Multiple-spindle tool changer

In a tool change mechanism for changing the tools in a plurality of spindles of a machine tool simultaneously:

• a separate tool storage magazine for each of said spindles with each magazine removably supporting a plurality of tools for use in its associated spindle;
• a tool change station in each of said magazines;
• means for moving the tools of each of said magazines into the tool change station associated with that magazine;
• a bar movably supported between said tool storage magazines and the spindles;
• a plurality of tool grips fixed to said bar and adapted to secure the tools for transferring them between the respective tool change stations of said tool storage magazines and the spindles;
• means for moving said bar rectilinearly for producing a like unitary movement of said tool grip in the tool change cycle;
• and means for rotating said bar for producing a like unitary rotary movement of said tool grips so that all the movements of said grips to complete a tool change cycle are produced by actuating said bar in its rectilinear and rotary movements.

Tool changing apparatus for use with a multiple-spindle machining center, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of tool storage means, each of said tool storage means comprising means for positioning a first metal cutting tool in prespecified relationship with one of the spindles of said machining centers;
• a plurality of tool carrying devices, each of said tool carrying devices including a first tool grip element which is associated with one of said first tools, and a second tool grip element which is associated with a second tool inserted into one of said spindles;
• means for rotating all of said tool carrying devices around a common axis which is orthogonal to the axes of said spindles to place each of said first tools in coaxial relationship with one of said spindles;
• manipulating means selectively translating said tool carrying devices so that all of said first tool grip elements engage their associated first tools simultaneously and remove their associated first tools from said tool storage means simultaneously, and so that all of said second tool grip elements engage their associated second tools simultaneously and remove their associated second tools from said spindles simultaneously;
• a first linear translation means for selectively moving each of said tool carrying devices in parallel relationship with a first axis, said first axis being in orthogonal relationship with said common axis;
• and
• a second linear translation means for controllably moving each of said tool carrying devices in parallel relationship with a second axis, said second axis being in orthogonal relationship with said common axis and with said first axis.