Pallet changer of machine tool

A pallet changer of a machine tool, which pallet changer is included in a machine tool having:

• a machining table having a longitudinal axis that extends in a predetermined direction, the machining table being movable in the predetermined direction;
• and a pair of workpiece preparation parts each having a longitudinal axis extending in the predetermined direction and disposed so as to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machining table, and one of the workpiece preparation parts being located adjacent to one side of the machining table, and the other workpiece preparation part being located adjacent to an opposite side of the machining table, and
• which pallet changer changes a machining-side pallet mounted on the machining table and a standby-side pallet mounted on one of the workpiece preparation parts, the pallet changer comprising:
• a machining-side linear guide rail provided on the machining table and having a longitudinal axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction;
• preparation-side linear guide rails provided on the workpiece preparation parts respectively, each preparation-side linear guide rail having a longitudinal axis extending in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the machining-side linear guide rail;
• and
• linear guides provided on the respective pallets and slidably engageable with the machining-side and preparation-side linear guide rails,
• wherein, in changing the machining-side pallet on the machining table and the standby-side pallet on one of the workpiece preparation parts, the machining-side pallet and the standby-side pallet are moved in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and
• wherein the preparation-side linear guide rails are each provided so as to be linearly movable back and forth between a pallet change position abutting on or close to the machining-side linear guide rail and a standby position located distant from the machining-side linear guide rail.