Tool Support Comprises Rotary Spindle Patents (Class 483/18)
  • Patent number: 9415473
    Abstract: A part machining apparatus for the vehicle includes a base frame, a machining head that may be mounted on one side on top of the base frame so as to machine automobile parts while rotating with dedicated tools mounted thereon, a tool replacement unit that may be installed over the machining head, may be equipped with a plurality of dedicated tools for different materials of the automobile parts, and supplies a selected dedicated tool to the machining head when machining the automobile parts, a jig unit that may be mounted on the other side on top of the base frame, facing the machining head, and includes two placement pallets corresponding to the automobile parts having different shapes for different vehicle types to fix the automobile parts in position toward the machining head through selective rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Soonki Hong
  • Patent number: 9039588
    Abstract: In a combination machining lathe, a workpiece holding device holds a workpiece in a manner that permits the workpiece to rotate around an axis parallel to a direction of a horizontal Z axis. A tool post holds a tool that comprises a holder and a bit. The tool held by the tool post is indexed to a position in which the longitudinal axis of the holder is parallel to an X axis direction. The bit of the tool held by the tool post is angled such that a longitudinal axis of the bit is disposed in a position tilted away from the X axis direction closer to a horizontal axis in a plane containing the X axis and the Y axis. A turning operation is performed while the tool and/or the workpiece are moved relative to each other in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventors: Takaharu Ito, Kouta Ashiuchi, Norio Kamegai, Noriyoshi Ito, Takuya Kato
  • Patent number: 9039587
    Abstract: In a multitasking machine tool, a first tool post including a tool spindle configured to allow a tool to be detachably attached thereto is configured to be slidable in predetermined directions, while a second tool post is configured to allow a tool to be detachably attached thereto. A tool-change part includes at least one gripper configured to hold a tool to be attached to the second tool post. An automatic tool changer is configured to detachably attach the tool-change part (as well as to change the tool installed) to the tool spindle of the first tool post positioned in a first tool-change region. Change of the tool attached to the second tool post is carried out by a motion (sliding and/or rotation of the tool spindle) of the first tool post (with the tool-change part attached to the tool spindle thereof) located in a second tool-change region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 9020629
    Abstract: Loads that act on all the bearings that support a main spindle are derived from a variation in the state of the main spindle and, in addition, raceway surface contact pressures of the respective bearings are analyzed, so it is possible to accurately keep track of the state of each bearing. Then, when the raceway surface contact pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold, a machining condition is changed to execute control such that the raceway surface contact pressure does not exceed the corresponding threshold, and, furthermore, when the raceway surface contact pressure exceeds the corresponding threshold even when the machining condition is changed, the main spindle is controlled to stop, so it is possible to prevent a seizure of each bearing. Thus, it is possible to improve machining accuracy by controlling the main spindle with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 8974358
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism contains a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a work piece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on a driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including the driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shenq Fang Yuan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Hsiu Shih
  • Patent number: 8912466
    Abstract: Device for managing the electrodes for electrical discharge machining EDM machine tools comprises at least one magazine (1) that has a series of individual housings (33) designed to accept and hold exchangeable elements (5) consisting of electrodes (6, 22) mounted on an electrode holder (11a, 11b), and a changer device (2) equipped with a gripper (2) intended to move the exchangeable elements (5) from the individual housings (33) towards the machine and vice versa. A first adapter piece (21) is associated with each of the exchangeable elements (5). This adapter piece (21) surrounds the electrode holder (11a, 11b) and is gripped around its periphery by the gripper (9) of the changer (2) so as to guarantee that the exchangeable element (5) is held precisely. The device further comprises a second adapter piece (32) associated with each of the individual housings (33) of the magazine (1) that are likely to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: AGIE Charmilles SA, Agie Charmilles New Technologies S.A.
    Inventors: Magnus Bobeck, Olivier Bruyere, Christian Chapatte, Jens Thing
  • Patent number: 8887362
    Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Momoi, Toshihito Okuda, Hiromasa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8814769
    Abstract: A machine tool having a turning function and a milling function includes a spindle, a spindle housing supporting the spindle in a rotatable manner, a main clamp provided at the spindle, an auxiliary clamp provided at the spindle housing, and a double arm with a first gripper and a second gripper. The auxiliary clamp clamps a tool holder together with the main clamp during fixing a fixed tool. The double arm exchanges a tool holder grasped at the first gripper for another tool holder grasped at the second gripper by rotating and sliding movements. The auxiliary clamp is arranged at a position not interfering with the double arm that moves during exchanging tool holders. By such a configuration, a machine tool achieving a clamping force sufficient to withstand the load during a turning process, and that allows tool exchange in a short period of time, and a tool holder employed in such a machine tool, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Fujioka, Yohei Shinkai, Katsuhito Miyahara, Kaoru Yasumatsuya
  • Patent number: 8720025
    Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Momoi, Toshihito Okuda, Hiromasa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8650729
    Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Momoi, Toshihito Okuda, Hiromasa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8529419
    Abstract: A machine tool includes: a main spindle adapted to be rotatable with a workpiece chucked thereby; a tool spindle capable of moving in directions of three axes perpendicular to each other and capable of pivoting about one of the axes, the axis being perpendicular to the main spindle; an automatic tool changer adapted to detachably attach a first tool and a chucking unit to the tool spindle, the first tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the main spindle, the chucking unit being used for chucking the workpiece; and a tool post having a second tool mounted thereon, the second tool being used for machining the workpiece chucked by the chucking unit attached to the tool spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawasumi, Satoru Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20130085050
    Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAZAKI MAZAK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
  • Patent number: 8376921
    Abstract: A machine tool comprising a tool spindle and a workpiece clamping mechanism moveable relative to one another on a linear X-axis in a controlled manner, wherein the tool spindle can be moved in a controlled manner in relation to a machine frame on Y and Z-axes which are perpendicular to the X-axis and to each other and can be pivoted in a controlled manner around a C-axis parallel to the Z-axis, and wherein a workpiece gripper, which can be moved in common with the tool spindle, is assigned to the tool spindle, and that the tool spindle can travel with the workpiece gripper to a magazine wheel on the Y, Z and C-axes and can be aligned with recesses on the magazine wheel, movement on the X, Y, Z and C-axes effecting transfer of a workpiece between the workpiece gripper and the workpiece clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Haas Schleifmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Wember
  • Patent number: 8308621
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining machine with a tool changing mechanism comprising a base; a carrier including a seat to move in Z axis, a rotary shaft fixed on the seat laterally to drive the seat to rotate in A axis, and a fixing holder coupled to an end portion of the rotary shaft to fix a workpiece; a tool changing mechanism including a mount mounted to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft and a monitor fixed on the seat to measure a length of the tool clamped on the driving spindle, and including a plurality of slots to receive the tools respectively; a working head moving above the carrier and the tool changing mechanism in X and Y axes and including a driving spindle mounted on a lower end thereof to rotate axially, and the lower end of the driving spindle allowing to engage and disengage the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shenq Fang Yuan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Hsiu Shih
  • Patent number: 8241191
    Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the efficiency of tool management by improving the arrangement of a tool magazine in a composite working lathe. The composite working lathe 1 includes a spindle stock and a tool spindle disposed on a bed 20, and a cover 2 covering the surrounding area thereof. A door 4 allowing access to a machining portion is provided on a front side F of the machine, and the machining portion can be visually observed through a window 5. A tool magazine unit 100 is disposed in front of the spindle stock of the machine. A door 120 and a window 130 are provided on the cover of the tool magazine unit 100, allowing operators to observe the tool stored in the magazine through windows 122 and 130. The present composite working lathe enables to improve the efficiency of tool management, such as the confirmation of the tool used in the subsequent step or the removal of chips on the used tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Naokazu Okabe, Kenji Arisue, Yasuhiro Goshima, Minoru Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8206276
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a headstock provided with a main spindle and movable in a direction different from a direction of axis of the main spindle, a tool post mounted on the headstock so as to be movable in the direction of axis of the main spindle, and a tool change unit configured to change a tool attached to the main spindle with another tool after an extremity of the main spindle has been moved to a predetermined tool change position. In this machine tool, when an extremity of the tool post is positioned in the tool change position by the movement of the headstock and also by the movement of the tool post, the tool change unit performs change of a tool attached to the tool post with another tool by the same tool change operation as that for the main spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8114000
    Abstract: A tool changing unit moves between a magazine position and a changing position to transfer a tool. A machine tool has a plurality of tool changing positions. One of the tool changing positions is selected in advance for changing the tools next time. The tool changing unit and the tool mounted on a tool spindle move to the selected changing position for changing the tools in the selected changing position. Accordingly, the tool changing unit and the tool spindle move respective short distances for changing the tools, thereby shortening the non-machining time of a machine tool combined with the automatic tool changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Hiroto Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20110245052
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a rotational drive portion that rotationally drives a socket, an advance/retract drive portion that causes this socket to advance or retract along a rotational axis thereof, a magazine that retains a plurality of heads that retain bolts, and a switching portion that moves this magazine to selectively position one of a plurality of heads ahead and on the rotational axis of the socket. One of the heads is selected and positioned on the rotational axis of the socket by the switching portion, then the socket is advanced by the advance/retract drive portion and the head thus selected is retained by the socket, then the socket is advanced further by the advance/retract drive portion and the head to detach is detached from the magazine, and then the head is rotated by driving the rotational drive portion, thereby fastening a bolt retained in the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Ohno, Mitsutaka Igaue, Kenichiro Ono, Takeshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7651453
    Abstract: In an automatic chuck jaw change system, a combined machining lathe capable of positioning with high precision and a robot with lower positioning precision than the combined machining lathe cooperate to automatically change a chuck jaw. The system includes a robot disposed in front of the combined machining lathe, and the robot can be selectively mounted on a front end of an arm thereof with a work hand for operating a work, a chuck jaw, and a nut runner hand for operating a drive mechanism of the chuck. The robot cooperates with a tool for jaw mounted on a tool spindle of the combined machining lathe to automatically change a chuck jaw of a main spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Terazono, Fumiya Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7621029
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining center for the chip forming processing of workpieces comprises a spindle group having at least two spindles arranged in a spindle row adjacent to each other to mount a chip forming tool, and a workpiece support, on which at least two workpiece holders, correlated with the geometrical arrangement of the spindles, for holding workpieces for a simultaneous processing by means of the spindles, are arranged, the workpiece support having a beam-like longitudinal support member bearing the workpiece supports, and the spindles are guided for a movement toward the workpiece support in a first axial direction on a spindle linear guide arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Lombacher, Stefan Hansch
  • Patent number: 7621030
    Abstract: A multi-spindle machining center for the chip forming processing of workpieces comprises a spindle group having at least two spindles arranged in a spindle row to mount a chip forming tool, and a workpiece support, on which at least two workpiece holders, correlated with the geometrical arrangement of the spindles, for holding workpieces for a simultaneous processing by means of the spindles, are arranged, the workpiece support having a beam-like longitudinal support member, bearing the workpiece supports, which at its longitudinal terminal regions is movably held on a respective workpiece support bearing structure and the spindles are guided for a movement toward the workpiece support in a first axial direction on a spindle linear guide arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Lombacher, Stefan Hansch
  • Publication number: 20090209398
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a headstock provided with a main spindle and movable in a direction different from a direction of axis of the main spindle, a tool post mounted on the headstock so as to be movable in the direction of axis of the main spindle, and a tool change unit configured to change a tool attached to the main spindle with another tool after an extremity of the main spindle has been moved to a predetermined tool change position. In this machine tool, when an extremity of the tool post is positioned in the tool change position by the movement of the headstock and also by the movement of the tool post, the tool change unit performs change of a tool attached to the tool post with another tool by the same tool change operation as that for the main spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20090176636
    Abstract: An automatic tool exchange apparatus is provided, which dispenses with a robot hand for grasping and moving a tool, and a mechanism for mechanical movement of a tool, such as a tool conveyance device for conveyance of a tool, and which is simple in construction and enables to surely and automatically exchange a tool in a short time. An automatic tool exchange apparatus comprising a tool exchange unit and a main spindle part, wherein the tool exchange unit comprises a tool magazine, which rotates about a rotating shaft and includes a plurality of tool storage parts, means, which moves the tool magazine toward the rotating shaft, and an air supply source, which supplies an air flow to move a tool to the main spindle part, and the main spindle part comprises a motor, which rotates the tool, a tool clamp, which holds the tool, and an air supply source, which supplies an air flow to move the tool to the tool exchange unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Akira Hayashi, Katsuyuki Muranaka, Tokio Kitahara, Kimiyuki Mitsui
  • Publication number: 20090131235
    Abstract: A ball bearing for spindle turning device for use in the spindle turning device of a machine tool, and a spindle turning device for a machine tool using the same, which is compatible with machine tools whose recent trend is for more composite configurations while maintaining and achieving higher accuracy (higher rotational accuracy), greater stiffness and reductions in torque and heat generation is to be provided. In a ball bearing for spindle turning device for use in the spindle turning device of a machine tool, the sectional size ratio (B/H) between the axially cut sectional width B and the radially cut sectional height H is set to be (B/H)<0.63 where it is a single row ball bearing or the sectional size ratio (B2/H2) between the axially cut sectional width B2 and the radially cut sectional height H2 (B2/H2)<1.2 where it is a double row ball bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Katsuno, Mitsuho Aoki
  • Publication number: 20090075795
    Abstract: The present invention aims at improving the efficiency of tool management by improving the arrangement of a tool magazine in a composite working lathe. The composite working lathe 1 includes a spindle stock and a tool spindle disposed on a bed 20, and a cover 2 covering the surrounding area thereof. A door 4 allowing access to a machining portion is provided on a front side F of the machine, and the machining portion can be visually observed through a window 5. A tool magazine unit 100 is disposed in front of the spindle stock of the machine. A door 120 and a window 130 are provided on the cover of the tool magazine unit 100, allowing operators to observe the tool stored in the magazine through windows 122 and 130. The present composite working lathe enables to improve the efficiency of tool management, such as the confirmation of the tool used in the subsequent step or the removal of chips on the used tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Naokazu Okabe, Kenji Arisue, Yasuhiro Goshima, Minoru Kitayama
  • Patent number: 7387600
    Abstract: A tool support device for a machine tool includes a housing disposed beside a tool spindle, a tool storage rack having a shaft rotatably attached to the housing, a plate secured to the shaft and rotatably received in the housing, a number of rollers disposed on the plate, an axle rotatably disposed in the housing and having a rotary member which includes a helical groove for engaging with the rollers and for rotating the plate and the shaft and the tool storage rack relative to the tool spindle, the tool support device includes a compact structure for suitably shielding and protecting the tool support device and for preventing the tool support device from being contaminated and damaged by dirt and cut chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Ying Sun, Chi Sun
  • Patent number: 7367929
    Abstract: A machine tool for the cutting machining of workpieces, in particular of metallic workpieces, has a first and a second tool spindle for receiving a first and a second machining tool, and it has a first and a second workpiece carrier for receiving a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The first tool spindle is movable relative to the first and to the second workpiece carrier in order to selectively machine the first or the second workpiece. Moreover, the first workpiece are movable relative to one another in order to transfer a workpiece from one workpiece carrier to the other workpiece carrier. The second tool spindle is movable relative to the second workpiece carrier in order to machine the second workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: STAMA Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Feinauer, Pavel Blazek
  • Patent number: 7137940
    Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction, movement of the turn table in a Y-axis direction, and movement of a spindle in a Z-axis direction, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining center in the X-axis direction shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Toshiyuki Andou, Mitsuhiro Yamada, Kazutaka Murai, Yuichiro Yoshimura, Jiro Nishida, Atsushi Kohama, Shigeto Noma, Michio Norimatsu, Seiichi Kodama, Haruhiko Koike
  • Patent number: 7063654
    Abstract: Machining is possible in such a manner that an optional position of a workpiece is positioned just under a tool by rotation of a turn table in a C-axis direction and movement of a spindle on a Y-Z plane, so that a width of a main unit in a X-axis direction can be made shorter in comparison with machining by moving the turn table in the X-axis direction. Besides, the turn table located on a front side of the main unit, an ATC located on the rear side thereof, and a separated control panel located on the rear side of the ATC, independent from the main unit can also make the width of a machining centre in the X-axis direction shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Toshiyuki Andou, Mitsuhiro Yamada, Kazutaka Murai, Yuichiro Yoshimura, Jiro Nishida, Atsushi Kohama, Shigeto Noma, Michio Norimatsu, Seiichi Kodama, Haruhiko Koike
  • Publication number: 20040110614
    Abstract: A machining center, especially a self-loading machining center has a plurality of machining devices and an automatic tool-replacement system. The transport device delivers a workpiece to and receives a workpiece from a workpiece holder on a machine base between longitudinal rails on which the workpiece holder is guided. The workpiece holder carries the workpieces into the operating ranges of a pair of machining devices which can be shifted from the machining position into the tool-change position alternately. The machining feed is provided by the workpiece holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: EMAG Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Hessbruggen, Jurgen Walz
  • Publication number: 20010023222
    Abstract: A tool exchanging apparatus for a processing center, provided with at least one tool spindle (2), in which a tool (1) can be clamped and which can be moved in the direction of the spindle axis and at least also in a direction vertical to this direction, equipped with a tool magazine (3) and with two tool holding devices (4a) on a transporting device (4) with which the tool holding device (4a) can be moved to a tool exchanging position located in the movement region of the tool spindle (2), wherein one used tool (1) can be deposited from the tool spindle (2) and a new tool can be removed from the tool spindle (2). Each of the tool holding devices (4a), which are provided at least in pairs, is allocated to its own transporting device (4) so that the transporting devices can be moved back and forth independently of each other between the tool exchanging position and a tool receptacle (3a) of the tool magazine (3). The tool receptacles (3a) of the tool magazine (3) are movable in a circulating manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Frank Germerodt, Thorsten Lasch, Eberhard Stenzel
  • Patent number: 5885199
    Abstract: A multifunction, compact machining center has a work spindle which can rotate at high speed, or controlled by a C axis servo driver, and a frame-shaped tool magazine, which is composed of a standing part and a rotatable part. Arranged on the standing part are enough internal and external turning tools to complete all turning processes on one workpiece. Driven tools are held on the rotatable part to do drilling, boring, milling, gear hobbing, grinding, lapping etc. on the same workpiece at arbitrary angles. Additionally, work units for quenching, laser machining, gear shaping, bevel gear cutting, measuring, loading and unloading can also be employed on the tool magazine. By means of movements of the tool magazine relative to the work spindle in the plane perpendicular to the Z axis, each cutting tool or working unit can be put into the working area of the workpiece sequentially so as to complete all machining, measuring, loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Wenyuan Shao
  • Patent number: 5641265
    Abstract: A manipulating device for handling, in particular for orientating, workpieces, tools or the like, includes a workpiece head provided with a device for supporting at least one workpiece, a tool or the like, having at least one characteristic axis and drive device for rotating the workpiece head about a pre-established axis of rotation. The workpiece is supported so that the characteristic axis has a pre-established orientation, in other words a pre-established colatitude and longitude relative to a three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame which is defined by three mutually perpendicular axes, while the workpiece head can rotate about an axis of rotation which is inclined with respect to all three axes of the three-dimensional Cartesian reference frame and has a colatitude and a longitude other than those of the characteristic axis of the workpiece or of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Sasib S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Spada, Gianfranco Isani
  • Patent number: 5514061
    Abstract: A machine tool for continuously working the surface and the back of a workpiece, comprising a chuck base which is supported so that it is able to approach to or move away from the workpiece, on which a tool spindle for holding a cutting tool and a chuck for holding the workpiece are mounted, and which is able to rotate about the rotation axis perpendicular to the tool-spindle moving direction and a reversing mechanism which is arranged at the front in the direction perpendicular to the spindle moving direction and the chuck-base rotation axis, receives a workpiece, reverses the workpiece, returns the reversed workpiece to the chuck, and changes the portions of the workpiece facing a cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Masamichi Ito
  • Patent number: 5439431
    Abstract: A machining center composed of a plurality of assemblies, with each assembly including a machine base. Each machine base includes a compound slide as well as guides for guiding a movement of the compound slide. A motor driven main spindle is adapted to be attached to the compound slide and is movable along a plurality of axes, with facilities being provided for collecting swarf and coolant. A working area housing is attached to the machine structure with the housing including a container adapted to be mounted on the machine structure as a module to house control elements and power supply. Openings are provided for enabling a collection and removal of swarf with additional openings being provided for enabling an accommodation of a storage and transportation unit. A probe is incorporated in a machine control for enabling a checking of machined workpieces, and a sheet metal cover, fastened to the compound slide, includes a hole penetrated by the motor spindle with a spindle attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: EMAG-Maschinen Vertriebs - und Service GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Hessbruggen, Heinz Steinbach
  • Patent number: 5310397
    Abstract: A computerized numerical control automatic complex lathe has a main spindle for gripping and rotating a work to be machined. A first machining tool performs a main machining of the work. A turret tool rest has an outer peripheral surface for holding a set of secondary tools along the outer peripheral surface thereof. The turret tool rest is selectively indexable to bring a selected secondary machining tool into a position to effect a secondary machining of the work and is selectively movable relative to the work to enable the selected secondary machining tool to perform the secondary machining of the work. The turret tool rest further includes a plurality of tool holders for holding a plurality of secondary tools. A back spindle is disposable on a side of the work opposite the main spindle for holding a selected secondary machining tool selected from the plurality of secondary tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Seiko Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Kubota
  • Patent number: 5249348
    Abstract: In a drilling machine having a movable worktable and a spindle assembly having a pressure foot, a spindle, and a removable pressure foot insert in the pressure foot, an insert changer is provided for automatically removing and reinserting the insert from the pressure foot to permit a drill tool change to be effected in the spindle. The insert changer has a gripper for gripping the insert and disengaging the insert from the pressure foot. A vacuum is preferably provided on the gripper for creating a vacuum seal region between the gripper and insert to create a gripping force on the insert. A lifter is provided on the insert changer to move the gripper into and out of contact with the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Excellon Automation
    Inventor: Hendley W. Hall
  • Patent number: 5250017
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved automatic tool changer for use in a machining apparatus. The automatic tool changer is designed to cooperate with adapters each carrying a tool to be changed. The automatic tool changer comprises a bifurcated carrier plate and structure to traverse the carrier plate between a tool storage and the spindle of the machining apparatus. The upper tool-feeding arm of the carrier plate has two support rods extending therefrom and structure to detachably hold an adapter on the vertical support rods, and the lower tool-withdrawing arm of the carrier plate has two vertical support rods extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignees: Kabushikikaisha Otec, Kabushikikaisha Ariyoshi Kikoshudan
    Inventor: Kiyoko Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 5205806
    Abstract: In a composite-machining machine tool for carrying out a turning operation and a machining center operation, a B-axis shaft 13, having a tool spindle head 14 mounted on its front end, is rotatably supported by a Y-axis slide 10, and the B-axis shaft 13 can be indexingly rotated by a B-axis servomotor 22. Clamp pistons 26 are provided in opposed relation to a flange portion 25 of a front end portion 13A of the B-axis shaft, and the clamp pistons 26 are pressed against the flange portion 25 to thereby fix the B-axis shaft at an arbitrary rotational angle position. By doing so, a hobbing tool 29 can be fixed in such a manner that the axis of this hobbing tool can be precisely indexed at a desired angular position with respect to a workpiece W, thereby enabling a hobbing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Tsugami Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishida, Shinichi Yamazaki, Masaki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5140739
    Abstract: A spindle unit comprising a solid shaft main spindle of a highly rigid material such as cemented carbide, with the main spindle being rotatably supported in a spindle head by bearings less apt to generate heat. A tool-clamping device including an adapter attached to a front end of the main spindle, and a tool holder carries a rotary tool. On of the adapter and the holder comprises a short columnar lug, with the other of the adapter and holder comprising a cylindrical hole shrinkage-fitted on the lug. The member having the hole is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion lower than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the other member. The tool-clamping device further comprises heating and cooling devices for heating and cooling the member having the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mori Seiki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Kentaro Shino, Kiyoshi Inada, Hiroshi Hanaoka