Patent ID: 6371899
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
The tool changer for machine tools comprising:a tool magazine having a multiplicity of tools, said tool magazine transferring and indexing a next-process tool to a predetermined tool takeout position; a tool transfer mechanism for taking out and transferring the next-process tool positioned in the tool takeout position to a tool changing position; a tool changing mechanism for changing a tool loaded on a tool post with the next-process tool positioned in the tool changing position; and a tool transfer pot for holding one of the tools, said transfer pot having an engaging groove extending in a linear direction, wherein said tool transfer mechanism comprises: a transfer arm pivotably disposed so as to have a front end portion of said transfer arm move between the tool takeout position and the tool changing position, a tool holding member coupled to said front end portion of said transfer arm, said tool holding member supporting the next-process tool and having a guide pin that engages with said engaging groove to thereby position and support the tool transfer pot in axial and circumferential directions; and a cylinder mechanism coupled to said transfer arm for driving said transfer arm.