Tool changer for machining centre with extended X=axis - has gripper unit which can traverse along bed between machine spindle and fixed tool magazine

摘要

The travelling column machining centre has a tool changing gripper unit (8,9,10) which can traverse parallel to the extended X-axis between the machine spindle (3) and a fixed tool magazine (5) at the end of the bed. The unit has two grippers (9,10) and can swing between an outward position and an inward position where the tool is held vertically at a height accessible to the spindle nose and the tool magazine. When a new tool is required the unit is brought to the predetermined X-position of the spindle and swung inwards. The spindle releases the old tool to empty gripper (10) and takes the new tool held in gripper (9). The unit swings outwards and, in the machining cycle, traverses to the tool magazine, where the old tool is exchanged for the next programmed tool. The tool changing sequence can then be repeated. ADVANTAGE - Rigid system giving accurate tool changing, reduced downtime and good accessibility.