US3797363A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tools carrying heads, more particularly for transfer machines
Assignee: MOLLART ENG CO Ltd
•
Filing: 1971-11-08
•
Granted: 1974-03-19
•
Expires: 1991-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A machine tool includes a tool carrying head which comprises at least two tool carrying units which are interchangeable from an operative position to an inoperative position in which the tools can be changed while the machine is still operating. The tool carrying units are mounted on a common pivot and are interchanged by a pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The tool carrying unit in the operative position is engaged by a movable structure and is moved slidably forward from the common pivot to its final working position. The movable structure carries a drive motor for the tools carried by the operative unit.
Inventors
- 👤 A Nohejl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:16
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q3/00; B23Q3/155; B23Q3/157; B23Q11/00; B23Q11/08; B23Q2003/1558; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/51; Y10T29/5104; Y10T29/5105; Y10T29/5152; Y10T29/5154; Y10T29/5165; Y10T29/518; Y10T408/00; Y10T408/36; Y10T408/37; Y10T408/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A machine tool comprising a frame having a horizontal slideway, at least two tool carrying units mounted about a common pivot member, means for rotating said pivot member about a horizontal axis for angularly moving said tool units about said axis from an inoperative position to an operative position above said slideway or vice versa, a movable structure slidably mounted on said slideway, means for actuating said movable structure along said slideway to engage the tool carrying unit positioned in said operative position, means for interconnecting said movable structure and said tool carrying unit in said operative position, said actuating means thereafter moving said interconnected movable structure and tool carrying unit along said slideway to detach said tool carrying unit from said pivot member and to move said unit to a working position, and drive means on said movable structure for driving the tools on said unit in said working position for performing a machining operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A machine tool comprising a frame having a horizontal slideway, at least two tool carrying units mounted about a common pivot member, means for rotating said pivot member about a horizontal axis for angularly moving said tool units about said axis from an inoperative position to an operative position above said slideway or vice versa, a movable structure slidably mounted on said slideway, means for actuating said movable structure along said slideway to engage the tool carrying unit positioned in said operative position, means for interconnecting said movable structure and said tool carrying unit in said operative position, said actuating means thereafter moving said interconnected movable structure and tool carrying unit along said slideway to detach said tool carrying unit from said pivot member and to move said unit to a working position, and drive means on said movable structure for driving the tools on said unit in said working position for performing a machining operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common pivot is supported by a stationary pivot holder mounted on said frame of the machine, said pivot being rotatable by a selectively operable first servo motor through a rack and pinion mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 2, wherein each tool carrying unit is slidably mounted on pins projecting horizontally from said common pivot, each unit including releasable first locking means for fixedly mounting said units on the corresponding pins.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein, said movable structure is slidable under the control of a selectively operable second servo motor mounted on said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein said releasable locking means on the tool carrying unit located in said first operative position is operable by said movable structure upon engagement of said structure with said tool carrying unit so as to release said unit from said pins projecting from said common pivot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein said drive means for said tools is operable to drive said tools upon engagement of said movable structure with said unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 6, wherein said movable structure includes second locking means for securing said tool carrying unit in said operative position to said movable structure, and wherein said secured movable structure and tool carrying unit are movable along said slideway to a working position under the control of said second servo motor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein each tool carrying unit is provided with cam means for de-energizing the power supply to said second servo motor when said secured movable structure and tool carrying unit have advanced through an operative range of movement.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cam means is rotatable by said drive means mounted on said movable structure and said cam meanS is contoured for engaging servo means for controlling the operation of said second servo motor for varying the advancement of the secured movable structure and tool unit by said second servo motor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 1 further comprising guard members fixedly secured to said frame at each side thereof, each guard having a curved outwardly protruding section to allow for the pivotal swing movement of the tool carrying units when said units are interchanged, said guards also supporting a pivotal top guard movable for access to the machine and controlling operation of the machine by engagement with a limit switch when in a closed position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 10 having safety guards attached to the common pivot and pivotally movable with the curved protruding sections of said fixed guards.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
99 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 1 having a rapid traverse motor for said tool carrying unit in said first operative position, said rapid traverse motor driving a long lead screw, a rotatable nut mounted on said lead screw and supported by said movable structure slidable on the frame of said machine, said nut being in threaded engagement with a pinion drivably connected to said drive means for said tools carried by said unit in said first operative position, said drive means being carried by said movable structure and said rapid traverse motor being mounted on said frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
55 words
A machine tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein said drive means is connected with said pinion through gearing in said operative unit and said drive means is connected with a plurality of output shafts selectively engageable with a selected gearing in said unit so as to provide a desired output speed for said pinion.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |