# US 2017/0057033 A1 · Multi axis column module, a method of swapping tools, and a method of assembling > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2017/0057033 A1 - Document ID: US20170057033A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/351,090 - Filed: 2016-11-14 - Published: 2017-03-02 - Earliest claimed: 2012-06-15 - Assignees: Kennametal Inc. - Applicants: Kennametal Inc. - Inventors: CHANDRASHEKHAR KALEGINANAOOR SHARMA; ARVIND BANNADI SHETTY; DANDA SAINATH ADISE-SHAMURTHY; KUMARAPPA JAYANNA - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170057033A1 ## CPC - B23Q 3/15746: {the storage means comprising pivotable tool storage elements} - B23Q 39/026: {simultaneous working of toolheads} - B23Q 2039/002: {Machines with twin spindles} - Y10T 409/105724: Gear shaving - Y10T 409/308344: Plural cutters - Y10T 483/10: Process - Y10T 483/1755: Plural tool holders pivotable about common axis - Y10T 483/1783: including linearly translatable tool changer [e.g., shuttle, ram, etc.] - Y10T 483/1882: Rotary disc - B23Q: DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING (tools of the kind used in lathes or boring machines B23B27/00); MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract The disclosure relates to column module, more particularly it is relating to a multi-axis column module. The multi axis column module comprising a support structure of predetermined shape; at least one Automatic Tool Changer [ATC] consisting a tool magazine ensconcing a plurality of tools mounted onto the support structure, a drive unit with a spindle connected to said tool magazine, a gripper arm connected to the spindle of the drive unit; and at least one ram housing having at least one spindle at center and is mounted over the support structure. The disclosure also provides for a method of swapping tools in the multi axis column nodule and method of assembling the multi axis column module. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A multi axis column module comprising: a support structure of predetermined shape; at least one Automatic Tool Changer comprising: a tool magazine structured to house a plurality of tools, the tool magazine mounted on the support structure so as to be rotatable about a first axis, a drive unit connected to said tool magazine, and a gripper arm connected to the drive unit, the gripper arm structured to transfer tools from the tool magazine; and at least one ram housing mounted on the support structure, the at least one ram housing having at least a first spindle and a second spindle structured to receive tools from the gripper arm. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The multi axis column module of claim 1, wherein the support structure is rectangular in shape and is provided with guide elements for movement of the at least one ram housing. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The multi axis column module of claim 1, wherein the tool magazine comprises a plurality of tool pockets ranging in number from 12 to 24 for housing the plurality of tools. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The multi axis column module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first spindle and the second spindle is driven by a drive mechanism fixed at a rear end of the first spindle and/or the second spindle. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A multi station machine comprising a plurality of multi axis column modules as recited in claim 1 configured in a predetermined manner. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The multi station machine of claim 5, wherein the plurality of multi axis column modules are configured to form one of a: double column module, a multi column module, and a column module at an angle. ### Claim 7 A multi axis column module comprising: a support structure of predetermined shape; at least one Automatic Tool Changer comprising: a tool magazine structured to house a plurality of tools, the tool magazine mounted on the support structure so as to be rotatable about a first axis, a drive unit connected to said tool magazine, and a gripper arm connected to the drive unit, the gripper arm structured to transfer tools from the tool magazine; and a first ram housing mounted on the support structure, the first ram housing having at least a first spindle structured to receive tools from the gripper arm; and a second ram housing mounted on the support structure, the second ram housing having at least a second spindle structured to receive tools from the gripper arm, wherein the first ram housing and the second ram housing are independently driven by a drive mechanism. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The multi axis column module of claim 7, wherein the support structure is rectangular in shape and is provided with guide elements for movement of the at least one ram housing. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The multi axis column module of claim 7, wherein the tool magazine comprises a plurality of tool pockets ranging in number from 12 to 24 for housing the plurality of tools. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) A multi station machine comprising a plurality of multi axis column modules as recited in claim 7 configured in a predetermined manner. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The multi station machine of claim 10, wherein the plurality of multi axis column modules are configured to form one of a: double column module, a multi column module, and a column module at an angle. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A method of swapping tools in a multi axis column module as recited in claim 1, the method comprising: positioning the ram housing with the spindle in a tool change position; rotating the gripper arm to a predetermined angle for gripping a tool in the spindle and a tool in the tool magazine; gripping a tool disposed on the spindle and a tool housed in the magazine with the gripper arm; rotating the gripper arm to swap the tools between the spindle and the tool magazine; and positioning the gripper arm to a homing position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein rotating the gripper arm to swap the tools between the spindle and the tool magazine comprises rotating the gripper arm about 180°.