Spare tool changing system for machining center
US6450932B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T483/1783
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A guide rail (12) is laid on a frame (4) of a horizontal machining center provided with a tool magazine (5) to guide a tool changer (11) for movement between a tool transfer station near the tool magazine (5) and a tool changing station at a lower part of the frame (4). The guide rail (12) has a horizontal section (12a), a vertical section (12b) and a curved section (12c). The direction of the tool changer (11) is changed while the tool changer (11) is traveling along the curved section (12c). The tool changer (11) carries a spare tool (T) in a horizontal position along the horizontal section (12a) of the guide rail (12) and in a vertical position along the vertical section (12b) of the guide rail (12). The tool changer (11) has a carriage (16) and a tool holding device (17) supported on the carriage (16) so as to be movable in directions perpendicular to the guide rail (12). The tool holding device (17) puts a spare tool (T) directly on and removes a spare tool (T) directly from the tool magazine (5) at the tool transfer station. The tool holding device (17) is shifted to a position on one side of the guide rail (12) and a spare tool (T) held on the tool holding device (17) is rep…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.