Patent Description:
A conventional lateral machine tool includes an X-axis guide rail disposed on an upper surface of a bed, a column mounted on the X-axis guide rail and movable in X direction, a Y-axis guide rail disposed on one side surface of the column, a saddle supported by the Y-axis guide rail and movable in Y direction, a Z-axis guide rail disposed on the saddle, and a spindle head supported in a horizontal posture by the Z-axis guide rail (<CIT>).

<CIT> discloses a horizontal type machining center. The horizontal type machining center comprises a base, above the front end of the base is provided with a Z-axis guide rail, and above the rear end of the base is provided with is provided with a separating frame and stand columns behind the separating frame; above the Z-axis guide rail an index plate body is slidingly mounted; an switchboard support base is mounted above the base and in front of the index plate body; a first index table is mounted above the switchboard support base; a second index table is mounted above the first index table; a switchboard rotating base is connected between the first index table and the second index table. The horizontal type machining center comprises the two index tables, when one of the index tables is applied to machining parts, the other index table can change replace machined parts with blank parts, so that high working efficiency can be achieved.

In <CIT> for the movement to each of X, Y, Z axial directions, respective drive means are provided so as to control the movement of a plurality of spindles - equipped with work tools - separately. When a hole is drilled on one surface of a work, each of the spindles is moved from their original positions to the X and Y axial directions for making them cover each one quarter of one surface area of the work. Subsequently, the spindle is moved to the Z axial direction for drilling a hole.

In a case where there are a large number of processing portions of a workpiece, it is desired to shorten the processing time. Further, it is desired to prevent foreign matters such as chips from adhering to the driving unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-axis lateral processing machine capable of separating a drive unit from a processing region.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a lateral processing machine, including:.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a lateral processing machine, including:.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a tool changer for exchanging a tool with a spindle positioned at tool changing position, the tool changer including:.

The first Y box may include a first box hole through which the first ram extends. The first processing unit may include a first body. The first body may extend through the first box hole. The first Y box may include a first packing that seals a gap between the first body and the first box hole.

The second Y box may include a second box hole through which the second ram extends. The second processing unit may include a second body. The second body may extend through the second box hole. The second Y box may include a second packing that seals a gap between the second body and the second box hole.

The third Y box may include a third box hole through which the third ram extends. The third processing unit may include a third body. The third body may extend through the third box hole. The third Y box may include a third packing that seals a gap between the third body and the third box hole.

The fourth Y box may include a fourth box hole through which the fourth ram extends. The fourth processing unit may include a fourth body. The fourth body may extend through the fourth box hole. The fourth Y box may include a fourth packing that seals a gap between the fourth body and the fourth box hole.

The expansion cover is, for example, a bellows, a roll cover, or a telescopic cover.

The lateral processing machine may include a second lower X-axis driving device that is disposed on the bed and drives a lower end portion of the second moving column in X direction, and a second upper X-axis driving device that is disposed above the bed and drives an upper end portion of the second moving column in X direction in synchronization with the second lower X-axis driving device.

The first upper X-axis driving device may be disposed on the fixed beam. The second upper X-axis driving device may be disposed on the fixed beam.

The second lower X-axis driving device may include a lower X helical rack, a second lower X helical gear that meshes with the lower X helical rack, and a second lower X motor connected to the second lower X helical gear and disposed on a lower end portion of the second moving column.

The second upper X-axis driving device may include an upper X helical rack, a second upper X helical gear that meshes with the upper X helical rack, and a second upper X motor connected to the second upper X helical gear and disposed on an upper end portion of the second moving column.

The lateral processing machine may include a first Y-axis driving device disposed on the first moving column. The first Y-axis driving device may include a first Y helical rack disposed on the first moving column, a first Y helical gear that meshes with the first Y helical rack, and a first Y motor connected to the first Y helical gear and disposed in the first processing unit. The first Y-axis driving device may be disposed on a first X side of the first moving column. The first Y helical rack may be disposed on the first X side of the first moving column.

The lateral processing machine may include a second Y-axis driving device disposed on the first moving column. The second Y-axis driving device may include the first Y helical rack, a second Y helical gear that meshes with the first Y helical rack, and a second Y motor connected to the second Y helical gear and disposed in the second processing unit. The second Y-axis driving device may be disposed on a first X side of the first moving column.

The lateral processing machine may include a third Y-axis driving device disposed on the second moving column. The third Y-axis driving device may include a second Y helical rack disposed on the second moving column, a third Y helical gear that meshes with the second Y helical rack, and a third Y motor connected to the third Y helical gear and disposed in the third processing unit.

The third Y-axis driving device may be disposed on a second X side of the second moving column. The second Y helical rack may be disposed on a second X side of the second moving column.

The lateral processing machine may include a fourth Y-axis driving device disposed on the second moving column. The fourth Y-axis driving device may include the second Y helical rack, a fourth Y helical gear that meshes with the second Y helical rack, and a fourth Y motor connected to the fourth Y helical gear and disposed in the fourth Y processing unit. The fourth Y-axis driving device may be disposed on a second X side of the second moving column.

The lateral processing machine may include a first Y base and a second Y base that are guided by the first Y-axis guide to move in Y direction. The first processing unit may be removably disposed on the first Y base. The lateral processing machine may include a first fastening member for fastening the first processing unit to the first Y base.

The second processing unit may be removably disposed on the second Y base. The lateral processing machine may include a second fastening member for fastening the second processing unit to the second Y base.

The lateral machine may include a third Y base and a fourth Y base that are guided by the second Y-axis guide to move in Y direction. The third processing unit may be removably disposed on the third Y base. The lateral processing machine may include a third fastening member for fastening the third processing unit to the third Y base.

The fourth processing unit may be removably disposed on the fourth Y base. The lateral processing machine may include a fourth fastening member for fastening the fourth processing unit to the fourth Y base.

The ram can be replaced with a spindle head. The body can be replaced with a Z base.

The first spindle may have a first spindle hole. The first spindle may include a first tool unclamping device.

The second spindle may have a second spindle hole. The second spindle may include a second tool unclamping device.

The third spindle may have a third spindle hole. The third spindle may include a third tool unclamping device.

The fourth spindle may have a fourth spindle hole. The fourth spindle may include a fourth tool unclamping device.

The first spindle is configured to move toward a second X direction to reach a first tool changing position.

The second spindle is configured to move toward the second X direction to reach a second tool changing position. The second spindle is configured to reach the second tool changing position at the same time that the first spindle reaches the first tool changing position.

The third spindle is configured to move toward a first X direction to reach a third tool changing position.

The fourth spindle is configured to move toward a first X direction to reach a fourth tool changing position. The fourth spindle is configured to reach the fourth tool changing position at the same time that the third spindle reaches the third tool changing position.

The first spindle may be configured not to interfere with the first tool changer when positioned at the first tool changing position. The first shutter of the first tool changer may be configured not to interfere with the first spindle located at the first tool changing position when the first shutter is at the processing position.

The second spindle may be configured not to interfere with the second tool changer when positioned at the second tool changing position. The second shutter of the second tool changer may be configured not to interfere with the second spindle located at the second tool changing position when the second shutter is at the processing position.

The third spindle may be configured not to interfere with the third tool changer when positioned at the third tool changing position. The third shutter of the third tool changer may be configured not to interfere with the third spindle located at the third tool changing position when the third shutter is at the processing position.

The fourth spindle may be configured not to interfere with the fourth tool changer when positioned at the fourth tool changing position. The fourth shutter of the fourth tool changer may be configured not to interfere with the fourth spindle located at the fourth tool changing position when the fourth shutter is at the processing position.

The lateral processing machine may include,.

The first lower X-axis driving device may include,.

The first upper X-axis driving device may include,.

According to the present invention, a multi-axial lateral processing machine capable of separating a drive unit from a processing region is provided.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a lateral processing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a bed <NUM>, a pair of floor surface X-axis guides <NUM>, a pair of fixed support columns <NUM>, a fixed beam <NUM>, an upper X-axis guide <NUM>, a first processing unit group <NUM>, a second processing unit group <NUM>, a bellows cover (expansion cover) <NUM>, a first ATC (first automatic tool changer) <NUM>, a second ATC (second automatic tool changer) <NUM>, a third ATC (third automatic tool changer) <NUM>, and a fourth ATC (fourth automatic tool changer) <NUM>.

For convenience, the left-right direction is defined as an X direction (the left as viewed from the front is defined as +X direction), the vertical direction is defined as a Y direction (the upward is defined as +Y direction), and the front-rear direction is defined as a Z direction (the back as viewed from the front is defined as +Z direction).

As shown in <FIG>, the floor surface X-axis guide <NUM> includes a lower X guide rail 13a and a lower X guide block 13b. The floor surface X-axis guide <NUM> extends in X direction. The lower X guide rail 13a, which extends in X direction, is fixed to the upper surface of the bed <NUM>. The lower X guide block 13b, which is disposed on the lower X guide rail 13a, moves in X direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the pair of fixed support columns <NUM> are disposed at both end portions of the bed <NUM> in X direction. The fixed support column <NUM> includes a main column 15a and a sub-column 15b. The fixed support column <NUM> has a closed shape when viewed from Y direction. The sub-column 15b is disposed frontward (-Z direction) from the main column 15a.

The fixed beam <NUM> is bridged between the upper end portions of the pair of fixed support columns <NUM>. The fixed beam <NUM> extends in X direction. As shown in <FIG>, the upper X-axis guide <NUM> includes an upper X guide rail 19a and an upper X guide block 19b. The upper X guide rail 19a, which extends in X direction, is fixed to the rear surface of the fixed beam <NUM>. The upper X guide block 19b, which is disposed on the upper X guide rail 19a, moves in X direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first processing unit group <NUM> includes a first moving column <NUM>, a first lower X-axis driving device <NUM>, a first upper X-axis driving device <NUM>, a first Y-axis guide <NUM>, a first Y base <NUM>, a first processing unit <NUM>, a first Y-axis driving device <NUM>, a second Y base <NUM>, a second processing unit <NUM>, and a second Y-axis driving device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first moving column <NUM> includes a base portion 211a and a column portion 211b. The base portion 211a is fastened to the lower X guide block 13b. The base portion 211a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The column portion 211b is disposed in -X direction of the base portion 211a. The column portion 211b has, for example, a rectangular cross-section. The column portion 211b has an upper end portion fastened to the upper X guide block 19b.

As shown in <FIG>, the first lower X-axis driving device <NUM> includes a lower X helical rack 231a, a first lower X motor 231b, and a first lower X helical gear 231c. The lower X helical rack 231a, which extends in X direction, is fixed to the bed <NUM>. The first lower X motor 231b is disposed on the base portion 211a. The first lower X helical gear 231c, which is connected to the first lower X motor 231b, meshes with the lower X helical rack 231a.

As shown in <FIG>, the first upper X-axis driving device <NUM> includes an upper X helical rack 251a, a first upper X motor 251b, and a first upper X helical gear 251c. The upper X helical rack 251a, which extends in X direction, is fixed to the rear surface of the fixed beam <NUM>. The first upper X motor 251b is fastened in the upper portion of the column portion 211b. The first upper X motor 251b rotates in synchronization with the first lower X motor 231b. The first upper X helical gear 251c, which is connected to the first upper X motor 251b, meshes with the upper X helical rack 251a.

As shown in <FIG>, the first Y-axis guide <NUM> includes a Y guide rail 271a and a plurality of Y guide blocks 271b. The Y guide rail 271a, which extends in Y direction, is disposed in +X direction of the first moving column <NUM>. The Y guide block 271b, which is disposed on the Y guide rail 271a, moves in Y direction.

The first Y base <NUM> is fastened to the Y guide block 271b. The first Y base <NUM> may include a bolt (first fastening member) 301a.

The second Y base <NUM> is fastened to the Y guide block 271b. The second Y base <NUM> may include a bolt (second fastening member) 302a.

As shown in <FIG>, the first Y-axis driving device <NUM> includes a first Y helical rack 331a, a first Y motor 331b, and a first Y helical gear 331c. The first Y helical rack 331a, which extends in Y direction, is disposed on the first moving column <NUM>. The first Y helical rack 331a is disposed on a side surface of the column portion 211b in +X direction.

The first Y motor 331b is fastened to the first Y base <NUM>. The first Y helical gear 331c, which is connected to the first Y motor 331b, engages with the first Y helical rack 331a.

As shown in <FIG>, the first processing unit <NUM> includes a first body 291a, a first ram 291b, and a first spindle 291c. The first body 291a has a prismatic shape extending in Z direction. The first body 291a is coupled to the first Y base <NUM> with the bolt 301a. The first ram 291b protrudes forward of the bellows cover <NUM> from a distal end portion of the first body 291a. The first ram 291b is guided in Z direction. The first ram 291b moves forward and backward in Z direction. The first spindle 291c is rotatably supported by the first ram 291b. The first spindle 291c includes a first spindle hole 291e and an unclamping device 291f. The unclamping device 291f clamps and unclamps a tool <NUM> mounted in the first spindle hole 291e. The first processing unit <NUM> is removably coupled to the first Y base <NUM>.

The tool <NUM> is mounted in the first spindle hole 291e. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tool <NUM> includes a tapered shank 1a (see <FIG>) and a keyway 1b (see <FIG>). The tapered shank 1a abuts the first spindle hole 291e.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second Y-axis driving device <NUM> includes a first Y helical rack 331a, a second Y motor 332b, and a second Y helical gear 332c. The second Y motor 332b is fastened to the second Y base <NUM>. The second Y helical gear 332c, which is connected to the second Y motor 332b, meshes with the first Y helical rack 331a.

The second processing unit <NUM> includes a second body 292a, a second ram 292b, and a second spindle 292c. The second processing unit <NUM> is disposed in -Y direction (first Y direction) from the first processing unit <NUM>. The second processing unit <NUM> is detachably coupled to the second Y base <NUM> with a second fastening member 302a. The second processing unit <NUM> is substantially identical to the first processing unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second processing unit group <NUM> includes a second column (second moving column) <NUM>, a second lower X-axis driving device <NUM>, a second upper X-axis driving device <NUM>, a second Y guide <NUM>, a third Y base <NUM>, a third processing unit <NUM>, a third Y-axis driving device <NUM>, a fourth Ybase <NUM>, a fourth processing unit <NUM>, and a fourth Y-axis driving device <NUM>. The second processing unit group <NUM> is disposed in +X direction (first X direction) from the first processing unit group <NUM>. The second processing unit group <NUM> is symmetrical with respect to a plane YZ from the first processing unit group <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the third Y base <NUM> may include a third fastening member 303a. The fourth Y base <NUM> may include a fourth fastening member 304a.

As shown in <FIG>, the second lower X-axis driving device <NUM> includes a lower X helical rack 231a, a second lower X motor 232b, and a second lower X helical gear 232c.

The second upper X-axis driving device <NUM> includes an upper X helical rack 252a, a second upper X motor 252b, and a second upper X helical gear 232c.

As shown in <FIG>, the third Y-axis driving device <NUM> includes a second Y helical rack 332a, a third Y motor 333b, and a third Y helical gear 333c.

The fourth Y-axis driving device <NUM> includes a second Y helical rack 332a, a fourth Y motor 334b, and a fourth Y helical gear 334c.

The third processing unit <NUM> includes a third body 293a, a third ram 293b, and a third spindle 39c. The third processing unit <NUM> is removably coupled to the third Y base <NUM>.

The fourth processing unit <NUM> is disposed in -Y direction (first Y direction) from the third processing unit <NUM>. The fourth processing unit <NUM> includes a fourth body 294a, a fourth ram 294b, and a fourth spindle 294c. The fourth processing unit <NUM> is removably coupled to the fourth Y base <NUM>.

The third processing unit <NUM> and the fourth processing unit <NUM> are substantially the same as the first processing unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bellows cover <NUM> includes a box cover <NUM>, a first X box <NUM>, a second X box <NUM>, a first X bellows (first X telescopic cover) <NUM>, a second X bellows (second X telescopic cover) <NUM>, a third X bellows (third X telescopic cover) <NUM>, a first Ybox <NUM>, a second Y box <NUM>, a third Y box <NUM>, a fourth Y box <NUM>, a first Y bellows (first Y telescopic cover) <NUM>, a second Y bellows (second Y telescopic cover) <NUM>, a third Y bellows (third Y telescopic cover) <NUM>, a fourth Y bellows (fourth Y telescopic cover) <NUM>, a fifth Y bellows (fifth Y telescopic cover) <NUM>, and a sixth Y bellows (sixth Y telescopic cover) <NUM>.

The box cover <NUM> is fixed to the fixed support column <NUM>. The box cover <NUM>, which has a box shape, has a large opening in Z direction.

The first X box <NUM>, which has a box shape extending in Y direction, has a large opening in Z direction. The first X box <NUM>, which is disposed in the box cover <NUM>, reciprocates in X direction. The second X box <NUM> is substantially identical to the first X box <NUM>. The second X box <NUM> is disposed in the +X side from the first X box <NUM>.

The first Y box <NUM>, which has a box shape, is disposed inside the first X box <NUM>. The first Y box <NUM> reciprocates in Y direction. As shown in <FIG>, the first Y box <NUM> includes a box hole 441a and a packing 441b. The first body 291a extends through the box hole 441a. The packing 441b seals a gap between the first body 291a and the first box hole 441a.

The second Y box <NUM> includes a second box hole 442a and a second packing 442b. The second Y box <NUM> is substantially identical to the first X box <NUM>.

The third Y box <NUM> includes a third box hole 443a and a third packing 443b. The third Y box <NUM> is substantially identical to the first X box <NUM>.

The fourth Y box <NUM> includes a fourth box hole 444a and a fourth packing 444b. The fourth Y box <NUM> is substantially identical to the first X box <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first X bellows <NUM> is disposed in the box cover <NUM> to connect the box cover <NUM> and the first X box <NUM>. The first X bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the first X box <NUM> reciprocates.

The second X bellows <NUM> is disposed in the box cover <NUM> to connect the first X box <NUM> and the second X box <NUM>. The second X bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the first X box <NUM> and the second X box <NUM> reciprocate.

The third X bellows <NUM> is disposed in the box cover <NUM> to connect the box cover <NUM> and the second X box <NUM>. The third X bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the second X box <NUM> reciprocates.

The first Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the first X box <NUM> to connect the first X box <NUM> and the first Y box <NUM>. The first Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the first Y box <NUM> reciprocates.

The second Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the first X box <NUM> to connect the first Y box <NUM> and the second Y box <NUM>. The second Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the first Y box <NUM> and the second Y box <NUM> reciprocate.

The third Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the first X box <NUM> to connect the first X box <NUM> and the second Y box <NUM>. The third Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the second Y box <NUM> reciprocates.

The fourth Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the second X box <NUM> to connect the second X box <NUM> and the third Y box <NUM>. The fourth Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the third Y box <NUM> reciprocates.

The fifth Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the second X box <NUM> to connect the third Y box <NUM> and the fourth Y box <NUM>. The fifth Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the third Y box <NUM> and the fourth Y box <NUM> reciprocate.

The sixth Y bellows <NUM> is disposed in the second X box <NUM> to connect the second X box <NUM> and the fourth Y box <NUM>. The sixth Y bellows <NUM> expands and contracts as the fourth Y box <NUM> reciprocates.

As shown in <FIG>, the first ATC <NUM> and the second ATC <NUM> are disposed in -X direction from the first processing unit group <NUM>. The second ATC <NUM> is disposed in -Y direction (first Y direction) from the first ATC <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first ATC <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a magazine cover (first magazine cover) <NUM>, a magazine disk (first magazine disk) <NUM>, a cam <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, a plurality of tool holding portions (first tool holding portions) <NUM>, a shutter (first shutter) <NUM>, and a rotary shaft <NUM>.

For convenience, the first ATC <NUM> of <FIG> shows a state of being rotated <NUM> degrees counterclockwise as viewed from the front from the state of <FIG>.

The frame <NUM> extends toward -X direction from the sub-column 15b. The frame <NUM> supports the magazine disk <NUM>, the magazine cover <NUM>, the cam <NUM>, and the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> rotates the magazine disk <NUM>.

The magazine cover <NUM> has a tool change port (first tool change port) 531a. The tool change port 531a is disposed in the first X direction (+X direction) from the magazine cover <NUM>. The tool change port 531a has a rectangular shape as viewed from X direction. As viewed from the front (-Z direction), the tool change port 531a is C-shaped and recessed in -X direction.

The magazine disk <NUM> has the rotary shaft <NUM>. The magazine disk <NUM> rotates about the rotary shaft <NUM>. The magazine disk <NUM> is connected to the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> positions any one of the tool holding portions <NUM> or a shutter centerline <NUM> at the tool changing position <NUM>. The shutter centerline <NUM> connects the shutter <NUM> and the center of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

The cam <NUM> is fixed to the frame <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is a disk-shaped plate cam. The cam <NUM> has a contour 571a. The contour 571a has a distance 571b equal from the rotary shaft <NUM> except for the tool changing position <NUM>. The contour 571a is shorter by a stroke length 571c from the distance 571b at the tool changing position <NUM>.

The tool holding portion <NUM> includes a tool holding portion 591a and a tool holding portion 591b. In <FIG>, the tool holding portion 591a is located at the tool changing position <NUM>. The tool holding portion 591b is located other than the tool changing position <NUM>.

The tool holding portion <NUM> is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the magazine disk <NUM>. The tool holding portion <NUM> includes a pair of pinch levers <NUM>, a pinch pin <NUM>, a roller cam <NUM>, a compression coil spring (first elastic body) <NUM>, a key <NUM>, a cylinder <NUM>, a plunger <NUM>, a compression coil spring (second elastic body) <NUM>, and a cam follower <NUM>. Hereinafter, the radially outward from the magazine disk <NUM> is referred to as a distal end direction, and the radially inward from the magazine disk <NUM> is referred to as a basal end direction.

The pinch lever <NUM> includes a claw portion 69a and a lever portion 69b. The claw portion 69a is a distal end portion of the pinch lever <NUM>. The claw portion 69a holds the tool <NUM>. The lever portion 69b is a basal end portion of the pinch lever <NUM>. The pair of pinch levers <NUM> is swingably supported by the magazine disk <NUM> with the pinch pin <NUM>. The pinch pin <NUM> supports a central portion of the pinch lever <NUM>. The compression coil spring <NUM> is disposed between the pair of lever portions 69b to bias the lever portion 69b so as to separate each other. The roller cam <NUM> is disposed at a basal end portion of the lever portion 69b. The roller cam <NUM> may be omitted. The compression coil spring <NUM> may be omitted.

The key <NUM> is disposed between the pair of pinch levers <NUM>. The key <NUM> is fixed to the magazine disk <NUM>. The key <NUM> is inserted into the keyway 1b when the pinch lever <NUM> holds the tool <NUM>.

The cylinder <NUM> includes a cylinder chamber 61a and a rod hole 61b. The cylinder <NUM> has, for example, a prismatic shape. The cylinder <NUM> is disposed on the magazine disk <NUM>. The cylinder chamber 61a extends in a radial direction of the magazine disk <NUM>. The rod hole 61b, which is disposed at the basal end portion of the cylinder <NUM>, is connected to the cylinder chamber 61a.

The plunger <NUM> includes a V-plane 63a, a piston 63c, and a rod 63b. The plunger <NUM> reciprocates in the radial direction inside the cylinder <NUM>. The piston 63c slides inside the cylinder chamber 61a. The V-plane 63a is disposed at the distal end of the piston 63c. The V-plane 63a comes into contact with the roller cams <NUM>. The rod 63b is connected to the basal end of the piston 63c to extend through the rod hole 61b. The cam follower <NUM> is disposed at the basal end of the rod 63b.

The compression coil spring <NUM> is disposed inside the cylinder chamber 61a. The compression coil spring <NUM> biases the piston 63c toward distal end.

The shutter <NUM> is disposed on the magazine disk <NUM>. The shutter <NUM> has a rectangular shape as viewed in the radial direction. The shutter <NUM>, which is C-shaped as viewed from the front (-Z direction), has a central portion recessed radially inward. The shutter <NUM> and the tool holding portion <NUM> rotate integrally with the magazine disk <NUM>. At the processing position <NUM> (see <FIG>), the shutter centerline <NUM> passes through the tool changing position <NUM>. When the shutter <NUM> is at the processing position <NUM>, the shape of the shutter <NUM> coincides with the shape of the tool change port 531a as viewed from Z-direction. The shutter <NUM> covers substantially the entire surface of the tool change port 531a. As the magazine disk <NUM> rotates, the shutter <NUM> is housed in the magazine cover <NUM>.

A method of using the first ATC <NUM> will be described.

In the tool holding portion 591b, the cam follower <NUM> abuts against the cam <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> thus cannot move toward the center direction. The V-plane 63a of the plunger <NUM> comes into contact with the roller cam <NUM>. Further, the plunger <NUM> is biased toward the distal end by the spring <NUM>. The pinch lever <NUM> is thus biased in the closing direction. The tool <NUM> held by the tool holding portion 591b is thus prevented from being detached from the tool holding portion 591b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of passing the tool <NUM> mounted on the first spindle 291c to the tool holding portion <NUM> by the first spindle 291c will be described. As shown in <FIG>, the first spindle 291c is stopped in advance so that the keyway 1b faces -X direction. Then, the first spindle 291c moves along the arrow <NUM> in -X direction to move to the tool changing position <NUM>. At this time, as shown by the two-dot chain line in <FIG>, the pinch lever <NUM> abuts against a flange portion (not shown) of the tool <NUM> and is pushed open. The contour 571a is recessed in +X direction by the stroke length 571c. The plunger <NUM> thus moves toward the basal end along the arrow <NUM> against the elastic force of the spring <NUM>. Then, as the plunger <NUM> moves, the pinch lever <NUM> is once opened. When the first spindle 291c arrives at the tool changing position <NUM>, the key <NUM> is received into the keyway 1b. The plunger <NUM> is then pushed back toward the distal end by the spring <NUM>. This closes the claw portion 69a and the pinch lever <NUM> holds the tool <NUM>.

Next, as shown in <FIG>, the first spindle 291c moves in +Z direction along the arrow <NUM>. As the first spindle 291c moves, the unclamping device 291f unclamps the tool <NUM>. As a result, the tool <NUM> comes out of the first spindle hole 291e. Then, the tool <NUM> is transferred from the first spindle 291c to the first ATC <NUM>.

When the first ATC <NUM> passes the tool <NUM> to the first spindle 291c, it reversely performs the steps of the above-described replacement methods. That is, in <FIG>, the first spindle 291c moves in the opposite direction (-Z direction) of the arrow <NUM>, and the unclamping device 291f clamps the tool <NUM>. Next, in <FIG>, the first spindle 291c moves in the opposite direction (+X direction) of the arrow <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second ATC <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a magazine cover (first magazine cover) <NUM>, a magazine disk (first magazine disk) <NUM>, a cam <NUM>, a motor <NUM> (see <FIG>), a plurality of tool holding portions (first tool holding portions) <NUM>, and a shutter (first shutter) <NUM>. The magazine cover <NUM> has a tool change port (first tool change port) 532a. The second ATC <NUM> is substantially the same as the first ATC <NUM>. The second ATC <NUM> is disposed in -Y direction (first Y direction) from the first ATC <NUM>. The magazine cover <NUM> is integral with the magazine cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the third ATC <NUM> and the fourth ATC <NUM> are disposed in the +X side from the second processing unit group <NUM>. The third ATC <NUM> and the fourth ATC <NUM> are symmetrical to the first ATC <NUM> and the second ATC <NUM> with respect to YZ plane. The fourth ATC <NUM> is disposed in -Y direction (first Y direction) from the third ATC <NUM>. When the third spindle 293c replaces the tool <NUM> from the third ATC <NUM>, the third spindle 293c moves in +X direction and moves to the tool changing position <NUM>. At this time, the fourth spindle 294c moves to the tool changing position <NUM> in XY plane.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the third ATC <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a magazine cover (second magazine cover) <NUM>, a magazine disk (second magazine disk) <NUM>, a cam <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, a plurality of tool holding portions (second tool holding portions) <NUM>, and a shutter (second shutter) <NUM>. The magazine cover <NUM> has a tool change port (second tool change port) 533a.

The fourth ATC <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a magazine cover (second magazine cover) <NUM>, a magazine disk (second magazine disk) <NUM>, a cam <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, a plurality of tool holding portions (second tool holding portions) <NUM>, and a shutter (second shutter) <NUM>. The magazine cover <NUM> has a tool change port (second tool change port) 534a. The magazine cover <NUM> is integral with the magazine cover <NUM>.

The lateral processing machine <NUM> according to the present embodiment achieves the following effects.

The bellows cover <NUM> includes a first X box <NUM> and two Y boxes <NUM>, <NUM>. When the first X box <NUM> is tilted, the first X box <NUM> is prevented from moving. Then, damage to the first X bellows <NUM> and the second X bellows <NUM> is promoted.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the two Y boxes <NUM>, <NUM> are supported by the first body 291a and the second body 292a, respectively. The first body 291a and the second body 292a are guided by the first Y-axis guide <NUM>. Thus, when the first spindle 291c and the second spindle 292c move freely in XYZ direction, the first body 291a and the second body 292a are positioned parallel to the Y-axis. As a result, the inclination of the first X box <NUM> from the Y direction is suppressed. The first X box <NUM> is thus moved smoothly. In addition, damage to the first X bellows <NUM> and the second X bellows <NUM> is suppressed.

The second X box <NUM> is also substantially the same as the first X box <NUM>.

The tool change port 531a and the shutter <NUM> are recessed in -X direction as viewed from Z direction. Thus, when the shutter <NUM> is at the processing position <NUM>, the first spindle 291c can be moved to the tool changing position <NUM>.

Both the first processing unit <NUM> and the second processing unit <NUM> are arranged in the first moving column <NUM>. The first spindle 291c moves to the tool changing position <NUM> when the first spindle 291c exchanges the tool <NUM> with the first ATC <NUM>. At the same time, the second spindle 292c moves to the tool changing position <NUM>.

When the first spindle 291c exchanges the tool <NUM> with the first ATC <NUM>, the second spindle 292c can simultaneously exchange the tool <NUM> with the second ATC <NUM>.

When the first spindle 291c exchanges the tool <NUM> with the first ATC 511while the second spindle 292c does not exchange the tool <NUM> with the second ATC <NUM>, the shutter <NUM> is positioned at the processing position <NUM>. At this time, the tool change port 532a and the shutter <NUM> are recessed in -X direction as viewed from Z direction. The second spindle 292c thus does not collide with the second ATC <NUM>.

Even when the second spindle 292c exchanges the tool <NUM> with the second ATC <NUM> while the first spindle 291c does not exchange the tool <NUM> with the first ATC <NUM>, the first spindle 291c does not collide with the first ATC <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A lateral processing machine (<NUM>), comprising:
a bed (<NUM>);
a floor surface X-axis guide (<NUM>) disposed on an upper surface of the bed (<NUM>);
a first moving column (<NUM>) guided by the floor surface X-axis guide (<NUM>) to reciprocate in X direction;
a first Y-axis guide (<NUM>) disposed on the first moving column (<NUM>);
a first processing unit (<NUM>) guided by the first Y-axis guide (<NUM>) to reciprocate in Y direction, the first processing unit (<NUM>) includes a first ram (291b) that rotatably supports a first spindle (291c) and advances or retracts in Z direction;
a second processing unit (<NUM>) guided by the first Y-axis guide (<NUM>) to reciprocate in Y direction, the second processing unit (<NUM>) includes a second ram (292b) that rotatably supports a second spindle (292c) and advances or retract in Z direction; and
an expansion cover (<NUM>) including,
a box cover (<NUM>) disposed on the bed (<NUM>),
a first X box (<NUM>) extending in Y direction inside the box cover (<NUM>) to reciprocate in X direction together with the first moving column (<NUM>),
a first X telescopic cover (<NUM>) configured to cover between the first X box (<NUM>) and the box cover (<NUM>),
a first Y box (<NUM>) receiving the first ram (291b) to extend through, the first Y box (<NUM>) configured to reciprocate in Y direction inside the first X box (<NUM>),
a second Y box (<NUM>) receiving the second ram (292b) to extend through, the second Y box (<NUM>) configured to reciprocate in Y direction inside the first X box (<NUM>),
a first Y telescopic cover (<NUM>) configured to cover between the first Y box (<NUM>) and the first X box (<NUM>),
a second Y telescopic cover (<NUM>) configured to cover between the first Y box (<NUM>) and the second Y box (<NUM>), and
a third Y telescopic cover (<NUM>) configured to cover between the second Y box (<NUM>) and the first X box (<NUM>).