Patent ID: 7445587
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of changing a tool attached to a spindle of a machine tool, controlled by a numerical controller, with a desired tool by an automatic tool changing device which comprises a spindle head rotatably supporting the spindle and arranged axially movable, a turret for holding one or more tools with a plurality of grips arranged along an outer periphery thereof, said turret being supported rotatably about a rotary axis for allocating a desired tool to a tool changing position and also swingably about a pivot axis for attaching/detaching the tool to/from the spindle, and a mechanism for making a swing motion of said turret towards and away from the spindle utilizing only an axial motion of said spindle head, said method comprising: defining a target velocity pattern of the swing motion of said turret; determining angular positions of said turret with respect to time in the swing motion based on the target velocity pattern; determining axial positions of said spindle head with respect to time based on the determined angular positions of said turret with respect to time; preparing a motion program such that said spindle head takes the determined axial positions with respect to time; and controlling the axial motion of said spindle head according to the prepared motion program by the numerical controller so as to change the tool on the spindle with the desired tool.