Abstract: A plurality of working blocks (A, B) are connected by rails (18). A branched transporting mechanism (100) is disposed at the intersections of the rails (18). A transportation vehicle (300) of non-self-propelled type moves on the rails (18) by the driving power of a wire (20). A placement table (450) is positioned in the vicinity of the working blocks (A, B). The placement table (450) moves up and down with a workpiece placed thereon between the transportation vehicle (300) and the working blocks (A, B). Transfer of work is effected by moving the placement table (450) up and down, and adjusting the height of the placement table (450) to the height of the transportation vehicle (300) or to the height of the working blocks (A, B). Further, the transportation vehicle (300) has a wire gripping mechanism (350) for gripping the wire (20), and workpiece placement plates (326a, 326b) for placing the workpiece thereon.

Abstract: A plurality of working blocks (A, B) are connected by rails (18). A branched transporting mechanism (100) is disposed at the intersections of the rails (18). A transportation vehicle (300) of non-self-propelled type moves on the rails (18) by the driving power of a wire (20). A placement table (450) is positioned in the vicinity of the working blocks (A, B). The placement table (450) moves up and down with a workpiece placed thereon between the transportation vehicle (300) and the working blocks (A, B). Transfer of work is effected by moving the placement table (450) up and down, and adjusting the height of the placement table (450) to the height of the transportation vehicle (300) or to the height of the working blocks (A, B). Further, the transportation vehicle (300) has a wire gripping mechanism (350) for gripping the wire (20), and workpiece placement plates (326a, 326b) for placing the workpiece thereon.

Abstract: A movement range assigned to each transportation vehicle 18 is determined and input (step S1). Then, on the assumption that one transportation vehicle 18 fails, movement ranges assigned to remaining transportation vehicles 18 are determined and input (step S2). Thereafter, a main controller 12 determines the state of each transportation vehicle 18 (step S3). If each transportation vehicle 18 is normal, the movement range determined in step S1 is applied (step S4). If any one of the transportation vehicles 18 is abnormal, the movement range determined in step S2 is applied. Then, an unloading source and a loading destination for the transportation vehicle 18 are determined (step S6). After transportation paths for the transportation vehicle 18 are searched for (step S7), path candidates that have been searched for and determined are enumerated (step S8).

Abstract: A plurality of working blocks (A, B) are connected by rails (18). A branched transporting mechanism (100) is disposed at the intersections of the rails (18). A transportation vehicle (300) of non-self-propelled type moves on the rails (18) by the driving power of a wire (20). A placement table (450) is positioned in the vicinity of the working blocks (A, B). The placement table (450) moves up and down with a workpiece placed thereon between the transportation vehicle (300) and the working blocks (A, B). Transfer of work is effected by moving the placement table (450) up and down, and adjusting the height of the placement table (450) to the height of the transportation vehicle (300) or to the height of the working blocks (A, B). Further, the transportation vehicle (300) has a wire gripping mechanism (350) for gripping the wire (20), and workpiece placement plates (326a, 326b) for placing the workpiece thereon.

Abstract: A relative positioning machine has a first panel for supporting a spindle thereon, a second panel for supporting a workpiece, first through fourth support mechanisms by which the first and second panels are tiltably supported for angular movement about an X1 axis, an X2 axis, a Y1 axis, and a Y2 axis, and first through fourth actuator mechanisms for individually tilting the first and second panels about the X1 axis, the X2 axis, the Y1 axis, and the Y2 axis. The spindle 11 and hence a machining unit such as a drill bit mounted thereon, and the workpiece can quickly and easily be positioned relatively to each other for allowing the machining tool to machine the workpiece at any of various areas at various angles on the workpiece. The relative positioning machine is relatively small in size and allows the workpiece to be machined quickly by the machining tool.

Abstract: Ball screws are moved axially to move a spindle unit in directions X, Y to position a cutter mounted on the spindle unit. Support arm assemblies which support the spindle unit are also moved. Then, a slide table which supports the support arm assemblies is moved in a direction Z to cause the cutter to machine a workpiece.