Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 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: a key fixedly mounted on one end of said tool spindle; a key-way formed on said tool; tool support means for rotatably supporting at least one tool to selectively insert and remove the same into and from said tool spindle; control means responsive to a tool change command for rotating said tool spindle at a predetermined speed suitable for the engagement of said key with said key-way; operating means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle for a tool change operation with said tool spindle being rotated at the predetermined speed; stopping means for stopping said relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle at a predetermined position before said key comes into engagement with said key-way; first detecting means for detecting a first predetermined angular position of said key relative to said key-way to thereby generate a first signal; and releasing means responsive to said first signal for permitting said relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 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: a key fixedly mounted on one end of said tool spindle; a key-way formed on said tool; tool support means for rotatably supporting at least one tool to selectively insert and remove the same into and from said tool spindle; control means responsive to a tool change command for rotating said tool spindle at a predetermined speed suitable for the engagement of said key with said key-way; operating means for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle for a tool change operation with said tool spindle being rotated at the predetermined speed; stopping means for stopping said relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle at a predetermined position before said key comes into engagement with said key-way; first detecting means for detecting a first predetermined angular position of said key relative to said key-way to thereby generate a first signal; and releasing means responsive to said first signal for permitting said relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising: second detecting means for detecting the engagement of said key with said key-way to generate a second signal; and clamp means responsive to said second signal for clamping said tool inserted into said too.l spindle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 2, further comprising third detecting means for detecting a predetermined angular position of said key relative to said key-way to thereby generate a third signal, and wherein said operating means is operated in response to said third signal for causing relative movement between said tool support means and said tool spindle to remove said tool from said tool spindle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said first detecting means comprises a first dog member secured to said tool spindle and a first proximity switch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said second detecting means comprises a dog member secured to said tool support means and a limit switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said third detecting means comprises a dog member secured to said tool spindle and a proximity switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said tool support means comprises: a tool change arm rotatable and movable in a direction parallel to the axis of said tool spindle; and a tool gripper provided on said tool change arm and capable of rotatably supporting said tool.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said tool support means further comprises: a tool magazine supporting a plurality of tool sockets; said tool sockets each capable of removably supporting said tool; and a detent member mounted on each of said tool socket for restricting the rotational movement of said tool.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A machine tool as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said tool support means further comprises: a detent pin provided in said tool gripper for restricting the rotational movement of said tool.