Machine tool center with multipurpose robot assembly for loading and unloading tooling and workpieces from machine tool
US4587716A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1984 |
| Grant date | May 13, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/18
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A machine tool center includes a machine tool, a tool storage magazine storing a multiplicity of tools, a workpiece storage area, a robot assembly, and a control system for controlling the operation of the robot assembly and of the machine tool. The robot assembly has a telescoping arm supported on a body which is movable relative to its base, and at the outer end of the arm is a gripper member which is pivotally supported intermediate its length and includes gripping elements at each of its ends. A workpiece engageable member has grippable elements thereon which can be received in the gripper member, and the gripping member will also grip tool members for movement between the tool magazine and the machine tool. Various drive units are provided for effecting movement of the various elements of the robot body. The gripper member thus serves the dual function of engaging the tooling and of engaging the workpiece engaging member to effect movement of the workpieces from the machine tool to the storage area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.