Patent ID: 7267642
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An automatic tool changing device for changing a tool with respect to a spindle which is positioned to a tool changing position and has a tool chucking mechanism at a tip end, the automatic tool changing device comprising: a tool storage device capable of storing a plurality of tools and positioning a tool to a predetermined tool delivery position; a tool chucking unit capable of being advanced and retreated between the tool storage device and the tool changing position, the tool chucking unit having a tool fastening mechanism for fastening the tool chucking mechanism at the tool changing position; a tool unchucking unit spaced from the tool chucking unit in the direction of the rotary axis of the spindle and capable of being advanced and retreated between the tool storage device and the tool changing position, the tool unchucking unit having a tool loosening mechanism for loosening the tool chucking mechanism at the tool changing position; and a tool delivery mechanism including a tool delivery rod movable relative to the tool chucking unit and to the tool unchucking unit along a rod axis parallel to the spindle axis and which operates in such a manner that, when the tool chucking unit is retreated so that the tool fastening mechanism is in a position corresponding to the tool delivery position, the tool delivery rod moves along the rod axis to deliver the tool positioned to the tool delivery position from the tool storage device to the tool fastening mechanism of the tool chucking unit so that the tool is held by the tool fastening mechanism; and when the tool unchucking unit is retreated so that the tool loosening mechanism is in a position corresponding to the tool delivery position, the tool delivery rod moves along the rod axis to deliver the tool retrieved by the tool unchucking unit from the tool unchucking unit to the tool storage device so that the tool is stored by the tool storage device.