Tool changer

US5194061A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Ott Maschinentechnik GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Karl Lechleiter · Pfronten, DE
• Thomas Heinl · Kempten, DE
• Helmut Heel · Lengenwang, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 1992
• Grant date: Mar 16, 1993
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T483/1767
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A tool changer comprises a support (7) movable parallel to the axis (A or B) of a tool holder, a pivoting head (8) which pivots on the support (7) about an axis of rotation (D), and two gripper arms (9, 10) arranged on the head (8) substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation, their free ends each carrying a gripper (11). The free ends of the gripper arms (9, 10) are so inclined relative to the axis of rotation (D) that the two tool axes (W1, W2) of the tools (5, 6) engaged by the grippers (11) and the axis of rotation (D) intersect in a single point (P), and so that the tool axes (W1, W2) of the tools (5, 6) engaged by the grippers (11) diverge from the axis of rotation (D) towards their holding ends (5a, 6a). Each of the tool axes (W1, W2) includes an acute angle (.alpha.) of about 10.degree. to 30.degree. with the axis of rotation (D). The axis of rotation (D) is so arranged in the support (7) that it intersects the axis (A or B) of the tool holder (4) during the change and includes an angle (.alpha.) with this axis which corresponds to the acute angle (.alpha.).