US 6,634,265 B2 · Apparatus for exchanging workpieces

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for exchanging workpieces which reduces the time required for exchanging workpieces by cutting down to a minimum the moving distance and the waiting time of a workpiece transport means. By the movement of a headstock 1, a chuck 2 transports a finished workpiece WA and an unfinished workpiece WB between a machining section near a tool rest 3 and a conveyer 4. The conveyer 4 conveys the finished workpiece WA from a workpiece exchanging position 4a and conveys the unfinished workpiece WB into the workpiece exchanging position 4a. A shift cylinder 11 transfers the unfinished workpiece WS from the conveyer 4 to a waiting station 6. An elevating plate 7 and a slider 9 transfer the finished workpiece WA from the chuck 2 to the conveyer 4. A lift cylinder 13 transfers the unfinished workpiece WB from the waiting station 6 to the chuck 2.

Claims4

Dependent claims

An apparatus for exchanging workpieces, comprising:

a conveyer for conveying workpieces horizontally in a first axis direction;
a transport means for transporting workpieces between a machining section and a place near the conveyer by a horizontal movement in a second axis direction that intersects with the horizontal first axis direction;
a waiting station where unfinished workpieces wait next to the conveyer at a position on the second axis;
a first transferring system for transferring unfinished workpieces from a position on the second axis of the conveyer to the waiting station;
a second transferring system for receiving finished workpieces from the transport means at a position above the waiting station by a movement within a vertical plane including the second axis, and transferring the workpieces to the conveyer;
and
a third transferring system for transferring unfinished workpieces from the waiting station to the transport means by a vertical movement.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for exchanging workpieces

Life of this patent

Apparatus for exchanging workpieces

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4