Docking system and method for aligning and attaching a mobile loading/unloading unit to a machne
US6186738A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q7/1436
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for loading and unloading a machine tool provides a loading unit having a loading unit chassis. Two fixing devices each have a fixing piece disposed on the machine tool and having a receiving section, and a mating piece mounted on the loading unit chassis and having a configuration for engagement with the receiving section. The fixing devices are disposed vertically displaced from one another permitting simultaneous engagement. A bearing structure has rollers and supports the loading unit chassis on a surface. The bearing structure is vertically displaceable relative to the loading unit chassis to permit lifting and lowering of the loading unit chassis for engagement and disengagement of the first and second fixing devices. In an embodiment the receiving sections are slots arranged in a bottom of each of the fixing pieces and the configuration of the mating pieces is an upwardly directed engagement member. A clamping unit is disposed above at least one of the fixing pieces when the engagement members engage the slots and has a clamping element extendable to engage the top side of one of the fixing pieces to vertically support the loading unit. above the surface. In another…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.