Tool-change and workpiece-change apparatus

A workpiece storing magazine incorporating a workpiece-change apparatus adapted to remove a workpiece from the magazine and to transport the workpiece into a machining apparatus, and adapted to remove a workpiece from the machining apparatus and to transport the workpiece back to the workpiece storing magazine, respectively, said workpiece-change apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of essentially disc-shaped workpiece supporting members rotatably and coaxially arranged with reference to a first axis of rotation, said workpiece supporting members being adapted to receive and support a plurality of workpieces along the periphery thereof;
• a transport arm means which is pivotally mounted on a second axis of rotation and longitudinally displaceable along said second axis, said second axis of rotation being located a certain distance from said first axis of rotation;
• said transport arm means being adjustable with reference to its length and including a gripping means mounted on its free end;
• said transport arm means further including a turning knuckle, the axis thereof extending in an angle of 45.degree. with reference to the length adjustment direction of said transport arm means, and a transport arm element means, one end thereof being connected to said turning knuckle and the other end thereof bearing said gripping means, whereby the general shape of said transport element means is different from a straight line.

A tool storing magazine incorporating a tool-change apparatus adapted to remove a tool from the magazine and to transport the tool into a workpiece machining apparatus, and adapted to remove a tool from the workpiece machining apparatus and to transport the tool back to the tool storing magazine, respectively, said tool-change apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of essentially disc-shaped tool supporting members rotatably and coaxially arranged with reference to a first axis of rotation, said tool supporting members being adapted to receive and support a plurality of tools along the periphery thereof;
• a transport arm means which is pivotally mounted on a second axis of rotation and longitudinally displaceable along said second axis, said second axis of rotation being located a certain distance from said first axis of rotation;
• said transport arm means being adjustable with reference to its length and including a gripping means mounted on its free end;
• said transport arm means further including a turning knuckle, the axis thereof extending in an angle of 45.degree. with reference to the length adjustment direction of said transport arm means, and a transport arm element means, one end thereof being connected to said turning knuckle and the other end thereof bearing said gripping means, whereby the general shape of said transport arm element means is different from a straight line;
• control means to control the movement of said tool supporting members and the movement of said transport arm means;
• said tool storing magazine, said tool change apparatus and said control means being united in a compact self-contained unit which can be located net to a workpiece machining apparatus.

A workpiece storing magazine incoroprating a workpiece-change apparatus adapted to remove a workpiece from the magazine and to transport the workpiece into a machining apparatus, and adapted to remove a workpiece from the machining apparatus and to transport the workpiece back to the workpiece storing magazine, respectively, said workpiece-change apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of essentially disc-shaped workpiece supporting members rotatably and coaxially arranged with reference to a first axis of rotation, said workpiece supporting members being adapted to receive and support a plurality of workpieces along the periphery thereof;
• a transport arm means which is pivotally mounted on a second axis of rotation and longitudinally displaceable along said second axis, said second axis of rotation being located a certain distance from said first axis of rotation;
• said transport arm means being adjustable with reference to its length and including a gripping means mounted on its free end;
• said transport arm means further including a turning knuckle, the axis thereof extending in an angle of 45.degree. with reference to the length adjustment direction of said transport arm means, and a transport arm element means, one end thereof being connected to said turning knuckle and the other end thereof bearing said gripping means, whereby the general shape of said transport arm element means is different from a straight line;
• control means to control the movement of said workpiece supporting members and the movement of said transport arm means;
• said workpiece storing magazine, said workpiece change apparatus and said control means being united in a compact self-contained unit which can be located next to a workpiece machining apparatus.