Tool gripping apparatus
US5769768A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1827
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a tool changer system comprising one or more tool grippers together with a pressure foot insert change pod supported on a U-V slide which is independent of the machine work table. The slide services a tool magazine mounted on the machine tool in close proximity to the work table. Because the tool changer is independent of the machine table, the selection and retrieval of the next tool to be used is performed while the machine tool is working. Similarly, the replacement of the tool back into its storage location is done while the machine tool is working. The exchanging of the pressure foot insert is done as part of the tool change process. Time is saved because the work table does not have to be moved to position the tool changer under the spindle. In fact, the work table may be moved to the next work location while the tool changer changes the tool in the spindle. An alternative embodiment of this invention avoids complex adjustment of certain types of tools when loading the same into the machine spindle where the precise location of the tool tip is unknown. Such adjustment occurs whenever tools without positioning collars are stored in the magazine. The instant invention permit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.