Patent Application
20230356338
This application claims priority to German patent application 10 2022 111 480.5, filed on 9 May 2022. The entire content of this priority application is incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to an equipping device for tools, a machine tool that is provided with an equipping device, and to a method for loading or unloading tools for a machine tool.
DE 102 36 342 A1 discloses a device for loading a vertically oriented chain magazine, which is arranged to accommodate horizontally oriented tools. The loading device comprises a swivel drive, which transfers tools between an externally accessible loading position and an intermediate position. Furthermore, a transport device is provided, which transfers tools between the intermediate position and the chain magazine.
WO 2014/048707 A1 discloses a transfer gripper for transferring a vertically oriented tool between two positions, for example for loading a tool magazine or for transferring a tool between two tool magazines. The transfer gripper is arranged to grip a tool shank internally, wherein two opposing, obliquely oriented fingers are provided for this purpose, which in an engaged state can engage behind an undercut in the tool shank that is formed by a shoulder. The two fingers are arranged on opposite beams, which can be moved in opposite directions with respect to the tool by means of slanted guides. The two fingers can each be moved in a plane that is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° to 50° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool.
DE 10 2018 122 165 A1 discloses a transfer magazine for tools, which comprises a tool storage for holding a plurality of tools and a tool changer, by means of which tools can be changed into a tool spindle. Furthermore, a tool relocation device is provided, by means of which tools can be transferred between the tool storage and the tool changer. The tool relocation device enables a vertical removal movement and insertion movement for the tools.
DE 10 2009 041 075 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,632 A, DE 40 33 036 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 11,311,977 B2 disclose arrangements of tool transfer devices with tool shuttles. DE 20 2007 016 375 U1 discloses a gripping mechanism for gripping tools at their conical surface.
Tool handling plays a major role in the automation of machine tools. An automatic tool change expands the range of applications for the machine tool. workpieces can be extensively (ideally completely) machined in a single clamping setup. Furthermore, an automatic tool change allows the replacement of worn tools without major losses in productivity.
Tool mounts are usually used to clamp a tool in a tool holder, for example a tool holder of a tool spindle. Tool mounts are usually conical in shape, for example as a hollow shank taper (HSK). To provide a plurality of tools for a machine tool, tool magazines are usually provided, which comprise a plurality of magazine locations for tools.
Tools usually comprise handling portions, for example a handling groove on an outer circumference of a tool shank. Via the handling groove, a tool can be held and moved by a gripper, for example. Further, a tool can be seated in the receiving groove in a magazine location via the handling groove. In such a case, the handling groove can no longer be used for other handling units.
It has been observed that the manual loading of tool magazines, such as chain magazines, is sometimes associated with increased effort for an operator. This refers, for example, to correct alignment (axial orientation, rotational orientation) of the tool in relation to a magazine location. Especially in the case of relatively large tools with large shank dimensions, the considerable dead weight of the tool is an additional factor. By way of example, the handling of tools with a so-called HSK-100 (for example HSK-A 100) hollow shank taper is already made more complicated because the shaft alone (without tool section) weighs several kilograms. A tool with HSK-A 100 interface can have a weight of over 20 kg.
Tools with a large-diameter shank are naturally suitable for transmitting high torques. Consequently, a high stock removal rate can be achieved with them. The dimensions and weight of such tools must of course be taken into account when handling and stocking them.
There is still a need for automation solutions for the provision of tools for machine tools, for instance in connection with equipping tool magazines.
In view of this, it is an object of the present disclosure to present an equipping device for a tool magazine of a machine tool, which simplifies the loading and unloading of tools.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to present an equipping device, which is intended to serve as an interface between the machine tool and the environment.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to present an equipping device, which facilitates the loading and unloading of heavy tools.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to present an equipping device, which is be suitable for manual supply by an operator.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to present a machine tool that is provided with an equipping device.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to present a corresponding method for loading or unloading tools in a machine tool is to be presented.
According to a first aspect, these and other objects are achieved by an equipping device for a tool magazine of a machine tool, comprising:
According to another aspect, the above and other objects are achieved by a machine tool comprising:
According to another aspect, the above and other objects are achieved by a method for loading or unloading tools in a machine tool, comprising the steps of:
According to another aspect, the above and other objects are achieved by an equipping device for a machine tool, for instance for a tool magazine of a machine tool, wherein the equipping device comprises:
The equipping device is used, for example, to load a tool magazine. The equipping device is usually not used for a direct transfer of a tool between the provision location and a tool spindle. Instead, the equipping device is arranged, for example, in a rear area of the machine (for example, on the loading side) and enables loading or unloading of tools in relation to at least one tool magazine of the machine tool. The equipping device can transfer tools with the tool shuttle between the first transfer position and the second transfer position. Thus, new tools can be inserted into a tool magazine. However, tools (for example, used or worn tools) can also be discharged from the tool magazine.
At least the guide element is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. By way of example, the guide element is movable along the longitudinal axis of the tool in order to grip or release the tool. In an exemplary embodiment, both the guide element and the securing element are movable parallel to the longitudinal axis, for instance along the longitudinal axis, of the tool.
The tool magazine is arranged as a chain magazine, at least in exemplary embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the chain magazine is used to provide tools that can be exchanged directly between the chain magazine and the tool spindle, for example according to a so-called pick-up process, in which the tool spindle with its tool holder is configured to pick up tools from a transfer position or to dispose them there.
In exemplary embodiments, the tools are oriented in a hanging manner at least in the tool magazine and in the tool shuttle. The longitudinal axis of the tools is oriented vertically in such an embodiment. Usually, in this embodiment, an operational area (for example, cutting edge) of the tools is oriented downward.
In exemplary embodiments, the equipping device is used for handling large-diameter tools, for example tools with a hollow shaft taper (hollow shank taper) of the size HSK-100 (for example HSK-A 100). Such a tool comprises a handling portion with a diameter of about 100 mm. Confer exemplary tool dimensions in—German Institute for Standardization—DIN 69893-1 (edition 2011-04). Other designs of hollow shanks are conceivable. Sizes other than HSK-A 100 are also conceivable, for example HSK-A 63 or HSK-A 125. Other designs than hollow shank tapers are also conceivable, for example so-called steep taper shanks.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tool magazine, which can be equipped by means of the equipping device, comprises 36 or 52 magazine positions. The tool magazine is, for example, a horizontally oriented chain magazine that extends in a horizontal plane at least between the second transfer position of the equipping device and a further transfer position (third transfer position) for transferring tools between the tool magazine and the tool spindle. The magazine positions can be individually loaded with the equipping device. Tools can be loaded or unloaded. The respective magazine location in the second transfer position is provided by a drive of the tool magazine.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the guide element is arranged to move into a hollow shaft of the tool in order to take up a tool. According to this embodiment, the guide element can engage in the tool. The hollow shaft may also be referred to as a cup, in which the guide element engages. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the securing element is also arranged to move into the hollow shaft of the tool in order to receive the tool. By way of example, this is done together with the guide element.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing element is movable relative to the guide element in order to secure a gripped tool positively or non-positively at the guide element. By a movement in the opposite direction, a previously secured tool can be released from the guide element when the securing element is moved accordingly. As used herein, positive securing relates to positive fit or positive locking. As used herein, non-positive securing relates to force fit or force locking.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing element is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool relative to the guide element in order to engage at least one latching portion of the tool with at least one latching element. This relative movement between the securing element and the guide element allows the tool to be secured to the tool carrying unit of the tool shuttle by the gripping mechanism inside the hollow shaft.
The engaged latching elements can be released by a movement in the opposite direction so that releasing is possible, at least in exemplary embodiments. The latching elements are, for example, latching balls. The latching and the associated positional securing are performed, for example, in a form-fitting manner. By way of example, the latching portion is formed by an undercut in the interior of the hollow shaft, into which at least one latching element can engage. The undercut can also be referred to as a shoulder. By way of example, three or more latching elements are distributed in a circle around the longitudinal axis. When the latching elements are forced outwards by the securing element, the tool can be held and secured in a defined manner via its hollow shaft.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the guide element is part of a guide cylinder that is arranged on the base body. The guide cylinder is arranged, for example, as a fluidically controlled cylinder. The control is usually done with compressed air, but control with a hydraulic fluid is also conceivable.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing element is part of a securing cylinder that is coupled to the guide element. The securing cylinder is arranged, for example, as a fluidically controlled cylinder. The control is usually done with compressed air, but control with a hydraulic fluid is also conceivable.
According to another exemplary embodiment, at least the guide element or the securing element is part of a piston that is movable in a carrying housing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. Accordingly, there is, for example, a guide piston or a securing piston. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide element and the securing element are oriented concentrically with respect to each other and concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the guide element is formed at an end of a guide piston that is facing the tool. According to another exemplary embodiment, the guide element is oriented concentrically to the longitudinal axis of the tool when the tool is gripped.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing element is formed at an end of a securing piston that is facing the tool. According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing element is aligned concentrically to the guide element. According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing piston is arranged (radially) inside the guide piston.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide piston is movable relative to a base body of the tool shuttle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the securing piston is movable relative to the guide piston.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the securing piston projects through the guide piston with its end that is facing away from the mold, wherein the end of the securing piston that is facing away from the tool comprises a cantilever, which interacts with a position monitoring unit that is arranged on the base body. In this way, robust position monitoring is provided, for example via at least one proximity sensor. The position monitoring can be performed by externally accessible sensors that are not located inside the guide cylinder. This simplifies maintenance, repair and the like.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the position monitoring unit is configured to detect a position of the guide piston and a position of the securing piston via the cantilever. In this way, it can be detected whether a tool is held and secured by the gripping mechanism of the tool carrying unit.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the tool carrying unit is movable together with the tool shuttle between the first transfer position and the second transfer position. By way of example, the tool shuttle performs a translational movement between the first transfer position and the second transfer position. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool magazine is not directly available for an operator for loading or unloading tools. Instead, the equipping device enables a defined loading of the tool magazine.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the gripping mechanism, for instance the guide element thereof, grips the tool while omitting a handling portion of the tool that is arranged on a tool shank circumference. In other words, the (outer) handling portion remains accessible for other handling technology. This allows, for example, a defined placement of a tool in the tool magazine. When the gripping mechanism is actuated, the handling portion remains unobstructed in an exemplary embodiment. The gripping mechanism itself does not engage the tool there.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the tool rests at the provision location with a handling portion on a stationary provision support. In other words, a tool can be placed on the provision support at the provision location and moved from there from the first transfer position to the second transfer position by means of the tool carrying unit of the tool shuttle.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the tool is held in the tool magazine in the magazine location via the handling portion. Then, for example, the tool spindle can engage with the hollow shaft of the tool in order to remove the tool from the tool magazine by means of a pick-up or in order to insert a tool into an empty magazine location of the tool magazine.
According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one mechanical orientation guide for ensuring a rotational orientation of an inserted tool or at least one proximity sensor for detecting an inserted tool is arranged at the provision location. In this way, the tool can be transferred with a defined orientation (rotational orientation). In this way, insertion and locking in the tool magazine can be simplified. Furthermore, a defined orientation allows, for example, a simplified readout of a tool identifier (RFID chip, barcode or similar) that is oriented in a defined manner.
By way of example, a first proximity sensor is used to detect the presence of a tool, for example by detecting the presence of its hollow shaft. By way of example, a further proximity sensor is used to check whether a specific rotational orientation is actually present on the tool. This is done, for example, by aiming at certain geometries on the tool, which involve, for example, a recess that serves as a seat for a tool identifier. In addition or alternatively to the second proximity sensor, a sensor for detecting/reading the tool identifier can be installed.
According to another exemplary embodiment, at the provision location at least one stop for a tool that is presented in the first transfer position is provided, wherein the stop can be brought by the tool shuttle from a locking position into a release position. The stop is arranged, for example, as a movable stop. In this way, a tool can be provided in a defined manner at the provision location in the first transfer position. This simplifies the gripping of the tool with the tool carrying unit. When the tool shuttle approaches the first transfer position, the tool shuttle can move the at least one stop so that the gripped tool is removable from the provision location towards the second transfer position. Such actuation of the at least one stop is performed, for example, via sliding pieces that are provided on the tool shuttle.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tool shuttle can move the at least one movable stop against the force of a biasing element. When the tool shuttle is away from the provision location, the at least one stop is in a locking position. When the shuttle is positioned at the provision location in the first transfer position, the at least one stop is in a releasing position.
According to another aspect, the above and other objects are achieved by a machine tool comprising:
The equipping device is used to introduce tools into the tool magazine from outside, for instance. This applies, for example, to individual tools that are provided manually or automatically at the provision location. Conversely, tools can be removed in this way. The tool magazine is arranged, for example, as a chain magazine, for instance as a horizontally oriented chain magazine that permits a pick-up tool change with a vertically oriented spindle.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the machine tool comprises a first tool magazine and a second tool magazine, and exactly one equipping device, wherein the equipping device is operatively coupled to the first tool magazine for loading or unloading tools, and wherein tools are transferable by the tool spindle between the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine.
In this way, a transfer between the first tool magazine and the second tool magazine can take place within the machine tool by means of the tool spindle. One of the two tool magazines is equipped from the outside using the equipping device. The other tool magazine can be equipped immediately using the tool spindle for a tool transfer between the two tool magazines.
In an exemplary embodiment, the machine tool comprises a tool spindle and two tool magazines, both of which can be reached by the tool spindle for a tool change. The tool change is carried out in a pick-up process, for instance. At least one of the two workpiece magazines can be loaded with an equipping device according to one of the embodiments mentioned herein. The tool magazines may be arranged side by side, one above the other, and/or at least partially offset from each other. The tool spindle can be used for a sorting process.
In another exemplary embodiment, the machine tool comprises two tool spindles and two tool magazines. In such an embodiment, it is conceivable to provide a separate equipping device for each of the two tool magazines. It is also conceivable to provide an equipping device for only one of the two tool magazines. workpiece transfer between the two tool magazines then takes place via one of the two tool spindles.
According to another aspect, the above and other objects are achieved by a method of loading or unloading tools in a machine tool according to at least one of the embodiments described herein, comprising the following steps:
The process can also be used for unloading tools. Usually, the process is suitable for both loading and unloading. In the case of two tool magazines, the process can include a step of rearranging and/or transferring tools between the two tool magazines, wherein this is done by the tool spindle using a pick-up process.
It is to be understood that the previously mentioned features and those mentioned in the following may not only be used in the respectively indicated combination, but also in other combinations or as isolated features without leaving the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein:
In at least some of the Figures, a Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z is shown for illustrative purposes. The coordinate system is used to illustrate basic orientations and movement axes of the machine tool 10 and its components. An axis designated by X generally indicates a longitudinal extension. An axis designated by Y generally indicates a depth extension. In the exemplary embodiment, the axes X and Y together define a horizontal plane. An axis designated by Z generally indicates a height extension. The coordinate system X-Y-Z is primarily for illustration purposes and is not to be understood in a limiting sense. It is understood that other coordinate systems can also be used to describe the machine tool 10 and its components. The person skilled in the art can carry out corresponding transformations.
In the embodiment shown in
The machine tool 10 comprises a tool spindle 20 with a tool holder 22, which is arranged for receiving a tool. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool spindle 20 is oriented vertically. In
The tool spindle 20 is movable in three linear axes relative to the workpiece support 26. For this purpose, an X-carriage 30, a Y-carriage 32 and a Z-carriage 34 are provided in the embodiment. The Y-carriage 32 is seated on the cheeks 14 of the frame 12. The X-carriage 30 is arranged on the Y-carriage 32 to be linearly moveable. The Z-carriage 34 is arranged on the X-carriage 30 to be linearly moveable. The Z-carriage carries the tool spindle 20. The X-carriage 30 carries the Z-carriage 34. The Y-carriage 32 carries the X-carriage 30.
The X-carriage 30 is movable in translation in an X axis 40 (X-direction) along the Y-carriage 32. The Y-carriage 32 is movable in translation in a Y-axis 42 (Y direction) along the cheeks 14 of the frame 12. The Z-carriage 34 is movable in a Z-axis 44 (Z-direction) along the X-carriage 30. The Z-carriage 34 is movable vertically. The X-carriage 30 and the Y-carriage 32 are movable horizontally. In the exemplary embodiment, the swivel bridge 28 (A-axis, cf. swivel movements about the X-axis) and the workpiece support 26 (C-axis, cf. swivel movements about the Z-axis) provide further (rotational) movement axes. In total, 5-axis machining is possible with the machine tool 10. Other designs of the machine tool 10 are conceivable, for example with 4-axis kinematics, 3-axis kinematics or the like.
For illustrative purposes, an arrow 50 indicates a machining side in
In addition, a tool magazine 60 is shown by means of a schematic representation, which is for instance arranged as a chain magazine 62. The tool magazine 60 comprises a plurality of magazine positions 64 that are used to hold tools 66. In the embodiment shown in
An equipping device 70 is provided for loading the tool magazine 60. The equipping device 70 is configured to transfer tools 66 between an access opening 74 and the tool magazine 60, cf. an arrow designated by 72. Tools 66 can be provided at the access opening 74 and can be loaded therefrom by the equipping device 70 into an empty magazine location 64 of the tool magazine 60, which is provided by the tool magazine 60 there.
In the exemplary embodiment according to
The machine tool 10 according to
It is understood that the embodiments of the equipping device 70 illustrated in
Based on the configurations of machine tools 10 illustrated in
The equipping device 70 comprises a tool shuttle 90, which is mounted to a support 92 that is fixed to the frame. The tool shuttle 90 is movable between a first transfer position 94 and a second transfer position 96. In
The tool shuttle 90 comprises a base body 102, which is arranged as a base plate in the exemplary embodiment. The base body 102 is mounted via carriages 106 on guides 104, which are attached to the support 92 that is fixed to the frame. In the exemplary embodiment, two guides 104 are associated with each other and oriented parallel to the travel path 98. The base body 102 of the tool shuttle 90 comprises four carriages 106, two carriages 106 of which are respectively mounted on one of the two guides 104. The tool shuttle 90 is driven by a drive 108, which is arranged, for example, as a cylinder. The drive 108 acts on a driver 110, which is attached to the base body 102 of the tool shuttle 90, see also
The tool shuttle 90 of the equipping device 70 further supports a tool carrying unit 120. The tool carrying unit 120 is configured to grip a tool 66. In this way, the tool 66 can be secured to the tool shuttle 90 and transferred between the first transfer position 94 and the second transfer position 96 by movement of the tool shuttle 90. At the second transfer position 96, a transfer occurs between the tool shuttle 90 of the equipping device 70 and a magazine location 64 of a tool magazine 60 (cf. also
In each of
The tool 66 is for instance a drilling tool, a milling tool or the like, generally a tool for machining. The tool 66 includes a machining portion 124 and a hollow shaft 126 that is facing away from the machining portion 124. The machining portion 124 may include at least one cutting edge. The tool carrying unit 120 is configured to at least partially engage the hollow shaft 126 of the tool 66 to grip and secure the tool 66 via the hollow shaft 126. In the exemplary embodiment, the hollow shaft 126 comprises at its end two recesses 128 that are offset by 180° with respect to each other, which can be used to ensure a desired rotational orientation of the tool 66 in the equipping device 70.
The tool 66 involves a longitudinal axis 130. The hollow shaft 126 is at least partially concentric with the longitudinal axis 130. The tool 66 further comprises a handling portion 132 that is arranged between the hollow shaft 126 and the machining portion 124. The handling portion 132 may be a circumferential bead having functional elements for handling. In the embodiment, the handling portion 132 includes a support surface 134, a handling groove 136, and at least one orientation groove 138. Furthermore,
A provision location 144 is used to provide a tool 66 for pick-up by the tool carrying unit 120.
The stops 150 are formed on a body 176, which is acted upon by a biasing element 178. The biasing element 178 urges the stop 150 towards the locked position shown in
With additional reference to
The tool carrying unit 120 comprises a gripping mechanism 190, which comprises a guide cylinder 194 with a guide piston 196. At an end 202 of the guide piston 196 that is facing the tool 66, there is a guide element 198 that can at least partially enter the hollow shaft 126 of the tool 66. The guide piston 196 is disposed in a carrying housing 200 that is attached to the base body 102 of the tool shuttle 90. The gripping mechanism 190 further comprises a securing cylinder 204 comprising a securing piston 206. A securing element 208 is seated at an end 220 (
In the exemplary embodiment, the guide piston 196 is arranged concentric to the longitudinal axis 130 of the tool 66. In the exemplary embodiment, the securing piston 206 is arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis 130 of the tool 66. The guide piston 196 and the securing piston 206 are movable parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 and/or along the longitudinal axis 130, respectively, cf. the double arrow 212. The guide piston 196 is movable relative to the carrying housing 200 and thus relative to the base body 102 of the tool shuttle 90. The guide piston 196 and the securing piston 206 are movable relative to each other. A movement range of the guide piston 196 is defined by the carrying housing 200 of the guide cylinder 194. A range of movement of the securing piston 206 is defined by the recess 210 in the securing cylinder 204.
Due to the considerable vertical extension of the carrying housing 200, there is a considerable travel distance for the guide piston 196. The vertical extent of the recess 210 is significantly smaller, resulting in a smaller travel distance for the securing piston 206. When the guide piston 196 is moved, the securing piston 206 is basically also moved. The movement of the securing piston 206 relative to the guide piston 196 comprises a small offset stroke.
The guide element 198 and the securing element 208 cooperate to secure the tool 66 to the gripping mechanism 190 via its hollow shaft 126. For this purpose, the gripping mechanism 190 comprises latching elements 214, which are arranged, for example, as latching balls. The latching elements 214 are seated, at least in sections, in latching recesses 216 in the guide element 198. The securing element 208 comprises a displacement section 218, which is configured, for example, as a cone. The displacement portion 218 can urge the latching elements 214 radially outward as the securing element 208 is moved relative to the guide element 198 towards the tool 66 during movement of the securing piston 206.
In the position shown in
In the position shown in
Such a state is shown in
The guide cylinder 194 and the securing cylinder 204 can be fluidically controlled, for example pneumatically. In addition to the guide cylinder 194, the securing cylinder 204 forms a further offset stage that enables the tool 66 to be locked. The tool 66 is securely locked to the gripping mechanism 190 of the tool carrying unit 120. In the exemplary embodiment, this is accomplished by engaging the hollow shaft 126 of the tool and locking it there. Therefore, the handling portion 132 of the tool 66 is available for further handling operations. By way of example, the tool 66 can be deposited with the handling groove 136 of the handling portion 132 in a magazine location 64 of a tool magazine 60.
By way of example, the guide cylinder 194 and the securing cylinder 204 are double-acting cylinders. Starting from the position of the gripping mechanism 190 shown in
In a step S12, a tool is inserted into the provision location of the equipping device. This can be done manually by an operator. The tool can already be favorably aligned at the provision location for the transfer by the tool carrying unit.
A step S14 comprises positioning the tool shuttle in the first transfer position where the tool is ready. By way of example, the tool carrying unit with gripping mechanism is aligned concentrically to the longitudinal axis of a provided tool.
A step S16 comprises gripping the tool by the gripping mechanism. In a substep S18, this comprises a movement of the guide element (together with the securing element), for example into the hollow shaft of the tool. Furthermore, in a sub-step S20, the securing element is moved relative to the guide element to lock the tool to the gripping mechanism. Usually, substep S20 follows substep S18.
This is followed by step S22, which involves moving the tool shuttle from the first transfer position to the second transfer position. There, an empty magazine location is available in the tool magazine, to which the tool can be transferred. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool is therefore already adequately secured in the tool magazine when the tool shuttle has reached the second transfer position. This is done, for example, via the handling groove on the handling portion of the tool, which is not occupied by the gripping mechanism.
A step S24 comprises deposing the tool and releasing the gripping mechanism. This includes a substep S26, in which the securing element is moved relative to the guide element to unlock the secured position of the tool. This can be followed by a substep S28, in which the guide element (together with the securing element) is moved out of the hollow shaft of the tool. The tool shuttle can then be moved away from the second transfer position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the method ends at step S30. In certain embodiments, the method can be run backwards to unload tools from a tool magazine. It is understood that the method can also comprise steps that include a rearrangement of tools in the tool magazine using the tool spindle. This is also useful if several tool magazines are provided that can be reached by the tool spindle.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 111 480.5 | May 2022 | DE | national |
