Automatic tool changer

In a production line adapted to be changed over from production of first workpieces of a first panel=like configuration to the production of second workpieces of a second panel-like configuration, said production line including a first and a second work station and workpiece handling means for transferring workpieces from said first work station to said second work station, said workpiece handling means including shuttle conveyor means for conveying a workpiece from a receiving location adjacent said first work station to a discharge location adjacent said second work station, first transfer means for transferring a workpiece from said first work station to said receiving location, and second transfer means for transferring a workpiece from said discharge location to said second work station;

• the improvement wherein each of said first transfer means and said second transfer means comprises:
• a programmable carrier means;
• alternatively usable first and second workpiece gripping means, each respectively adapted to releasably grip and carry a workpiece of said first configuration and a workpiece of said second configuration;
• holding means for releasably fixedly holding one of said first and second workpiece gripping means in a ready position in adjacent spaced relationship to one of said first and second work stations and said shuttle conveyor means;
• coupling means engageable between said carrier means and said first and second workpiece gripping means for detachably mounting either of said first and second workpiece gripping means on said carrier means, said coupling means including first mating means on said carrier means and second mating means on each of said first and second workpiece gripping means movable into and out of engaged relationship with each other by a predetermined movement of said carrier means relative to one of the first and second workpiece gripping means;
• and
• locking means movable with respect to said coupling means, by an actuating means connected to said hold means, between a release position accommodating movement of said first and second mating means into and out of said engaged relationship and a locking position mechanically locking said first and second mating means in said engaged relationship to fixedly mount one of the first and second workpiece gripping means on said carrier means;
• said programmable carrier means being operable to move one of the first and second workpiece gripping means mounted thereon along a first path of movement extending between one of the first and second work stations and said shuttle conveyor means and a second path extending from said first path to said ready position.