Tool changing system and method
US10137545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1864
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and tool changing system for changing tools on a machine. The tool changing system includes a tool magazine, a tool transporter, and an automatic tool changer (ATC). The ATC includes a tool holder and a tool changer. The tool magazine is configured to store at least one tool received at the tool loading station. The tool transporter is configured to transport a tool from the tool loading station or the tool magazine to a tool transfer position of the ATC, and to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during an automatic tool change process. The tool holder is configured to hold the tool at the tool transfer position during the automatic tool change process when the tool transporter is not positioned at the tool transfer position. The tool changer is configured to provide the tool at the tool transfer position to a tool change position of a machine during the automatic tool change process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.