Automatic tool changer

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic tool changer which is adapted to detect the end of the service life of a bearing of a cam follower for systematic replacement of the bearing. The automatic tool changer comprises: a tool changer mechanism (26) including a rotation shaft, a changer arm fixed to the rotation shaft, a cam follower attached to the rotation shaft and having an engagement roller rotatably supported by a bearing, a cam engaged with the engagement roller of the cam follower, and drive for driving the cam; and a controlling section (57) for controlling an operation of the tool changer mechanism (26). The tool changer further comprises a service life end detecting section (9) for counting the number of times of the operation performed by the tool changer mechanism (26) and judging whether or not the count of the number reaches a reference operation number serving as a basis for the detection of the end of the service life of the bearing. With this arrangement, maintenance can systematically be carried out by detecting the end of the service life of the bearing of the cam follower.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.