Abstract: A method of and apparatus for effecting a machining operation, e.g. drilling, on a multi-layered printed circuit board utilizing a machining apparatus having a spindle for driving a tool. The spindle is movable in the axial direction of the tool and a pressure foot for pressing the printed circuit board during the machining is mounted on the spindle for relative movement with respect thereto. The method includes the steps of determining the position of the end of a tool with respect to the end of a pressure foot in the state before the pressure foot contacts the printed circuit board, setting the amount of relative movement between the pressure foot and the tool necessary for effecting the desired machining, on the basis of the position of the end of the tool and a predetermined set value of the machining depth; and effecting the machining on the printed circuit board by controlling the feed of the tool in conformity with the amount of relative movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a printed circuit board to a printed circuit board drilling machine and for returning the printed circuit board after the drilling. A stocker stores a plurality of printed circuit boards in a tilted state, and a plurality of conveyor rollers provides a conveying path for the printed circuit boards. A conveyor device which includes conveyor rollers provides a conveying path connected to the first mentioned conveying path. The arrival of the printed circuit board is detected at a predetermined position, and the printed circuit board is then decelerated by braking in response to a signal from the detection. A device is provided on the printed circuit board drilling machine for delivering the printed circuit board to the printed circuit board drilling machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a printed circuit board to a printed circuit board drilling machine and for returning the printed circuit board after the drilling. A stocker stores a plurality of printed circuit boards in a tilted state, and a plurality of conveyor rollers provides a conveying path for the printed circuit boards. A conveyor device which includes conveyor rollers provides a conveying path connected to the first mentioned conveying path. The arrival of the printed circuit board is detected at a predetermined position, and the printed circuit board is then decelerated by braking in response to a signal from the detection. A device is provided on the printed circuit board drilling machine for delivering the printed circuit board to the printed circuit board drilling machine.

Abstract: A board exchanging apparatus comprising a first transfer device for transferring boards along a transferring path connecting a processing device and a feeder between the feeder and the transferring path, a second transfer device for moving a liftable board holding member along the transferring path and conveying the boards, a waiting device including liftable comb-like holding members superimposed in top and bottom relation and disposed at a location opposite to the processing device, a third transfer device for transferring the boards between the processing device and the waiting device, and a delivery device provded in the processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming openings in printed circuit boards includes a work table for supporting the printed circuit boards, and at least one drilling unit movable relative to the work table. The apparatus uses drills each having a shank, a collar fitted around the shank at a predetermined position. For holding these drills, at least one first tool holding device is provided on the work table, and at least one second tool holding device of a magazine type for containing the drills parallel to each other is removably mounted above the work table. At least one transferring device is provided to operate to push a desired drill out of the second tool holding device of the magazine type, hold the pushed-out drill and transfer the same to a position where it is aligned with the drilling unit.

Abstract: In a machine tool, a tool failure detection equipment in which chips or particles resulting from the machining of a work are collected and whether the tool is intact or broken is detected from the quantity of collected chips or particles. Chips or particles are sucked by a suction means and the quantity of collected chips or particles is detected by an optical detecting means. When the detected quantity is less than a predetermined value, the tool is detected as being broken.