Tool information read/write device and machine tool having the same

A tool information read/write device for reading/writing information stored in a data carrier of a tool held by an automatic tool changer and positioned to a predetermined position, the tool information read/write device comprising:

• an arm section attached to the automatic tool changer;
• a base section attached to the arm section;
• a slide section arranged on the base section so as to be linearly moved;
• a read/write head section attached to the slide section and configured to read/write information to the data carrier;
• a drive section which drives the slide section so that the slide section reciprocates between a read/write position where the read/write head reads or writes the information of the data carrier of the tool positioned at the predetermined position, and an evacuation position which is backwardly separated from the read/write position;
• and
• a control section which controls the drive section in conjunction with a motion of the automatic tool changer.