Patent ID: 7097603
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A machining centre having a spindle for executing machining operations on a workpiece by driving a tool attachably and detachably supported thereby, and a tool magazine having an empty pocket for storing said tool detached from said spindle and a further tool pocket for storing an another tool for installing in said spindle, said machining centre for executing machining operations on said workpiece by driving said tool through said spindle and for properly exchanging said tool with said tool magazine, said machining centre comprising: a tapered tool installation portion formed at said spindle, for holding said tool by said spindle with an engagement with a taper shank portion of said tool; a spindle drive control portion for executing at least one routine of both a tool detachment routine wherein said tool is stored in said empty tool pocket of said tool magazine, and then, said tool is detached from said spindle by driving and moving said spindle in a direction of an axial center of said spindle, and a tool installation routine wherein said spindle is driven and moved in said axial center direction in order to install said another tool stored in said further tool pocket in said spindle; a pocket drive control portion for driving and moving at least one of said tool pockets in a direction orthogonal to said axial center direction of said spindle and for switching said at least one tool pocket adjacent to said spindle; and a synchronous control portion for controlling said spindle drive control portion and said pocket drive control portion so as to simultaneously move said spindle in said axial center direction and move said at least one tool pocket in a direction orthogonal to said axial center direction in order to execute said tool detachment routine or said tool installation routine.