Reconfigurable automatic tool changer
US6442815B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1738
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable tool changer allows a tool cartridge to be easily attached to, or detached from, a standard machine-tool spindle head. The modular design, includes a revolving tool cartridge having a plurality of tool holders, a meshing gear for engaging a tool holder with the spindle of the machine tool, and an adapter block for positioning the revolving tool cartridge on any standard machine-tool spindle head. The adapter block allows the automatic tool changer to be easily coupled to a wide variety of commercial machine-tool spindles, making the invention a truly reconfigurable and portable tool changer. The revolving tool cartridge incorporates a novel three-dimensional cam structure mechanism, which allows tool indexing to be achieved by means of only one actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.