GEREEDSCHAP-UITWISSELMECHANISME.

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved reversing drive for a tool change mechanism. The improved novel features of this reversing drive are particularly disposed to be incorporated in a tool changer equipped with a pair of tool change arms mounted for pivotal movement in opposite direction from a parked position into enclosed gripping engagement with a pair of spaced apart tools. In addition, the described tool changer particularly adapted to receive the present reversing drive has already included separate power means connected to positively maintain the pivotal arms in original clamped engagement as well as effect bodily movement of the clamped arms to interchange the tools. The reversing drive of this invention includes a single unitary rack having inwardly facing opposed upper and lower rack sections laterally offset a sufficient distance to rotatably drive adjacently journalled gears in opposite direction upon rectilinear movement of the unitary rack in one direction. In addition, one of the laterally offset rack sections of the present invention incorporates an axially extending rack section that is relatively positionable to function as a transfer device for simultaneously engaging the synchronized teeth of both oppositely rotated concentric gears to maintain them in preset angular positions during axial movement relative thereto.