Abstract The present invention relates to an improved reversing drive for a tool change mechanism. The improved novel features of this reversing drive are particularly disposed to be incorporated in a tool changer equipped with a pair of tool change arms mounted for pivotal movement in opposite direction from a parked position into enclosed gripping engagement with a pair of spaced apart tools. In addition, the described tool changer particularly adapted to receive the present reversing drive has already included separate power means connected to positively maintain the pivotal arms in original clamped engagement as well as effect bodily movement of the clamped arms to interchange the tools. The reversing drive of this invention includes a single unitary rack having inwardly facing opposed upper and lower rack sections laterally offset a sufficient distance to rotatably drive adjacently journalled gears in opposite direction upon rectilinear movement of the unitary rack in one direction. In addition, one of the laterally offset rack sections of the present invention incorporates an axially extending rack section that is relatively positionable to function as a transfer device for simultaneously engaging the synchronized teeth of both oppositely rotated concentric gears to maintain them in preset angular positions during axial movement relative thereto.
In a drive mechanism for driving a tool transfer member that comprises a pair of cooperating tool change arms with each having at least one grip; a first drive shaft rotatably supported by said frame and connected to rotate the first of said tool change arms; a first gear connected to rotate with said first drive shaft; a second drive shaft rotatably supported by said frame and connected to rotate the second of said tool change arms; a second gear connected to rotate said second drive shaft; a first gear rack in meshing engagement with said first gear; a second gear rack connected for movement in unison with said first gear rack and being in meshing engagement with said second gear in position so that the unitary movement of said gear racks will cause said first and second gears to rotate in opposite directions for rotating said tool change arms in opposite directions to move their cooperating grips either toward each other into engagement with a tool for securing the tool to said transfer member, or for moving said grips away from each other for releasing a tool; actuating means connected to actuate said gear racks in unison in either direction for producing the rotation of said first and second gears aNd their associated tool change arms; a third gear rack in alignment with said first gear rack; shifting means connected to shift said first and second gears in unison into simultaneous engagement with said third gear rack; and second actuating means connected to actuate said third gear rack in either direction for producing simultaneous rotation of said first and second gears in the same direction to produce a like simultaneous rotation of said tool change arms for transferring a gripped tool from one position to another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
297 words
In a drive mechanism for driving a tool transfer member that comprises a pair of cooperating tool change arms with each having at least one grip; a first drive shaft rotatably supported by said frame and connected to rotate the first of said tool change arms; a first gear connected to rotate with said first drive shaft; a second drive shaft rotatably supported by said frame and connected to rotate the second of said tool change arms; a second gear connected to rotate said second drive shaft; a first gear rack in meshing engagement with said first gear; a second gear rack connected for movement in unison with said first gear rack and being in meshing engagement with said second gear in position so that the unitary movement of said gear racks will cause said first and second gears to rotate in opposite directions for rotating said tool change arms in opposite directions to move their cooperating grips either toward each other into engagement with a tool for securing the tool to said transfer member, or for moving said grips away from each other for releasing a tool; actuating means connected to actuate said gear racks in unison in either direction for producing the rotation of said first and second gears aNd their associated tool change arms; a third gear rack in alignment with said first gear rack; shifting means connected to shift said first and second gears in unison into simultaneous engagement with said third gear rack; and second actuating means connected to actuate said third gear rack in either direction for producing simultaneous rotation of said first and second gears in the same direction to produce a like simultaneous rotation of said tool change arms for transferring a gripped tool from one position to another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
A drive mechanism according to claim 1 including locking means preventing relative rotation of said first and second gears during the shifting movement toward and away from said third gear rack so that said tool change arms are locked in their positions with respect to each other to maintain a gripped tool secured to said tool change arms during the transfer movement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
A drive mechanism according to claim 2 wherein said locking means comprises elongated teeth on said first gear rack, and as said first and second gears are shifted toward said third gear rack, said first gear remains in meshing engagement with said elongated teeth and said second gear is moved into meshing engagement with said elongated teeth to lock said first and second gears together during the shifting movement.