Pallet handling system for a machine tool
US7653974B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5196
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A machine tool has pass-through pallet loading allowing pallets to be loaded or discharged from either side of the machine. The pallet receiver is mounted on the X-axis of the machine, and the pallet is loaded onto the pallet receiver with the pallet in a vertical orientation. Cross axis rollers on the pallet receiver support the pallet and spacing rollers maintain the pallet spaced from Z-axis locating pads as it moves to a centered position on the pallet receiver. The Z-axis pads present a relatively large surface area to the rear face of the pallet, and are configured to provide vacuum clamping to lock the pallet in all three axes once it is centered on the pallet receiver. A rotating key is provided to center and lock the pallet relative to the pallet receiver before the vacuum clamping is applied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.