechanism is driven by the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus. Thus, a drive source is shared so that complication and enlargement of an apparatus configuration can be prevented and simplification and downsizing can be realized. Moreover, in the work processing apparatus, the table displacement mechanism and the weight displacement mechanism share the drive source. Thus, the weight holding tool is easily displaced with an amount equal or equivalent to the amount of displacement of the work table. Thus, the centrifugal force generated by the counter weight can be accurately and easily set.

Further, still another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus in which the weight holding tool is arranged between the table rotary drive apparatus and the work table.

According to the other feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the work processing apparatus, the weight holding tool is arranged between the table rotary drive apparatus and the work table. Thus, a space on the work table is ensured, and therefore, the number of holdable work piece types can be increased and the process of attaching the work piece to the work table or detaching the work piece from the work table can be facilitated. Moreover, according to the work processing apparatus of the present invention, the work table and the weight holding tool are not arranged on the same plane. Thus, the stroke of displacement of each of these components can be set longer.

Further, still another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus further including: a table-side inputter/outputter provided at the table rotary drive apparatus to input/output at least one of a hydraulic pressure, a pneumatic pressure, power, or an electrical signal; a body-side inputter/outputter configured to input the at least one of the hydraulic pressure, the pneumatic pressure, the power, or the electrical signal to the table-side inputter/outputter or output the at least one of the hydraulic pressure, the pneumatic pressure, the power, or the electrical signal from the table-side inputter/outputter; and an inputter/outputter displacement apparatus configured to cause the body-side inputter/outputter to approach or separate from the table-side inputter/outputter to connect the body-side inputter/outputter to the table-side inputter/outputter or disconnect the body-side inputter/outputter from the table-side inputter/outputter.

According to still another feature of the present invention configured as described above, the work processing apparatus includes the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus. The inputter/outputter displacement apparatus connects the body-side inputter/outputter configured to input/output at least one of the hydraulic pressure, the pneumatic pressure, the power, or the electrical signal to the table-side inputter/outputter configured to input/output at least one of the hydraulic pressure, the pneumatic pressure, the power, or the electrical signal on a table rotary drive apparatus side or disconnect the body-side inputter/outputter from the table-side inputter/outputter. Thus, the work processing apparatus can be configured such that various functions are achieved on the table rotary drive apparatus. For example, the work processing apparatus can perform, using the hydraulic pressure or the pneumatic pressure, fixing of the position of the work table or the weight holding tool, clamping of the work piece on the work table, or clamping of the counter weight by the weight holding tool. Moreover, the work processing apparatus can perform, by power supply or electrical signal transmission/reception, various types of sensing such as detection of the position of the work table or the weight holding tool or detection of the mass of the work piece or the counter weight, for example.

Further, still another feature of the present invention is the work processing apparatus in which the control apparatus controls, when stopping rotary drive of the work table rotatably driven by the table rotary drive apparatus, actuation of the table rotary drive apparatus such that a portion of the table displacement mechanism connected to the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus is stopped at a position facing a portion of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus connected to the table displacement mechanism.

According to still another feature of the present invention configured as described above, in the work processing apparatus, the control apparatus controls, when stopping rotary drive of the work table rotatably driven by the table rotary drive apparatus, actuation of the table rotary drive apparatus such that the portion of the table displacement mechanism connected to the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus is stopped at the position facing the portion of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus connected to the table displacement mechanism. With this configuration, in the work processing apparatus, when rotary drive of the work table is stopped, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus can be quickly connected to the table displacement mechanism only by direct advance. Further, upon disconnection of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus, quick disconnection can be implemented. Thus, the time of processing the work piece can be shortened.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a work processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating the outline of an external configuration of a main portion of a work processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present invention. Moreover, <FIG> is a block diagram of a control system for controlling actuation of the work processing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Note that for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, the figures used as a reference in the present specification are schematically illustrated, and some components are exaggeratingly illustrated, for example. For this reason, dimensions, ratios and the like among the components vary in some cases.

The work processing apparatus <NUM> is a machining apparatus configured to perform, by computer control, thermal spray processing for a work piece WK including a cylinder block in a reciprocating engine (not shown). The thermal spray processing described herein is surface treatment for supplying and stacking a molten or semi-molten material onto a surface of the work piece WK to form a coating film or a reinforcement layer.

The work processing apparatus <NUM> includes a work table <NUM>. The work table <NUM> is a part configured to detachably hold, in cooperation with clamps <NUM>, the work piece WK as a processing target of the work processing apparatus <NUM>. The work processing apparatus <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a cast material is formed into a flat plate shape. In the present embodiment, the work table <NUM> is, as viewed in plane, formed in a rectangular shape extending in an X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The work table <NUM> is supported on a table displacement mechanism <NUM> in a horizontal orientation at a position facing a later-described processing head <NUM>.

The clamp <NUM> is a part for fixing, onto the work table <NUM>, the work piece WK placed on the work table <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> includes a hydraulic clamp of which claw configured to hold part of the work piece WK is to be driven by a hydraulic pressure. In the present embodiment, four clamps <NUM> are provided on the work table <NUM>.

The table displacement mechanism <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus for linearly reciprocatably displacing the work table <NUM>. The table displacement mechanism <NUM> mainly includes each of guide support side walls <NUM>, a table-side rack <NUM>, a pinion <NUM>, and a power inputter <NUM>. The guide support side wall <NUM> is a part configured to support the work table <NUM> through a linear guide <NUM>. The guide support side walls <NUM> include two plate-shaped bodies standing in the vertical direction. The guide support side walls <NUM> are fixed onto a later-described rotation base <NUM> in a state in which the guide support side walls <NUM> extend along two long sides of the work table <NUM> below these long sides. Moreover, a linear scale 104a is provided between one of two guide support side walls <NUM> and the work table <NUM>.

The linear scale 104a is a detector configured to electrically detect the position of the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure to output an electrical signal corresponding to such a position. The linear scale 104a is electrically connected to a control apparatus <NUM> through each of a later-described table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and a later-described body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>.

The linear guide <NUM> is a part configured to support the work table <NUM> such that the work table <NUM> is slidable in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The linear guide <NUM> includes a rail provided on an upper surface of the guide support side wall <NUM>, and a slider provided on a lower surface of the work table <NUM> to slide on the rail.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the table-side rack <NUM> and the pinion <NUM> are parts configured to reciprocatably displace the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. More specifically, the table-side rack <NUM> is configured such that teeth configured to engage with the pinion <NUM> are linearly formed on a plate-shaped body extending linearly. The table-side rack <NUM> is, on the lower surface of the work table <NUM>, provided to extend in a longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the pinion <NUM> includes a gear configured such that teeth configured to engage with the table-side rack <NUM> and a later-described weight-side rack <NUM> are formed in a circular ring shape on an outer peripheral surface of a discoid body. The pinion <NUM> is provided at an output shaft 108a of the power inputter <NUM>.

That is, the table-side rack <NUM> and the pinion <NUM> form a rack-and-pinion mechanism. Note that in <FIG>, each of rotation directions of the table-side rack <NUM> and the weight-side rack <NUM> in a case where the pinion <NUM> is rotatably driven in one rotation direction is indicated by a dashed arrow.

The power inputter <NUM> is an outer portion of the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, specifically a portion configured to input rotary drive force from a table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. The power inputter <NUM> includes a not-shown power transmission mechanism in a housing projecting from an outer surface of the guide support side wall <NUM>. In this case, the power transmission mechanism includes a mechanical element for transmitting the rotary drive force from the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the above-described rack-and-pinion mechanism.

In the present embodiment, the power transmission mechanism includes, for example, an input tube provided with an internal spline to be fitted in an input shaft <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>, a reduction gear mechanism configured to reduce the number of rotations of the input tube, and the output shaft 108a of the reduction gear mechanism including the pinion <NUM>. The power inputter <NUM> is formed such that the input tube provided with the internal spline opens to face the input shaft <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>.

A weight holding tool <NUM> is a group of parts configured to detachably hold a counter weight <NUM>. The weight holding tool <NUM> mainly includes each of a weight holding table <NUM> and clamps <NUM>. The counter weight <NUM> is a part for equilibrating unbalanced centrifugal force acting upon rotary drive of the work table <NUM> holding the work piece WK. The counter weight <NUM> is formed to have a mass equal or close to that of the work table <NUM> holding the work piece WK. In this case, the counter weight <NUM> does not necessarily have the same mass as that of the work table <NUM> holding the work piece WK, and it is enough that the counter weight <NUM> is formed to have such a mass that the unbalanced centrifugal force can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the counter weight <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a metal material having a greater specific weight than that of the work table <NUM> holding the work piece WK is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The weight holding table <NUM> is a part configured to detachably hold the counter weight <NUM> in cooperation with the clamps <NUM>. The weight holding table <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a cast material is formed into a flat plate shape. In the present embodiment, the weight holding table <NUM> is, as viewed in plane, formed in a rectangular shape extending in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The weight holding table <NUM> is, between two guide support side walls <NUM> below the work table <NUM>, supported in a horizontal state on a weight displacement mechanism <NUM>.

The clamp <NUM> is a part for fixing, onto the weight holding table <NUM>, the counter weight <NUM> placed on the weight holding table <NUM>. As in the clamp <NUM>, the clamp <NUM> includes a hydraulic clamp of which claw configured to hold part of the counter weight <NUM> is to be driven by a hydraulic pressure. In the present embodiment, four clamps <NUM> are provided on the weight holding table <NUM>.

The weight displacement mechanism <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus for linearly reciprocatably displacing the weight holding table <NUM> in a direction which is opposite to a displacement direction of the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The weight displacement mechanism <NUM> mainly includes each of a guide support base <NUM>, the weight-side rack <NUM>, and the pinion <NUM>. The guide support base <NUM> is a part configured to support the weight holding table <NUM> through a linear guide <NUM>. The guide support base <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a cast material is formed into a flat plate shape. In the present embodiment, the guide support base <NUM> is, as viewed in plane, formed in a rectangular shape extending in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The guide support base <NUM> is fixed onto the rotation base <NUM>.

As in the linear guide <NUM>, the linear guide <NUM> is a part configured to support the weight holding table <NUM> such that the weight holding table <NUM> is slidable in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The linear guide <NUM> includes a rail provided on an upper surface of the guide support base <NUM>, and a slider provided on a lower surface of the weight holding table <NUM> to slide on the rail.

The weight-side rack <NUM> and the pinion <NUM> are parts configured to reciprocatably displace the weight holding table <NUM> in a direction in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure, the direction being opposite to a reciprocatable displacement direction of the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. More specifically, the weight-side rack <NUM> is configured such that teeth configured to engage with the pinion <NUM> are linearly formed on a plate-shaped body extending linearly. The weight-side rack <NUM> is provided to extend in the longitudinal direction at a position facing the table-side rack <NUM> on an upper surface of the weight holding table <NUM>. That is, the pinion <NUM> and the table-side rack <NUM> together form the rack-and-pinion mechanism. Further, the pinion <NUM> and the weight-side rack <NUM> together form a rack-and-pinion mechanism configured to displace in a direction which is opposite to a displacement direction of the table-side rack <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure.

The rotation base <NUM> is a part configured to rotatably support each of the table displacement mechanism <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>. The rotation base <NUM> includes a cast in such a shape that a flat plate body is supported above a discoid body. The rotation base <NUM> supports, by an upper surface thereof, two guide support side walls <NUM> and the single guide support base <NUM>. Further, a lower surface of the rotation base <NUM> is placed on a pulley body <NUM> in a fixed manner. Moreover, a projecting body <NUM> is, at the rotation base <NUM>, provided to project leftward in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> is provided at the projecting body <NUM>. Moreover, a rotary encoder 120a is provided inside the rotation base <NUM>.

The rotary encoder 120a is a detector configured to electrically detect the position of the rotation base <NUM> in a rotary drive direction thereof to output an electrical signal corresponding to such a position. The rotary encoder 120a is electrically connected to the control apparatus <NUM> through each of the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. With this configuration, the control apparatus <NUM> can execute continuous rotary drive of the rotation base <NUM> and rotary drive for which a stop position in the rotary drive direction is specified.

The pulley body <NUM> is a part for rotatably driving the rotation base <NUM>. The pulley body <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a cast material is formed into a cylindrical shape. The pulley body <NUM> is supported to stand on a base (not shown) of the work processing apparatus <NUM> in a state in which the pulley body <NUM> is rotatable through a support bearing <NUM>. Moreover, the pulley body <NUM> is coupled to a table rotary drive motor <NUM> through a belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is a part disposed between the pulley body <NUM> and the table rotary drive motor <NUM> to transmit rotary drive force of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> to the pulley body <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is formed in such a manner that a flat plate-shaped rubber material is formed into an annular shape. In this case, internal teeth are formed at an inner surface of the belt <NUM>. These internal teeth engage with external teeth formed at each of an outer peripheral surface of the pulley body <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of an output shaft (not shown) of the table rotary drive motor <NUM>.

The table rotary drive motor <NUM> is an electric motor configured to generate the rotary drive force for rotatably driving the rotation base <NUM> through the pulley body <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the table rotary drive motor <NUM> includes a servo motor of which actuation is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM>. The table rotary drive motor <NUM> is supported to stand at a position adjacent to the pulley body <NUM> on the base (not shown) of the work processing apparatus <NUM>.

The table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> is a physical electrical connector for performing hydraulic pressure supply and electrical signal transmission/reception between the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to perform supply to the clamps <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, the linear scale 104a, and the rotary encoder 120a. In the present embodiment, the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> includes joint fittings 126a, 126b physically coupled to joint fittings 127a, 127b of the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>, and an electric transmission coupler 126c electrically connected to an electric transmission coupler 127c of the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> without contact. In this case, the joint fittings 126a, 126b are coupled to the clamps <NUM>, <NUM> through a pipe (not shown). Moreover, the electric transmission coupler 126c is connected to each of the linear scale 104a and the rotary encoder 120a through electric wiring (not shown).

The body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> is a physical electrical connector for performing hydraulic pressure supply and electrical signal transmission/reception between the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to perform supply to the clamps <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, the linear scale 104a, and the rotary encoder 120a. In the present embodiment, the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> includes the joint fittings 127a, 127b physically coupled to the joint fittings 126a, 126b of the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM>, and the electric transmission coupler 127c electrically connected to the electric transmission coupler 126c of the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> without contact.

In this case, each of the joint fittings 127a, 127b is, through a pipe (not shown), coupled to a hydraulic pump (not shown) of which actuation is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM> in the work processing apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, the electric transmission coupler 127c is connected to the control apparatus <NUM> through electric wiring (not shown). The body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> is supported on an inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM>.

The inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus for causing the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to approach or separate from the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to connect the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> or disconnect the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> from the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> includes a hydraulic cylinder. In the hydraulic cylinder, a piston moves up and down by a hydraulic pressure generated by a hydraulic pump (not shown) of which actuation is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM>. The inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> is supported on the base (not shown) of the work processing apparatus <NUM>.

The table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> is a motor configured to reciprocatably displace each of the work table <NUM> and the weight holding tool <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. In the present embodiment, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> includes a servo motor of which actuation is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM>. The input shaft <NUM> spline-fitted in the above-described input tube of the power transmission mechanism built in the power inputter <NUM> is provided at an output shaft of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. The table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> is, in a horizontal orientation, supported on a drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> at such a position that the input shaft <NUM> faces the input tube in the power inputter <NUM>.

The drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus for causing the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to approach or separate from the power inputter <NUM> to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the power inputter <NUM> or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> from the power inputter <NUM>. The drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> mainly includes each of a guide <NUM>, a guide drive apparatus <NUM>, and a support <NUM>.

The guide <NUM> is a part for causing the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to approach or separate from the power inputter <NUM> and guiding the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The guide <NUM> includes, in a housing, a feed screw mechanism (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The guide <NUM> supports the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> through an angle rest formed in an L-shape.

The guide drive apparatus <NUM> is a motor configured to cause the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to approach or separate from the power inputter <NUM> and reciprocatably displace the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. In the present embodiment, the guide drive apparatus <NUM> includes a servo motor of which actuation is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM>. The guide drive apparatus <NUM> is coupled to and supported on one end portion of the guide <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The guide drive apparatus <NUM> rotatably drives the feed screw mechanism in the guide <NUM>, thereby displacing the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure.

The support <NUM> is a part configured to support the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>, the guide <NUM>, and the guide drive apparatus <NUM>. The support <NUM> includes a metal plate-shaped body. The support <NUM> is supported to stand on the base (not shown) of the work processing apparatus <NUM>.

The processing head <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus for performing the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK held on the work table <NUM>. The processing head <NUM> includes a thermal spray nozzle <NUM>. The thermal spray nozzle <NUM> is a part configured to spray, in a molten or semi-molten state, a thermal spray material such as a metal material, a ceramic material, or cermet. In the present embodiment, the processing head <NUM> sprays, from the thermal spray nozzle <NUM>, particles obtained in such a manner that the thermal spray material is brought into the molten or semi-molten state by means of laser light. That is, the processing head <NUM> is connected to a laser light source (not shown) configured to output the laser light and a material supply apparatus (not shown) configured to supply the thermal spray material. The processing head <NUM> is, by a head support mechanism <NUM> included in the work processing apparatus <NUM>, supported above the work table <NUM>.

The head support mechanism <NUM> is a mechanical apparatus configured to displace the processing head <NUM> in each of a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. In this case, the Y-axis direction as viewed in the figure is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure in the same horizontal plane including the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. The Z-axis direction as viewed in the figure is a direction (i.e., an upper-lower direction as viewed in the figure) perpendicular to the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure in the same vertical plane including the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. Actuation of the head support mechanism <NUM> is controlled by the control apparatus <NUM>.

The control apparatus <NUM> includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like. The control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the entirety of the work processing apparatus <NUM> in a comprehensive manner. Further, the control apparatus <NUM> executes a not-shown processing program (a so-called numerical control (NC) program) prepared by an operator to perform the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK.

Specifically, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of each of the table rotary drive motor <NUM>, the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>, the guide drive apparatus <NUM>, and the head support mechanism <NUM> while acquiring each detection signal from the linear scale 104a and the rotary encoder 120a, thereby performing the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK on the work table <NUM>. In this case, the control apparatus <NUM> also controls actuation of each of the above-described laser light source and the above-described material supply apparatus, thereby performing the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK.

An operation panel <NUM> is connected to the control apparatus <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> includes an input apparatus configured to receive an instruction from the operator to input such an instruction to the control apparatus <NUM> and having a switch group, and a liquid crystal display apparatus configured to display an actuation status of the control apparatus <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> is provided at an exterior cover (not shown) forming an outer surface of the work processing apparatus <NUM>. The exterior cover described herein includes a metal plate covering the periphery of the work table <NUM>.

Note that the work processing apparatus <NUM> also includes, for example, a power supply configured to supply electricity for actuating each of the table rotary drive motor <NUM>, the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>, the guide drive apparatus <NUM>, the head support mechanism <NUM>, the above-described laser light source, the above-described material supply apparatus, and the control apparatus <NUM>, and an external interface for electrically connecting external equipment to the control apparatus <NUM>. These configurations do not directly relate to the present invention, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, actuation of the work processing apparatus <NUM> configured as described above will be described. The work processing apparatus <NUM> is arranged independently or incorporated into a processing line in a factory for processing the work piece WK, thereby implementing one step of processing the work piece WK. In the present embodiment, only matters regarding the steps of the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK will be described. Description of other processing steps not directly relating to the present invention will be omitted.

First, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to power on the work processing apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, the work processing apparatus <NUM> executes a not-shown predetermined control program stored in advance in the ROM of the control apparatus <NUM> to return each of the work table <NUM> and the processing head <NUM> to an original point.

Specifically, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> to rotate the rotation base <NUM>, thereby position-determining the power inputter <NUM> to such an orientation that the power inputter <NUM> faces the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. In this case, the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> is also position-determined to such an orientation that the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> faces the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> (see <FIG>). Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> to lift the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>, thereby connecting the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. Accordingly, the control apparatus <NUM> can control actuation of the clamps <NUM>, <NUM>, and can detect the position of the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. Note that in <FIG>, one (on a near side as viewed in the figure) of two guide support side walls <NUM> and the linear guides <NUM> are illustrated in a partially-broken state.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the guide drive apparatus <NUM> to advance the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to a power inputter <NUM> side and connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the power inputter <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> is coupled to each rack-and-pinion mechanism in the table displacement mechanism <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>, and the work processing apparatus <NUM> is brought into a state in which the work table <NUM> and the weight holding tool <NUM> can be displaced in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure by the control apparatus <NUM>.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to position-determine the work table <NUM> and the weight holding tool <NUM> to a center position in a movable area in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure (see <FIG>). Moreover, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the head support mechanism <NUM>, thereby position-determining the processing head <NUM> to a position most apart from the work table <NUM>. Accordingly, the control apparatus <NUM> can position-determine each of the work table <NUM> and the processing head <NUM> to an original point position, and is brought into a standby state in which the control apparatus <NUM> waits for the instruction from the operator.

Next, the operator places the work piece WK on the work table <NUM> and operates the operation panel <NUM> to actuate the clamps <NUM>, and in this manner, fixes the work piece WK onto the work table <NUM>. Next, the operator exposes the weight holding table <NUM> for the purpose of setting the counter weight <NUM> on the weight holding table <NUM>. Specifically, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to displace the work table <NUM> to one limit position in the movable area in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure (see <FIG>). In this case, the weight holding table <NUM> is, by the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>, displaced in a direction opposite to the work table <NUM>. Thus, the weight holding table <NUM> is displaced to the other limit position in the movable area in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure to be exposed through the work table <NUM>.

In this manner, the operator places the counter weight <NUM> on the weight holding table <NUM>. Further, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to actuate the clamps <NUM>, and in this manner, fixes the counter weight <NUM> onto the weight holding table <NUM>. In this case, the operator determines, as necessary, the mass of the counter weight <NUM> and the position of the counter weight <NUM> on the weight holding table <NUM> according to the magnitude of centrifugal force which is to be generated by rotary drive of the counter weight <NUM>. Note that it is enough that the process of setting the counter weight <NUM> is performed once at the beginning in the case of processing multiple identical work pieces WK.

Next, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to instruct the control apparatus <NUM> to start the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK. In response to such an instruction, the control apparatus <NUM> executes a not-shown thermal spray processing control program to execute the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK.

First, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to position-determine the position of a rotation center axis upon processing of the work piece WK to the position of the rotation center axis of the rotation base <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the center position of a first one of four cylinders formed at the cylinder block forming the work piece WK is position-determined to the position of the rotation center axis of the rotation base <NUM>. Accordingly, the weight holding table <NUM> holding the counter weight <NUM> is, by the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>, position-determined to a position displaced to the opposite side of the work table <NUM> by the same amount as that of the work table <NUM>.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the head support mechanism <NUM> to position-determine the thermal spray nozzle <NUM> of the processing head <NUM> to a processing target position on the work piece WK. Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the guide drive apparatus <NUM>, thereby retreating the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the direction of separating from the power inputter <NUM> and separating the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this case, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> retreats to such a position that the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> does not physically contact a part rotatably driven together with the rotation base <NUM> by, e.g., rotary drive of the rotation base <NUM>, such as the work table <NUM>. Accordingly, the positions of the work table <NUM> and the weight holding table <NUM> are fixed. Note that in <FIG>, the processing head <NUM> position-determined to the processing target position on the work piece WK is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

Moreover, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM>, thereby lowering the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and separating the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> from the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, holding of the work piece WK and the counter weight <NUM> by the clamps <NUM>, <NUM> is fixed.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> to rotatably drive the rotation base <NUM>. Further, the control apparatus <NUM> causes the thermal spray nozzle <NUM> of the processing head <NUM> to spray the thermal spray material, thereby starting the thermal spray processing. In this case, the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> are each separated from the power inputter <NUM> and the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM>, and therefore, the control apparatus <NUM> can freely set or change a rotation direction of the rotation base <NUM> and the number of rotations of the rotation base <NUM>. Note that in <FIG>, one example of rotary drive directions of the work table <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, the weight holding tool <NUM>, and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> supported on the rotation base <NUM> is indicated by dashed arrows.

In the present embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> can rotate the rotation base <NUM> at a speed of <NUM> rpm. Moreover, in this case, the rotation base <NUM> is position-determined to such a position that the center of gravity of the work piece WK is eccentric with the rotation center axis. However, balance with the work piece WK is ensured by the counter weight <NUM>, and therefore, the rotation base <NUM> can be stably rotatably driven.

Next, when the thermal spray processing for the first cylinder of the work piece WK ends, the control apparatus <NUM> stops spraying of the thermal spray material from the thermal spray nozzle <NUM>. Further, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the head support mechanism <NUM> to temporarily retreat the processing head <NUM> from the work piece WK. Moreover, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> to stop rotary drive of the rotation base <NUM>. In this case, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> such that the power inputter <NUM> is stopped at a position facing the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls, as in description above, actuation of the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> and the guide drive apparatus <NUM>, thereby connecting the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> to the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and connecting the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the power inputter <NUM>. Then, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to position-determine the position of the rotation center axis upon processing of a subsequent processing target portion of the work piece WK to the position of the rotation center axis of the rotation base <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the center position of a second one of four cylinders formed at the cylinder block forming the work piece WK is position-determined to the position of the rotation center axis of the rotation base <NUM>. Accordingly, the weight holding table <NUM> holding the counter weight <NUM> is, by the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>, position-determined to a position displaced to the opposite side of the work table <NUM> by the same amount as that of the work table <NUM>.

Next, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the head support mechanism <NUM> to position-determine the thermal spray nozzle <NUM> of the processing head <NUM> to the processing target position on the work piece WK. Moreover, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the guide drive apparatus <NUM> to separate the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> from the power inputter <NUM>. Further, the control apparatus <NUM> controls actuation of the inputter/outputter displacement apparatus <NUM> to separate the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> from the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. Then, the control apparatus <NUM> performs, as in description above, the thermal spray processing for a subsequent processing target position on the work piece WK. That is, the control apparatus <NUM> performs the thermal spray processing for all processing target positions while position-determining the work piece WK for each processing target position on the work piece WK.

Next, when the thermal spray processing for all processing target positions on the work piece WK ends, the control apparatus <NUM> returns each of the work table <NUM> and the processing head <NUM> to the original point. Accordingly, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to cancel a fixed state of the work piece WK by the clamps <NUM>, and therefore, can remove the work piece WK from the work table <NUM>. Then, in the case of performing the thermal spray processing for a subsequent work piece WK, the operator fixes the subsequent work piece WK onto the work table <NUM> as in description above.

In the case of removing the counter weight <NUM> from the weight holding table <NUM>, the operator operates the operation panel <NUM> to expose the weight holding table <NUM> as in description above and cancel a fixed state by the clamps <NUM>. Accordingly, the operator can remove the counter weight <NUM> from the weight holding table <NUM>. In this manner, the operator can end the thermal spray processing for the work piece WK, or can perform the thermal spray processing for a new work piece WK in a different shape.

As can be understood from description of actuation above, according to the above-described embodiment, the work processing apparatus <NUM> is configured to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> providing drive force to the table displacement mechanism <NUM> to the table displacement mechanism <NUM> supported on the rotation base <NUM> or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> from the table displacement mechanism <NUM> by the drive source displacement apparatus <NUM>. Thus, the work table <NUM> can be rotated without the need for considering wiring of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. As a result, the work processing apparatus <NUM> according to the present invention can perform forward or reverse rotation of the work table <NUM> more than once, and can perform high-speed rotation of the work table <NUM>. Thus, limitations on the contents of the processing for the work piece WK or the type of work piece WK can be reduced, and processing for a wider range of processing contents and work piece WK can be performed.

Further, implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the object of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

For example, in the configuration according to the above-described embodiment, the rotary drive force of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> is transmitted to the pulley body <NUM> through the belt <NUM> to rotatably drive the rotation base <NUM> fixed onto the pulley body <NUM>. In this manner, the work table <NUM> and the table displacement mechanism <NUM> are integrally rotatably driven. That is, the table rotary drive motor <NUM>, the belt <NUM>, the pulley body <NUM>, and the rotation base <NUM> are equivalent to a table rotary drive apparatus according to the present invention. However, it is enough that the table rotary drive apparatus is configured to support the work table <NUM> and the table displacement mechanism <NUM> so that the work table <NUM> and the table displacement mechanism <NUM> can be integrally rotatably driven. Thus, the table rotary drive apparatus can be, for example, also configured such that the table rotary drive motor <NUM> is arranged at the position of the pulley body <NUM> and the rotation base <NUM> is directly attached onto the output shaft of the table rotary drive motor <NUM>. With this configuration, the configuration of the work processing apparatus <NUM> can be simplified and downsized.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the table displacement mechanism <NUM> is configured to displace the work table <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. However, it is enough that the table displacement mechanism <NUM> is configured to displace the work table <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction as an arrangement direction of the processing head <NUM>. Thus, the table displacement mechanism <NUM> may be configured to displace the work table <NUM> in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction as the arrangement direction of the processing head <NUM>.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the work table <NUM> is formed in a quadrangular flat plate shape as viewed in plane. However, it is enough that the work table <NUM> is configured to detachably hold the work piece WK. Thus, the work table <NUM> can be, for example, configured to hold the work piece WK with two claws or three or more claws.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the table displacement mechanism <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> include the rack-and-pinion mechanisms. However, it is enough that the table displacement mechanism <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> are each configured to displace the work table <NUM> and the weight holding table <NUM>. Thus, the table displacement mechanism <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> can include feed screw mechanisms or ball screw mechanisms, for example.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> is configured to reciprocatably displace the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure. However, it is enough that the drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> is configured to cause the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to approach or separate from the table displacement mechanism <NUM> to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the table displacement mechanism <NUM> or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> from the table displacement mechanism <NUM>. Thus, the drive source displacement apparatus <NUM> can be, for example, also configured to reciprocatably displace the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> in the Y-axis direction as viewed in the figure and the Z-axis direction as viewed in the figure instead of or in addition to the X-axis direction as viewed in the figure.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the work processing apparatus <NUM> includes the weight holding tool <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>. However, in a case where the counter weight <NUM> is not necessary, such as a case where the centrifugal force upon rotation of the work piece WK is ignorably small, the work processing apparatus <NUM> can be configured without each of the weight holding tool <NUM> and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>. Moreover, in a case where the position of the counter weight <NUM> is fixed and unchanged, the work processing apparatus <NUM> can be configured without the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> is driven by the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. However, the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> may be driven by a drive source separated from the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>, such as an electric motor.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the work processing apparatus <NUM> includes each of the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. However, in a case where supply of a hydraulic pressure, a pneumatic pressure, or power to the work table <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, the weight holding tool <NUM>, and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> or electrical signal transmission/reception for the work table <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, the weight holding tool <NUM>, and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM> is not necessary, the work processing apparatus <NUM> can be configured without the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM>. For example, in the work processing apparatus <NUM>, the clamps <NUM>, <NUM> for fixing the work piece WK and the counter weight <NUM> or canceling such fixing by manual operation are used so that the joint fittings 126a, 126b, 127a, 127b can be omitted.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> are configured to perform hydraulic pressure supply and electrical signal transmission/reception for the work table <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, and the weight holding tool <NUM>. However, it is enough that the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> are configured to perform hydraulic pressure supply, pneumatic pressure supply, or power supply or electrical signal transmission/reception necessary for the work table <NUM>, the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, the weight holding tool <NUM>, and the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>.

Thus, the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> may be configured to actuate, with the pneumatic pressure, the clamps <NUM>, <NUM> by pneumatic pressure supply. Alternatively, the table-side inputter/outputter <NUM> and the body-side inputter/outputter <NUM> may be configured to actuate an electric motor by power supply to drive the weight displacement mechanism <NUM>.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> controls, when stopping rotary drive of the work table <NUM>, actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> such that the power inputter <NUM> as a portion of the table displacement mechanism <NUM> connected to the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> is stopped at a position facing the input shaft <NUM> as a portion of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> connected to the table displacement mechanism <NUM>. However, the control apparatus <NUM> may control, when stopping rotary drive of the work table <NUM>, actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM> such that the power inputter <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism <NUM> is stopped at other positions than the position facing the input shaft <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM>. In this case, the control apparatus <NUM> may position-determine, when coupling the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> to the table displacement mechanism <NUM>, the power inputter <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism <NUM> to the position facing the input shaft <NUM> of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus <NUM> by control of actuation of the table rotary drive motor <NUM>.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the weight holding tool <NUM> is arranged between the rotation base <NUM> forming the table rotary drive apparatus and the work table <NUM>. However, the weight holding tool <NUM> may be provided adjacent to the work table <NUM> in the same plane as that of the work table <NUM>. Alternatively, the weight holding tool <NUM> may be provided above the work table <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A work processing apparatus (<NUM>) including
a processing head (<NUM>),
a work table (<NUM>) arranged facing the processing head (<NUM>) configured to perform processing for a work piece (WK) and configured to hold the work piece (WK),
a table displacement mechanism (<NUM>) configured to displace the work table (<NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the processing head (<NUM>),
a table displacement mechanism drive apparatus (<NUM>) configured to generate drive force for driving the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>),
a table rotary drive apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to support the work table (<NUM>) and the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>) such that the work table (<NUM>) and the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>) are integrally rotatably drivable, and
a control apparatus (<NUM>) configured to control actuation of each of the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus (<NUM>) and the table rotary drive apparatus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized by
a drive source displacement apparatus (<NUM>) configured to cause the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus (<NUM>) to approach or separate from the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>) to connect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus (<NUM>) to the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>) or disconnect the table displacement mechanism drive apparatus (<NUM>) from the table displacement mechanism (<NUM>).