Patent EP-3321031-A1 (EP)
Title: Tool changer device
Inventor: RIZZARDI RENZO
IPC: B23Q3/155
Filed: 2017-11-09
Abstract: Tool changer device (10), mounted on a linearly translating head and having a contrasting surface (s), to which the device (10) is brought automatically and alternatively into contact, or in close proximity, without contact, by means of movements in a direction essentially at a right angle to the direction of translation of the head, where said head is provided with a cam exchanger mechanism, respectively brushless motor means, that cause an ordered series of intermittent linear and rotary movements of an output shaft (A), with an axis (X-X) and to which is fixed a rigid arm (10.1), extending in at least one radial direction and carrying at least one tool-holder cone (PU1, PU2) gripper (11),  characterized in that  said at least one gripper (11) comprises: 
- a box-type body (12), integral with said rigid arm (10.1), closed by means of a removable cover (12.1) and in which, in a free end area, there are provided slide means (13) that can move with a straight-line alternating movement, in the direction of a line (r) essentially at a right angle to said axis (X-X), along corresponding sliding guide means (12.2), between a set-back position near said shaft (A) and an advanced position distal to said shaft (A) ; 
- a pair of clamps (14) of said gripper (11), specularly symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through said axis (X-X) and said line (r), wherein each gripper clamp (14) comprises a respective double joint lever (14.1) including a first rod (14.2) and a second rod (14.3) hinged to one another at a respective end, by means of a common pin (14.4) with an axis parallel to said axis (X-X), where said first rod (14.2) is hinged, in an intermediate position, by means of a pin (14.5) fixed to said box-type body (12) and having an axis parallel to said axis (X-X) and, at the opposite end, fixed to said slide means (13), by means of a pin (14.6) fixed to said slide means (13) and having an axis parallel to said axis (X-X), and said second rod (14.3) is hinged, in an intermediate position, by means of a pin (14.7) fixed to said box-type body (12) and having an axis parallel to said axis (X-X), where the free end (12.8) of said second rod (14.3) protrudes with respect to said free end of said box-type body (12) and provides a gripping part of the corresponding clamp (14) of said gripper (11); 
- blocking means (15) integral with said slide means (13) and comprising a plate member (15.1) with at least one through hole (15.2) with an axis (Z-Z) parallel to said axis (X-X); 
- elastic means (16) that elastically move said slide means (13) towards said advanced position and said clamps (14) to a mutually closer position with gripper closed; 
- shutter means (17), fixed to said arm (10,1) and comprising a rod member (17.1) extending through said at least one through hole (15.2) of said blocking means (15) and a corresponding through hole (12.9) provided in said box-type body (12); 
- elastic means (18) that keep said rod member (17.1) of said shutter means (17) partially extended beyond said hole (12.9) of said box-type body (12) and passing through said at least one hole (15.2) with interference, when said device (10) is out of contact with said contrasting surface (S) of said stationary head while, when said device (10) is in contact with or in close proximity to said contrasting surface (S) of said head, said rod (17.1) of said shutter means (17) is re-inserted into said through hole (12.9) of said box-type body (12), opposing the action of said elastic means (18), and is positioned passing without interference through said at least one hole (15.2).