Flexible machining apparatus with single shank tool and multi-spindle tool head changing and operating capabilities
US4654957A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1984 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1845
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The machining apparatus includes a machine tool having a primary spindle slide with a transversely extending tool head support rail member thereon which is aligned successively with a tool head load rail mechanism and unload rail mechanism on a side of the machine tool by movement of the primary spindle slide to load or unload a multi-spindle tool head. When the tool head is loaded in operative position on the rail member, the spindles of the tool head are driven by the primary spindle through a gear train in the tool head. An overhead gantry robot conveys tool heads between the load and unlaod rail mechanisms and a stationary tool head storage unit on the side of the machine tool. A single shank tool conveyor assembly is disposed on the other side of the machine tool and a pivotal tool changer is located on that side to exchange single shank tools between the primary spindle itself and a tool chain conveyor on the tool conveyor assembly when the machine tool is not in operation using a single or multi-spindle tool head. The machine tool, load and unload mechanisms, overhead robot, pivotal tool changer and tool conveyor assembly are controlled by a common programmable computer. The…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.