US4654955A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tool changer mechanism for machining centers
Assignee: Valenite LLC
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Filing: 1982-09-07
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Granted: 1987-04-07
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Expires: 2002-09-07
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a tool changing mechanism comprising an arm with hands at each end thereof having means to pick up both boring and turning tools. The arm is actuated by hydraulic rotary actuators and the tools are gripped by air operated fingers. A turret assembly is equipped with a boring tool holder and a turning tool holder for the acceptance of tools changed by the changing mechanism. A magazine holds replacement boring bars and turning tools until a tool change is required. An automatic tool lock-unlock mechanism is provided to lock the tools in cutting position.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald W. Mathie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:27
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23B; B23B29/00; B23B29/04; B23Q; B23Q3/00; B23Q3/155; B23Q3/15513; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T279/00; Y10T279/17; Y10T279/17411; Y10T279/17487; Y10T279/17504; Y10T483/00; Y10T483/17; Y10T483/1702; Y10T483/1707; Y10T483/1714; Y10T483/1719; Y10T483/1721; Y10T82/00; Y10T82/25; Y10T82/2585; Y10T82/2589
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A tool changer for a machining center comprising means for storing a tool, means for supporting a tool in cutting position, a slide movable toward and away from said storing and cutting positions, and an arm on said slide rotatable about an axis equally spaced between the tool engaging means thereon and which extends at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide, and tool engaging means attached at each end of said arm by a wrist rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said arm for removing and replacing tools at both said storing and cutting positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A tool changer for a machining center comprising means for storing a tool, means for supporting a tool in cutting position, a slide movable toward and away from said storing and cutting positions, and an arm on said slide rotatable about an axis equally spaced between the tool engaging means thereon and which extends at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide, and tool engaging means attached at each end of said arm by a wrist rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of said arm for removing and replacing tools at both said storing and cutting positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 including means for moving the axis of rotation of said arm at a right angle to the direction of movement of said slide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool engaging means are attached to said wrists by hands rotatable about axes parallel to the axis of movement of said slide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means are supported on arcuate fingers on said hands.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means comprises a pair of spaced pins.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 5 including a tool having spaced parallel bores in one face thereof for the acceptance of said pins.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tool engaging means comprises a pair of spaced arcuate segments of V-shaped cross section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 7 including a tool having a circular shank with a radial collar thereon, said collar having a V-groove on its periphery for the acceptance of said arcuate segments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a V-shaped recess therein, and a V-shaped wedge in said recess engageable with said tool.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a cylindrical recess therein, means for locking a tool in said recess comprising a conical wedge, rotatable means for advancing and retracting said conical wedge, and power means for effecting rotation of said rotatable means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tool supporting means comprises a tool holder having a recess therein for the acceptance of square shank tools, and means in said recess engageable with said tool for locking thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises a wedge that is advanceable by a screw, and a power driven screwdriver for rotating said screw.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said wedge has a plurality of lateral slits therein to facilitate compression against said tool.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 13 wherein said slits extend from opposite sides of said wedge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said locking means comprises a pair of wedges that are advanceable toward one another to effect locking of a tool.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
A tool changer in accordance with claim 12 wherein said locking means comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders having locking pistons thereon, a piston for pressurizing a fluid to effect movement of said locking pistons, and screw means for effecting movement of said pressurizing piston.
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) | 1990-04-06 | 1990-10-06 | 1991-04-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-06 | 1994-10-06 | 1995-04-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-06 | 1998-10-06 | 1999-04-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |