Insert cartridge and toolholder for automatic insert changer and method of changing

An insert storage magazine for delivering an insert to an insert seat with a central pin comprising:

• an insert storage chamber for holding multiple, similarly-shaped cutting inserts having a central hole therethrough in a face-to-face stacked relationship;
• an end to said storage chamber open on at least one side and longitudinal abutment means on said end for said inserts;
• means for urging said stacked inserts into an abutting relationship with said abutment surface;
• a central rod extending in said storage chamber for engagement with the central holes of said inserts and aligning said inserts with the pin of the insert seat;
• said rod having longitudinal reciprocal movement with means urging said rod toward said open end of the storage chamber so as to engage the endmost insert;
• means preventing lateral movement of said insert.

A method of replacing a cutting insert carried by an insert seat in the insert pocket of a toolholder comprising the steps of:

• moving a movable rod assembly connected to said insert seat against a biasing force from a first position in which the insert is clamped by a clamp in the insert pocket to a second position in which the insert is moved out of the insert pocket to an extent that there is no clamping relationship between the clamp and insert;
• removing the insert from the insert seat;
• positioning an insert cartridge having a movable central rod to which are engaged one or more replacement inserts relative to the upstanding pin of the insert seat;
• moving the insert cartridge toward the insert seat so that the movable central rod contacts the pin whereby upon further movement the pin pushes the movable central rod whereby the next replacement insert is engaged by the pin;
• moving the movable rod assembly from its second position to its first position so that the insert seat is moved into the insert pocket and there is a clamping relationship between the insert and the clamp;
• and moving the insert cartridge away from the insert seat.