Patent ID: 6467145
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
An operating unit for a transfer tool machine, said transfer tool machine having a framework, said operating unit comprising a turret head having a tool supporting rotary plate, defining an outer surface and an inner seat, a plurality of tool holding devices supported on said outer surface of said tool rotary plate, a supporting arm for supporting said turret head on said framework, an operating mandrel having a mandrel head and being coupled to said tool holding devices through a clutch coupling system, a plurality of openings being formed through said outer surface of said rotary plate each for receiving a said tool holding device, wherein said clutch coupling system comprises an expanding ring engaged in a seat formed on said head of said mandrel for engaging therein a corresponding clutch element provided on a said tool holding device, said ring including a slider for driving said expanding ring from a latching position of a said tool holding device in which said tool holding device is latched to said mandrel to an unlatching position of said tool holding device, said mandrel head being rigid with a plurality of rotary driving means each provided for engaging with a respective recess of said tool holding device for rotatively driving said respective tool holding device, said rotary plate including in said inner seat thereof a pinion-rack assembly for rotatively driving said rotary plate about a rotary axis thereof.