EP0052824A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Machine tool with automatic tool change function
Assignee: Toyoda Koki KK
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Filing: 1981-11-06
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2001-11-06
Abstract
Abstract In a machine tool with an automatic tool change function, a rotatable tool spindle carries a movable key engageable with either of a pair of key-ways formed on a tool. A tool changing arm, serving as a tool support device, friction-rotatably supports at least one tool for selectively inserting and removing the same into and from the tool spindle. When a tool change operation is to be performed, rotation of the spindle is changed into a predetermined speed permitting key-engagement. A first confirming device is provided for confirming that the spindle is reached at a first predetermined position during rotation thereof. The tool change arm is operated to remove the tool from the spindle in response to the first confirming device. A second confirming device is provided for confirming that the spindle is reached at a second predetermined position during rotation thereof. Prior to insertion of the tool into the spindle, the movable key is withdrawn, and in response to the second confirming device the movable key is moved outwardly into engagement with predetermined one of the key-ways.
Inventors
- 👤 Tamaki Tomita
- 👤 Kenichi Munekata
- 👤 Fumihiko Ohkoshi
- 👤 Toshifumi Hasegawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:23
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q5/00; B23Q5/02; B23Q5/04; B23Q5/20; B23Q3/00; B23Q3/155; B23Q3/1552; B23Q3/15553; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S279/00; Y10S279/90; Y10T; Y10T409/00; Y10T409/30; Y10T409/309352; Y10T409/309408; Y10T409/309464; Y10T483/00; Y10T483/13; Y10T483/17; Y10T483/1733; Y10T483/1736; Y10T483/1743; Y10T483/1745; Y10T483/1748; Y10T483/1752; Y10T483/1755; Y10T483/1767
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
245 words
In a machine tool with an automatic tool change function having a tool spindle rotatably supported and capable of receiving a. tool at one end thereof, the improvement comprising: tool support means for rotatably supporting at least one tool to selectively insert and remove the same into and from said spindle; a movable key movably guided in said spindle and having a width smaller than that of a pair of key-ways formed on said tool; control means responsive to a tool change command for rotating said spindle at a predetermined speed permitting key-engagement; operating means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said spindle for a tool change operation with said spindle being rotated at the predetermined speed; first means for confirming that said spindle is reached at a first predetermined position during rotation thereof at the predetermined speed; second means for confirming that said spindle is reached at a second predetermined position during rotation thereof at the predetermined speed; third means included in said operating means and responsive to said first confirming means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said spindle in a direction parallel to the axis of said spindle to remove said tool from said spindle; and fourth means for withdrawing said movable key prior to insertion of said tool into said spindle and for moving said movable key outwardly into engagement with predetermined one of said key-ways in response to said second confirming means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
245 words
In a machine tool with an automatic tool change function having a tool spindle rotatably supported and capable of receiving a. tool at one end thereof, the improvement comprising: tool support means for rotatably supporting at least one tool to selectively insert and remove the same into and from said spindle; a movable key movably guided in said spindle and having a width smaller than that of a pair of key-ways formed on said tool; control means responsive to a tool change command for rotating said spindle at a predetermined speed permitting key-engagement; operating means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said spindle for a tool change operation with said spindle being rotated at the predetermined speed; first means for confirming that said spindle is reached at a first predetermined position during rotation thereof at the predetermined speed; second means for confirming that said spindle is reached at a second predetermined position during rotation thereof at the predetermined speed; third means included in said operating means and responsive to said first confirming means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said spindle in a direction parallel to the axis of said spindle to remove said tool from said spindle; and fourth means for withdrawing said movable key prior to insertion of said tool into said spindle and for moving said movable key outwardly into engagement with predetermined one of said key-ways in response to said second confirming means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a tool magazine for removably supporting a plurality of tools, and wherein said tool support means comprises a tool change arm rotatable and movable in a direction parallel to the axis of said spindle, said tool change arm being provided with at least one tool gripper capable of rotatably supporting said tool.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said movable key is slidably received in said spindle in such a manner as to form front and rear chambers; and wherein said fourth means comprises: a pressurized air supply source; and a solenoid valve provided between said front and rear chambers and said pressurized air supply source to selectively supply pressurized air into said front and rear chambers to thereby withdraw and advance said movable key relative to said spindle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 3, further comprising a pressure switch actuatable when said movable key is engaged with said predetermined one of key-ways.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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