Method and apparatus for changing tools

摘要

A machining apparatus has a frame, a magazine holding a plurality of tools, a loader capable of moving the tools between the magazine and a primary transfer position, first and second tool holders each displaceable horizontally and vertically on the frame, and a transfer arm carrying a grab. Each of the tool holders can move into and out of a respective secondary transfer position for switching a tool, one of the tools is removed from the magazine with the loader and moved by the loader into the primary transfer position, then the one tool is transferred position to the grab of the transfer arm. This arm is them pivoted to move the one tool in the grab from the primary transfer position into one of the secondary transfer positions, and then the tool at the one secondary transfer position is transferred from the grab to the respective holder.

主权项

1. A method of operating a machining apparatus having:
a frame; a magazine holding a plurality of tools; a loader capable of moving the tools between the magazine and a primary transfer position; a chuck on the frame, adapted to hold a workpiece, and rotatable on the frame about a workpiece axis; a drive spindle for rotating the chuck about the workpiece axis; first and second tool holders each displaceable relative to one another horizontally and vertically on the frame; and a transfer arm carrying a grab, the method comprising the steps of sequentially: a) supporting each of the tool holders for movement into and out of a respective secondary transfer position at which the arm can transfer a tool to or from the respective tool holder; b) removing one of the tools from the magazine with the loader and moving the one tool by the loader into the primary transfer position; c) transferring the one tool in the primary transfer position to the grab of the transfer arm; d) pivoting the arm to move the one tool in the grab from the primary transfer position into one of the secondary transfer positions; and e) transferring the tool at the one secondary transfer position from the grab to the respective holder.