MULTISPINDLE MACHINE TOOL WITH APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CHANGING TOOL AND METHOD FOR CHANGING TOOL IN SUCH MACHINE TOOL Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: machine tool manufacture, number program control machine tools. SUBSTANCE: machine tool includes foundation, strut rigidly secured to it. In vertical guides of strut two spindle stocks with mutually parallel horizontally arranged spindles are mounted with possibility of individual motion. Each spindle stock may perform additional horisontal motion in parallel relative to axis of spindle. Machine tool also includes magazine with seats for tools and table for worked parts mounted in front of strut with possibility of horisontal motion normal relative to spindle stocks. In order to realize non-stop operation of machine tool at changing tool, machine tool is provided in addition with magazine having seats for tools and with two mechanisms for changing tools. Each mechanism for changing tool has rotatable mechanized arm with grippers for tools. Said magazines are mounted in separate bases at both sides relative to strut with possibility of independent motions parallel to its vertical guides. Mechanisms for changing tool are mounted with possibility of independent (one from another) motion between magazines and spindle stocks. Method comprises steps of periodically changing tool in spindles by means of two mechanized arms with grippers for tool and periodically changing tools in said magazines. It is possible to change tools in spindles alternatively from both magazines by means of alternating operations of both arms. Tool is changed in each magazine simultaneously with changing tool in one spindle and at working part by other spindle. EFFECT: improved design, enhanced operational efficiency of machine tool with such apparatus. 2 cl, 3 dwg