Patent ID: 7374526
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tool changing apparatus for cooperating with a transfer machine module on a transfer line to automatically change tools mounted on a machine tool spindle of the transfer machine module, the machine tool spindle having a horizontal X-axis, a vertical Y-axis, and a horizontal Z-axis, the Z-axis defining the direction of spindle feed-out, the apparatus comprising: a linear tool gripper magazine positioned above the forward end of the transfer machine module and configured to releasably hold at least two tools; a guillotine supporting the tool gripper magazine for vertical motion parallel to the Y-axis between a raised stand-by position above the machine tool spindle and the transfer machine module and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle where at least one of the tools at a time can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle; a guillotine drive operably connected to the guillotine and configured to move the guillotine vertically, perpendicular to the Z-axis, between the raised stand-by and the lowered tool change positions; a support frame supporting the tool gripper magazine, the guillotine, and the guillotine drive above the transfer machine module; and a carriage movably supporting the tool gripper magazine on the support frame for horizontal motion parallel to the Z-axis along a path that is above the transfer machine module between a forward position above the transfer machine module, and adjacent the transfer line and spindle, and a rearward position above the transfer machine module and displaced from the transfer line and clear of the transfer machine module, the tool gripper magazine being movable between the raised stand-by and the lowered tool change positions when the carriage is in the forward position.