Patent ID: 8114000
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A machine tool comprising an automatic tool changer having a movable tool changing unit for changing tools, a tool magazine for storing a plurality of tools, and a tool spindle for mounting a tool thereon and for machining a workpiece with the mounted tool in a machining area of the machine tool; wherein said tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer the tool, changes the tool on said tool spindle in said changing position, and changes the tools on said tool magazine in said magazine position, wherein said machine tool has a plurality of the changing positions; one of said changing positions is selected in advance of the changing of the tool on said tool spindle for changing the tool on said tool spindle; said tool changing unit and the tool mounted on said tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools between the tool changing unit and the tool spindle in the selected changing position; and wherein the machining area is covered with a splash guard having a plurality of shutters located in positions corresponding to the changing positions, respectively, which shutters are each configured to be selectively opened and closed to permit the passage of the tool changing unit from outside the splash guard to the machining area to perform a tool change between the tool changing unit and the tool spindle at the respective changing position.