Pallet changing system for a machine tool

Claim 1

In a pallet changing system for a machine tool for exchanging a pallet on a work table, the improvement which comprises: a plurality of pallet storing shelves arranged in a plurality of concentric circular arrays and each having a plurality of pallet supporting racks located one above another, said arrays defining a central space surrounded by said racks; a rotary table disposed rotatably in the center of said space; a pair of guide posts upstanding from said rotary table; a structure supported vertically movably on said posts; a pallet handling fork provided on said structure horizontally movably to and away from a standby station; a pair of guide rails along which said fork is horizontally movable; said fork having one end defining a pallet supporting portion; means for rotating said rotary table in an indexed way; means for moving said vertically movable structure vertically; means for moving said fork horizontally; a pallet changing device including a hook member which is rotatable about a vertical shaft between said work table and said standby station, and which has a pair of opposite ends each engageable with one of the pallets, and means for rotating said hook member; said standby station forming a part of said circular arrays and having a pallet receiving means for supporting a pallet, said pallet receiving means vertically adjustably supporting said pallet at a standby position and a vertically different position for further transfer by said hook member; and pallet guide means provided between said work table of said machine tool and said standby station for guiding pallets along a circular track.