Patent ID: 7255519

Claim:
A machine tool in which a spindle with a tool attached thereto is relatively moved to apply predetermined machining to a workpiece placed on a machining table, the machine tool comprising: a machining unit by which the spindle is supported to be movable in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions relative to the machining table; and a shielding mechanism provided in said machining unit to prevent chips and coolant from scattering out of a machining area; and wherein said machining unit includes a column in which front and rear end portions of right and left column main bodies disposed on right and left sides of the machining table are coupled by front and rear cross frames, wherein said spindle is disposed in a portion surrounded by the front and rear cross frames and the right and left column main bodies with an axis thereof being set substantially vertical, and wherein said shielding mechanism includes front and rear shielding members hung from the front and rear cross frames to be vertically movable and opening/closing front and rear openings formed by the column main bodies, the cross frames, and the machining table; and wherein said machining table has a plurality of machining areas arranged in one direction, wherein said machining unit is mounted on a long bed extending in the arrangement direction of the machining areas to be movable in the arrangement direction of the machining areas, and moves said spindle in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions while being kept positioned in one of the machining areas, thereby machining the workpiece, and wherein the front and rear shielding members open/close the front and rear openings while said machining unit is positioned in one of the machining areas.