Chain Or Belt Patents (Class 483/68)
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Patent number: 11919107Abstract: A tool storage includes a tool magazine, a magazine mover, and a storage device cover. The tool magazine includes a plurality of tool holding members which are provided in the tool magazine and which are configured to hold a tool. The magazine mover is provided outside the tool magazine and is configured to move the tool magazine in a moving direction between an exchange position at which the tool is exchanged and a storage position at which the tool is stored. The storage device cover is provided to arrange the tool magazine and the magazine mover in the tool storage. The plurality of tool holding members are arranged in the moving direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: YAMAZAKI MAZAK CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuya Horibe, Seiichi Yoshida, Keigo Murakami
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Patent number: 11850693Abstract: A machine tool for machining workpieces comprises at least one tool spindle, at least one workpiece table, at least one first tool magazine, and at least one second tool magazine. The at least one tool spindle and the at least one workpiece table are movable relative to one another along a vertical axis and two horizontal axes to machine a workpiece that is clamped on the workpiece table with a tool that is clamped in the tool spindle. The vertical axis and the two horizontal axes are orthogonal to one another. The at least one first tool magazine, a tool set is provided that comprises a plurality of tools for machining, wherein the tools can be selectively clamped in the tool spindle. The at least one second tool magazine, a tool set is provided that comprises a plurality of tools for machining, wherein the tools can be selectively clamped in the tool spindle.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: CHIRON Group SEInventors: Michael Eble, Karl-Heinz Raffke, Swenja Koch-Weiler, Heinrich Bissert, Claus Eppler, Robert Gref
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Patent number: 11772217Abstract: A conveyance chain comprises a plurality of link plates alternately coupled and conveying plural tool pots each holding a tool. The plurality of link plates include an inner link plate and an outer link plate each including a rotation stop hole that stops a rotation of the tool pot and a rotation permit hole located upstream from the rotation stop hole with respect to a conveyance direction that permits a rotation of the tool pot. The plurality of tool pots includes a first tool pot and a second tool pot, the first tool pot is inserted through a rotation stop hole of the inner link plate and a rotation permit hole of the outer link plate, and adjacent to the first tool pot, the second tool pot is inserted through a rotation permit hole of the inner link plate and a rotation stop hole of the outer link plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.Inventors: Tatsuya Kamio, Tomoyuki Koyama
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Patent number: 11712770Abstract: A machine tool includes a lower tool post for holding a cutting tool, a tool main spindle for holding a cutting tool, a storage unit capable of storing the cutting tool, an exchange mechanism for exchanging the cutting tools between the tool main spindle and the storage unit, an inside robot for exchanging the cutting tools between the lower tool post and the tool main spindle, and a controller. The controller performs control such that the cutting tools are exchanged between the lower tool post and the storage unit via the inside robot, the tool main spindle, and the exchange mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: OKUMA CORPORATIONInventors: Shoichi Morimura, Yuichi Tazuke
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Patent number: 11583938Abstract: A machine tool comprises a tool carrier, e.g. in the form of a turret disc (7) that is provided with receptacles (8) for tool holders (9), wherein each tool holder and tool carrier comprise support surfaces associated to each other and devices for fixing the tool holder at the tool carrier. At least one clamping element is provided at the tool carrier (7) that is adjustably supported between a clamping position and a release position in a direction transverse to a tie rod of a tool holder arranged on a slider (22) receptacle of the tool carrier. The clamping element is provided with a first clamping surface (24) that can be brought into engagement with a second clamping surface (35) at the tie rod of the tool holder in a self-locking and releasable manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: ESA Eppinger GmbHInventors: Joel Judas, Rolf Liedecke
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Patent number: 11548109Abstract: A chain-type tool magazine includes a main body, a track, a chain, and a driving mechanism. The track is coupled to the mounting surface of the main body and provides a running route which includes a physical support segment and at least one vacant running segment. The chain is formed by a plurality of tool chains connected in series and is driven by the driving mechanism to run around the running route. When each of the tool chains of the chain passes through the physical support segment, each of the tool chains is in contact with the physical support segment. When each of the tool chains of the chain passes through the vacant running segment, each of the tool chains is not in contact with the track. With a discontinuous broken-track type design of the track, the cost can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: SANJET INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Ching-San Chang
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Patent number: 9005092Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool gripper chain bendable in two directions that has a chain assembly that includes: gripper blocks that each have a first tooth at the center of a curved groove; first and second gripper assemblies that have first and second gripper members rotatably mounted on the rear of gripper blocks and grip a tool; first and second outer links that are formed in an arc shape; first and second inner links that are formed in an arc shape and disposed zigzag with respect to first and second outer links between first outer link and second outer link; and first and second collars that are disposed between first inner link and second inner link, in which first gripper assembly is disposed in front of second outer link, second gripper assembly is disposed ahead of second inner ink, and a first shaft hole of first gripper assembly and second shaft hole of second gripper assembly are coaxially arranged, such that first and second gripper assemblies are coupled by a first shaft or a second sType: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.Inventor: Soo-Heon Kim
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Patent number: 8936541Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a chain-type bit-storing apparatus which includes a frame, two sprockets, a chain and a pivoting unit. The frame includes a cutout. The sprockets are placed in the frame. The chain is driven by the sprockets. The chain includes links each including a socket for containing a bit, two plates for supporting the socket, first and second blocks placed between the plates, first and second bearing units for rotationally supporting the first and second blocks on the plates, and a connecting unit for pivotally connecting the first block thereof to the second block of an adjacent link. The pivoting unit is used to pivot the socket of a selected one of the links to move an open end of the socket out of the frame through the cutout.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Chen Sound Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ying Sun
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Patent number: 8814771Abstract: There is provided a tool holding and conveying chain adapted to securely lock and position a tool pot, i.e., a connecting pin, to a pin hole of either an outer or inner link plate so that the tool pot does not to turn and to achieve steady and smooth attachment and removal of a tool in and out of the tool pot with a simple attachment structure. The tool pot has a pair of positioning flat portions formed by cutting a link plate attaching outer circumferential region of the tool pot and the outer link plate has a pair of positioning cooperative flat portions formed so as to bulge out of an inner circumference to a center of a pin hole. The positioning flat portions of the tool pot is fitted into and locked by the positioning cooperative flat portions when the tool pot is attached in the link plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Tomoyuki Koyama, Michio Oitaka
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Patent number: 8771158Abstract: A horizontal machining center includes: a table driven in first and second directions (directions indicated by arrows 530p and 530q, respectively) allowing the table to approach and move away from a spindle, respectively; a magazine having a plurality of tool gripping claws; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the table and the magazine together and moving the magazine in one of the first and second directions when the table is driven in the other of the first and second directions. When a tool attached to the spindle is removed from the spindle, the table is driven in the first direction, and when a tool accommodated by the magazine is attached to the spindle, the table is driven in the second direction. A horizontal machining center having a simple structure and prevented from having a bulky structure can thus be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazutoyo Moriguchi, Yoshiaki Azuma, Naoaki Yoshizato
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Patent number: 8740761Abstract: A tool chain magazine, in particular for program-controlled milling machines and machining centers, comprising a stationary supporting structure to which linear guiding devices, chain wheels, and a drive assembly as a rotary drive for at least one of the chain wheels are mounted. The tool chain comprises an endless magazine chain consisting of a series of chain links connected in an articulate manner to one another, wherein supporting and guiding elements are provided on each chain link, and each chain link has a respective socket as a holder for a tool taper. The base bodies of the chain links of the magazine chain are formed by the tool stations centrally disposed therein, and the front and rear connecting joints of the chain links are arranged in the longitudinal center axis of the magazine chain.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Deckel Maho Seebach GmbHInventors: Udo Tüllmann, Stephan Kümmel, Andreas Kretzschmar
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Publication number: 20140100094Abstract: A tool magazine that can make a long tool reasonably coexist with other tools and a machining center with the tool magazine are provided. The tool magazine has a rotatable magazine main body and plural of tool holders installed on the magazine main body. Each of the tool holders moves to a tool exchange position sequentially. A part or all of the tool holders has a capability of changing between an exchange posture that holds the tool in parallel to a rotation shaft of the magazine main body and a transport posture that holds the tool along with a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the magazine main body. The tool holder capable of changing postures takes the exchange posture when it locates in the tool exchange position and takes the transport posture when it leave the exchange position. The machining center has the above tool magazine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Komatsu NTC Ltd.Inventors: Junichi HAYASHI, Fumihiro KAMIKONYA, Yasuo HASEGAWA
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Patent number: 8672820Abstract: A tool stocker includes main stockers for holding a plurality of tools detachably mounted on a main spindle for machining a workpiece, an auxiliary stocker for holding and transferring tools to and from the main stockers, and a tool transfer mechanism for transferring tools between the main stockers and the auxiliary stocker. The auxiliary stocker includes a plurality of tool pods for removably supporting the tools therein, a rail in sliding engagement with outer surfaces of the tool pods, a chain for moving the tool pods in sliding engagement with the rail, and a motor for actuating the chain. The rail has a recess defined therein in alignment with the tool transfer mechanism, such that the tools transferred by the tool transfer mechanism pass through the recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motoki Uchikawa, Shoji Shibata, Takeshi Shibata, Shugo Arakawa, Masakazu Kubo, Tatsuhiko Tanaka, Kenichi Masuda
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Patent number: 8632447Abstract: A chain-type magazine includes a box, a chain-type conveyor and a spinning unit. The box includes a port defined therein. The chain-type conveyor includes links connected to one another so that each of the links can be pivoted relative to the other links about two axes in parallel to each other. A tool can be inserted in a holder inserted in each of the links. The spinning unit includes a mounting assembly, an elevating assembly, a rotary claw assembly and a connecting rod. The mounting assembly is connected to the box. The elevating assembly is movably connected to the mounting assembly. The rotary claw assembly is rotationally connected to the mounting assembly for catching a selected one of the links. The connecting rod connects the elevating assembly to the rotary claw assembly. The driving element drives the elevating assembly to spin the rotary claw assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Chen Sound Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ying Sun
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Patent number: 8523746Abstract: A machine tool with a chain magazine has a chain guide which extends in the x, y, and z-directions. It also has a magazine chain, which has chain members, which are connected to one another by means of universal joints and in each case have a tool receiver. The magazine chain is guided by means of the chain guide. The chain magazine is moveable in the z-direction for tool changing operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: MAG Europe GmbHInventors: Waldemar Haus, Wolfgang Horn
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Patent number: 8360945Abstract: An automatic tool storing mechanism which has a plurality of magazines, a transporting device, and a tool exchanging part. Each magazine holds a number of pots each provided with tools. The transporting device transports tool-mounted pots one by one between the position close to the magazine and the waiting position close to the main spindle. The tool exchanging arm takes out an unused tool from the pot which is waiting at the waiting position and attaches it to the main spindle and also removes the used tool from the main spindle and places it in the pot. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Kitamura, Kosaku Kitamura, Takashi Asano
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Publication number: 20120220437Abstract: A tool magazine that can make a long tool reasonably coexist with other tools and a machining center with the tool magazine are provided. The tool magazine has a rotatable magazine main body and plural of tool holders installed on the magazine main body. Each of the tool holders moves to a tool exchange position sequentially. A part or all of the tool holders has a capability of changing between an exchange posture that holds the tool in parallel to a rotation shaft of the magazine main body and a transport posture that holds the tool along with a plane perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the magazine main body. The tool holder capable of changing postures takes the exchange posture when it locates in the tool exchange position and takes the transport posture when it leave the exchange position. The machining center has the above tool magazine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Junichi Hayashi, Fumihiro Kamikonya, Yasuo Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8241191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak CorporationInventors: Naokazu Okabe, Kenji Arisue, Yasuhiro Goshima, Minoru Kitayama
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Publication number: 20120172186Abstract: A chain-type magazine includes a box, a chain-type conveyor and a spinning unit. The box includes a port defined therein. The chain-type conveyor includes links connected to one another so that each of the links can be pivoted relative to the other links about two axes in parallel to each other. A tool can be inserted in a holder inserted in each of the links. The spinning unit includes a mounting assembly, an elevating assembly, a rotary claw assembly and a connecting rod. The mounting assembly is connected to the box. The elevating assembly is movably connected to the mounting assembly. The rotary claw assembly is rotationally connected to the mounting assembly for catching a selected one of the links. The connecting rod connects the elevating assembly to the rotary claw assembly. The driving element drives the elevating assembly to spin the rotary claw assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: CHEN SOUND INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Ying Sun
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Patent number: 8202206Abstract: A workpiece is machined using a first cutting tool and subsequent cutting tools in a predefined time sequence. The sequence of cutting tools defines a sequence of previous and subsequent cutting tools, with each previous cutting tool being replaced by a subsequent cutting tool in the course of the machining operations. Each previous cutting tool, which is replaced by a subsequent cutting tool, is deposited at a defined storage place in a tool magazine. When being put back into the tool magazine, the previous cutting tools are distributed to the storage places in a spatial sequence which is different from a spatial sequence at the start of the machining operations and which substantially corresponds to the time sequence.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Stama Maschinenfabrik GmbHInventors: Achim Feinauer, Karl Frommer
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Publication number: 20110251035Abstract: A tool chain magazine, in particular for program-controlled milling machines and machining centers, comprising a stationary supporting structure to which linear guiding devices, chain wheels, and a drive assembly as a rotary drive for at least one of the chain wheels are mounted. The tool chain comprises an endless magazine chain consisting of a series of chain links connected in an articulate manner to one another, wherein supporting and guiding elements are provided on each chain link, and each chain link has a respective socket as a holder for a tool taper. The base bodies of the chain links of the magazine chain are formed by the tool stations centrally disposed therein, and the front and rear connecting joints of the chain links are arranged in the longitudinal center axis of the magazine chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: DECKEL MAHO Seebach GmbHInventors: Udo Tüllmann, Stephan Kümmel, Andreas KRETZSCHMAR
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Publication number: 20110218087Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool gripper chain bendable in two directions that has a chain assembly that includes: gripper blocks that each have a first tooth at the center of a curved groove; first and second gripper assemblies that have first and second gripper members rotatably mounted on the rear of gripper blocks and grip a tool; first and second outer links that are formed in an arc shape; first and second inner links that are formed in an arc shape and disposed zigzag with respect to first and second outer links between first outer link and second outer link; and first and second collars that are disposed between first inner link and second inner link, in which first gripper assembly is disposed in front of second outer link, second gripper assembly is disposed ahead of second inner ink, and a first shaft hole of first gripper assembly and second shaft hole of second gripper assembly are coaxially arranged, such that first and second gripper assemblies are coupled by a first shaft or a second sType: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.Inventor: Soo-Heon Kim
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Patent number: 7635327Abstract: A multi-layered tool magazine of a CNC machine having multiple specifications and fast tool-changing speed, includes a racket connecting to the CNC machine and being disposed with more than one set of tool magazine modules, a tool selecting module and a tool changing module. The tool changing module includes a tool selecting disk disposed with two tool selecting portions at both ends thereof respectively, and the tool selecting disk can move up and down corresponding to the tool magazine module. Furthermore, the tool changing module includes a tool changing rod disposed corresponding to the shaft of the CNC machine and a positioning point of the tool selecting module; therefore, it can increase the number of tools of the tool magazine and prepare the tools for the next process quickly in advance to exchange the tools with high speed and to further enhance the processing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Quaser Machine Tools, Inc.Inventor: Rock Liao
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Patent number: 7575543Abstract: A chain-type bit-storing apparatus is provided for a CNC machine tool. The chain-type bit-storing apparatus includes a chain engaged with sprockets rotationally provided thereon. The chain includes links each includes a frame, a rotator rotationally connected to the frame, a pin for pivotally connecting the frame thereof to the rotator of another link and a socket connected to the frame and used to receive a bit. There is a pivoting unit for pivoting a selected one of the bits by pivoting a related one of the links.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Inventors: Ying Sun, Chi Sun
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Patent number: 7361129Abstract: A multi-axis automatic tool-changing system for an automatic machining center which is disposed with a plurality of machining principal axes and a tool magazine. The tool magazine is disposed with a plurality of tool-changing positions located correspondingly to the machining principal axes. Between each machining principal axis and each tool-changing positions is disposed a tool-changing arm. Each tool-changing arm utilizes the first end and the second end tool-taking grooves to grasp and exchange the tools of the machining principal axes and the tool-changing positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: DAI-ICHI Machine Service Co.Inventor: Su Fang Yang
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Patent number: 7341549Abstract: A gripping and holding device in the handling system of a machine tool. The device comprises at least one preferably plate-like support member provided with at least two retainer fingers spreadable against a return force and defining a common accommodation orifice for a component to be clamped. At least one resiliently displaceable retainer finger is integrally formed with the support member and can be locked in its clamping position by a locking element.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: DECKEL MAHO Pfronten GmbHInventor: Robert Jung
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Publication number: 20080039306Abstract: A multi-axis automatic tool-changing system for an automatic machining center which is disposed with a plurality of machining principal axes and a tool magazine. The tool magazine is disposed with a plurality of tool-changing positions located correspondingly to the machining principal axes. Between each machining principal axis and each tool-changing positions is disposed a tool-changing arm. Each tool-changing arm utilizes the first end and the second end tool-taking grooves to grasp and exchange the tools of the machining principal axes and the tool-changing positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Su Fang YANG
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Patent number: 7322916Abstract: The invention provides a tool magazine device for a vertical machining center having a protective cover for a shank. A tool magazine device 100 disposed in a vertical machining center comprises a chain 120 moved between sprocket wheels 130 and 140, and the chain 120 is equipped with tool holders 200. Each tool holder 200 has a tool holder member 220 for holding the shank portion of the tool 1 and a shank pod 230 for covering the shank portion. The automatic tool change preparation device 300 lifts the shank pod 230 by gripping a knob 250 of a shaft 240 connected to the shank pod 230, so as to enable an automatic tool change arm to change the tool 1.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak CorporationInventors: Minoru Hazeyama, Takeshi Yasuda
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Patent number: 7255667Abstract: A carrier for tool holders of a machine tool has at least one movable jaw which can be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of said tool holders. Said movable jaw can be pivoted between an expanded position and a closed position in which it grasps in a form-fitting manner a tool holder which is inserted into said carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Chiron-Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dirk Prust, Hans-Henning Winkler
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Patent number: 7172542Abstract: A tool changing device and a tool cleaning method capable of surely removing foreign matter such as swarf adhered to tapered portions and/or flange portions of tools, which serve as contact faces to be in contact with a spindle. There is arranged tool cleaning nozzles for spouting coolant on both sides of the spindle in the rotating position of a turret. The tool cleaning nozzle has a position and a posture such that the coolant spouted from the nozzle hits against the tapered portions and/or the flange portions of the tools held by the turret. The coolant is spouted from the tool cleaning nozzle with the rotation of the turret at the time of tool selection. Each time the turret rotates, the tapered portions and/or the flange portions of the tools held by the turret are cleaned by the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Naoki Sato, Akihiko Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7104941Abstract: A tool pot according to the present invention includes a synthetic resin portion made from thermo-plastic resin and arranged over an entire length from an opening end to a tool gripping portion. Inner surface of the synthetic resin portion is a tool attachment hole. The synthetic resin portion is provided in the vicinity of the opening end of the attachment hole with a supporting surface for supporting a tool. The synthetic resin portion includes an outer structure defining outer shape, an inner structure defining inner circumference of the tool attachment hole, a cavity provided between the outer structure and the inner structure, and joint ribs joining the outer structure and the inner structure. Each of the outer structure, the inner structure and the joint ribs has wall-thickness enough to secure rigidity of the synthetic resin portion and capable of suppressing mold shrinkage of the synthetic resin portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignees: AQI Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Sakuragi, Toshihiro Goto
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Patent number: 7063653Abstract: A horizontal machining center 1 has a table 20 on a bed 10. An X-axis slidable surface is provided on the bed 10, and a column 30 is driven by a servo motor 32. A spindle stock 40 is supported on the column 30 and is driven along a Y axis extending in a vertical direction. An automatic tool change unit 100 replaces a tool on a spindle 44 on the spindle stock 40 with a tool in a tool magazine. An X-axis cover 200 provided between the table 20 and the column 30 has a plate-like fixed cover 205 and a pair of slidable covers 210. The fixed cover 205 is disposed with one edge thereof passing through an opening 150 formed in the middle of the tool magazine 110. Structured in this way, the horizontal machining center can have a reduced size.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak CorporationInventors: Kazuya Horibe, Tatehito Buma
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Patent number: 6579216Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Deckel Maho Seebach GmbHInventors: Frank Germerodt, Thorsten Lasch, Eberhard Stenzel
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Patent number: 6514184Abstract: A rotating tool pot chain is capable of bending in both directions, the tool pot sweeps a relatively small area as it rotates, and the chain is capable of holding the tool pot stably. A pair of inner link plates (23) and a pair of outer link plates (24), are formed with openings to provide tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a) so that the tool pot, when stored, is parallel direction with the adjacent link connection pins 26. The center of each tool pot storage area (23a, 24a) is located on a chain pitch line passing through the centers of the adjacent connection pins 26. Further, the fulcrum (support pin 50) on which the tool pot 42 rotates is below the level of the adjacent connection pins 26 but above the bottoms of the tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Michio Oitaka, Kazuhiko Araki, Hiroshi Yokota, Kazuo Kouyama, Shinichi Ozaki
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Publication number: 20020137612Abstract: A rotating tool pot chain is capable of bending in both directions, the tool pot sweeps a relatively small area as it rotates, and the chain is capable of holding the tool pot stably. A pair of inner link plates (23) and a pair of outer link plates (24), are formed with openings to provide tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a) so that the tool pot, when stored, is parallel direction with the adjacent link connection pins 26. The center of each tool pot storage area (23a, 24a) is located on a chain pitch line passing through the centers of the adjacent connection pins 26. Further, the fulcrum (support pin 50) on which the tool pot 42 rotates is below the level of the adjacent connection pins 26 but above the bottoms of the tool pot storage areas (23a, 24a).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Michio Oitaka, Kazuhiko Araki, Hiroshi Yokota, Kazuo Kouyama, Shinichi Ozaki
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Patent number: 6428454Abstract: A tool pot separation type chain for use in a tool magazine includes a plurality of tool pots, and a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced link plates each adjacent ones of which are connected to each other by a connection pin. Each of the pairs of link plates has a tool pot receiving section for removably receiving one of the tool pots therein. Each of the tool pots has a pair of bearings mounted thereon such that outer races of the bearings are movable in rolling contact on a guide rail or a tool pot jumping-out preventing rail provided in an opposing relationship with the guide rail in the tool magazine. With this construction, the tool pot separation type chain is able to minimizes the traveling resistance thereof during carrying of the tool pots to reduce the driving force, prevent abrasion of the tool pots and the rails and suppress generation of noise and also facilitates a carrying in or carrying out operation of each tool pot at a tool pot loading/unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Hiroshi Yokota, Kazuhiko Araki, Michio Oitaka
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Patent number: 6066078Abstract: The machine tool comprises two headstocks (16,17), arranged on a support (10), which are movable independently of each other along their height and their longitudinal direction. A respective one (17) of the headstocks is active in the treatment of a workpiece attached on a workpiece carrier (20), while the other headstock (16) can be moved behind a tool magazine (24) for receiving a tool therefrom. While the one headstock is still working on the workpiece, the other headstock with the next tool can already be accelerated to the required working rotational speed and be advanced to the tool. Thus, the time required for exchange of tools is extremely shortened.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Honsberg Lamb Sonderwerkzeugmaschinen GmbHInventors: Rolf Koelblin, Reinhard Schneider, Werner Mueller, Horst Fein
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Patent number: 6024681Abstract: The present invention refers to a tool-changing mechanism that can be used especially in combination with a metal-forming press. Especially in the case of big and heavy forming tools, pairs of tools are difficult to exchange. The present invention intends to provide the possibility of exchanging also tools of this type rapidly and easily, the tool exchange being, in addition, carried out automatically, if desired. For this purpose, the tool-changing mechanism (1) includes a circulating means provided with a plurality of reception means (4a, 4b) for holding forming tools (5a, 5b). The tool-changing mechanism is adapted to be set up beside a metal-forming press. At a tool changing position, the tools can be pushed into the metal-forming press. Furthermore, the present invention refers to an arrangement comprising a metal-forming press and a tool-changing mechanism in the case of which said tool-changing mechanism is arranged directly at the side of the metal-forming press (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Amada GmbHInventors: Werner Latten, Hideji Saito
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Patent number: 5997454Abstract: A machine for cutting panels, the substantially horizontal worktable of which supports the panels and presents a lateral guide extending in a given direction; the guide supporting a carriage presenting at least one cutting member; the carriage being movable in freely-sliding manner in the aforementioned direction to cut the panels by means of a cutting member; clamping means being provided over the worktable to clamp the panels during cutting; a store containing further cutting members being provided to the side of the worktable; and a device for picking up the cutting members being provided between the carriage and the store to replace a cutting member on the carriage with a cutting member from the store.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Selco S.r.l.Inventor: Valter Naldi
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Patent number: 5971904Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine-tool (20) including at least one machining station able to accommodate selectively a tool, at least one tool magazine for storing the tools, a tool transfer device, and control means for driving the tool magazine. The machine-tool is characterised in that the tool magazine (21) is formed as a closed circuit of several interconnected main supports (30), in that each main support (30) can accommodate and hold several subsidiary supports (31) intended to carry at least two tools. The machine-tool (20) further includes an operator interface for loading/unloading the subsidiary supports (31) from outside the machine-tool (20), independently of the operating state of the machine-tool (20). The storage capacity of such a tool magazine (21) is advantageously high, and makes the machine-tool highly autonomous.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Posalux S.A.Inventors: Claude Soltermann, Werner Imhof, Alexandre Faoro
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Patent number: 5944643Abstract: The machine tool comprises two headstocks (16,17), arranged on a support (10), which are movable independently of each other along their height and their longitudinal direction. A respective one (17) of the headstocks is active in the treatment of a workpiece attached on a workpiece carrier (20), while the other headstock (16) can be moved behind a tool magazine (24) for receiving a tool therefrom. While the one headstock is still working on the workpiece, the other headstock with the next tool can already be accelerated to the required working rotational speed and be advanced to the tool. Thus, the time required for exchange of tools is extremely shortened.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Honsberg Lamb Sonderwerkzeugmaschinen GmbHInventors: Rolf Koelblin, Reinhard Schneider, Werner Mueller, Horst Fein
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Patent number: 5692984Abstract: A flexible drive member for pushing and pulling an article includes a toothed belt section and ridge members which are arranged on the opposite surface of the toothed belt section along the length direction of the toothed belt section. The ridge members abut adjacent ones when the toothed belt section extends straight. The ridge members include respective hold portions which hold an elongated member, such as a hose and a wire. The abutment of adjacent ridge members enables transmission of pushing force. A fluid-operated device moving apparatus utilizes the flexible drive member which is arranged to have a T-shaped transverse cross-section corresponding to a T-shaped groove in which the flexible drive member can be guided. A fluid-operated device, such as a hydraulically operated clamping device, is coupled to one end of the flexible drive member.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: SR Engineering Company LimitedInventors: Fuminori Kayatani, Takaaki Nishio
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Patent number: 5476436Abstract: The invention concerns a chain magazine designed to hold the machining tools for machining devices, in particular tooling machines. The magazine comprises a continuous chain fitted with holder devices for the machining tools and driven by at least two sprockets and guided by guide elements up to the point of contact with the pitch diameter of the drive or guide sprocket wheel. The chain magazine further comprises chain links consisting of a connecting bar and, joined to the bar, two tubular sleeve elements of different diameter which form the flexible couplings between the links. Holder devices for machining tools are disposed coaxially to the hinge axes in the mutually encircling tubular sleeves under a small motion clearance. Shaft-like cutouts are furnished in each of the tubular sleeves and exhibiting parallel faces disposed spaced apart and directed toward the center axes of the holder devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Kopp Werkzeugmaschinen GmbHInventor: Udo Klicpera
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Patent number: 5250017Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignees: Kabushikikaisha Otec, Kabushikikaisha Ariyoshi KikoshudanInventor: Kiyoko Ariyoshi
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Patent number: 5213192Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet changing mechanism for a machine tool wherein when pallets loaded with works through an attachment are successively changed, an input and output cable or the like for connecting a control device of a machine tool and an attachment is automatically re-connected to an attachment next to be carried in from an attachment carried out of a machining table of the machine tool. The connector device comprises a movable portion provided on the machining table of the machine tool and a fixed portion provided on the pallet. Mounting and dismounting of the input and output cable or the like every time a pallet is changed is carried out simply and positively. A shield member is disposed on the connector device to thereby completely separate and shield a plurality of connector blocks from each other, and positive operation, detection and the like for the attachment are carried out.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisao Kuse