Equipping device, machine tool and method for loading or unloading tools

A machine tool comprising:

• a frame,
• at least one workpiece support,
• at least one tool spindle that is movable relative to the workpiece support,
• at least one tool magazine that is associated with the tool spindle for providing a plurality of tools, and
• at least one equipping device for loading and unloading the tool magazine, the at least one equipping device comprising:
• a tool shuttle that is movable between a first transfer position and a second transfer position,
• a provision location for insertion or removal of tools,
• a tool carrying unit that is associated with the tool shuttle and comprises at least one gripping mechanism that is arranged to grip a tool to be transferred and to secure it to the tool shuttle,
• wherein the tool shuttle is configured to exchange the tool between the provision location and a magazine location of the tool magazine,
• wherein the provision location is accessible for the tool shuttle in the first transfer position,
• wherein the magazine location is accessible for the tool shuttle in the second transfer position,
• wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a guide element that is movable relative to a base body of the tool shuttle and a securing element that is movable relative to the guide element,
• wherein the guide element is movable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and
• wherein the provision location is externally accessible via an access opening for inserting and removing tools.

A method for loading or unloading tools in a machine tool, comprising the steps of:

• providing an equipping device for a tool magazine of a machine tool, the equipping device comprising:
• a tool shuttle that is movable between a first transfer position and a second transfer position,
• a provision location for insertion or removal of tools,
• a tool carrying unit that is associated with the tool shuttle and comprises at least one gripping mechanism that is arranged to grip a tool to be transferred and to secure it to the tool shuttle,
• wherein the tool shuttle is configured to exchange the tool between the provision location and a magazine location of a tool magazine,
• wherein the provision location is accessible for the tool shuttle in the first transfer position,
• wherein the magazine location is accessible for the tool shuttle in the second transfer position,
• wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a guide element that is movable relative to a base body of the tool shuttle and a securing element that is movable relative to the guide element, and
• wherein the guide element is movable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool,
• loading a tool into the provision location,
• positioning the tool shuttle in the first transfer position so that the tool is accessible for the tool carrying unit,
• controlling the tool carrying unit to move the guide element and the securing element to grip the tool and to secure it to the tool shuttle,
• moving the tool shuttle to the second transfer position where a magazine location of the tool magazine is available, and
• handing over the tool to the magazine location of the tool magazine, comprising a movement of the guide element and the securing element.