Tool changer mechanism for machining centers
AssigneeThe Valeron Corporation
InventorGerald W. Mathie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to a tool changing mechanism comprising an arm with hands at each end thereof having means to pick up both boring and turning tools. The arm is actuated by hydraulic rotary actuators and the tools are gripped by air operated fingers. A turret assembly is equipped with a boring tool holder and a turning tool holder for the acceptance of tools changed by the changing mechanism. A magazine holds replacement boring bars and turning tools until a tool change is required. An automatic tool lock-unlock mechanism is provided to lock the tools in cutting position.
Claims16
A tool changer for a machining center comprising
- means for storing a tool,
- means for supporting a tool in cutting position,
- a slide movable toward and away from said storing and cutting positions, and
- an arm on said slide rotatable about an axis equally spaced between the tool engaging means thereon and which extends at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide, and
- tool engaging means attached at each end of said arm by a wrist rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said arm for removing and replacing tools at both said storing and cutting positions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.