Magnetic tool changer

• US 4,614,137 A
• Filed: 07/14/1983
• Issued: 09/30/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Jones, Everett E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kazenske, E. R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fridie Jr., Willmon
• Application Number:
  US06/513,631
• Time in Patent Office: 1,174 Days
• Field of Search: 192/21.5, 192/84, 82/2.5, 279/1 M, 279/1 ME, 279/1 A, 173/164, 173/163
• US Class Current: 82/124
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 31/28 using electric or magnetic means in the chuck
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 279/23 with magnetic or electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 279/3406 Adapter
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 82/2514 with work feeder or remover

Abstract

A magnetic machine tool changer and driver for electro-magnetically holding and driving a cutting tool when working on a work piece. The changer and driver further including a transfer mechanism for removing the cutting tool by electro-magnetic means.

Claims

1. A magnetic machine tool changer and driver for electro-magnetically holding and driving a cutting tool, the tool driver assembly comprising:

a drive motor having a rotating spindle therein;

an electro-magnetic member for producing an electro-magnetic field which can be energized and de-energized and being mounted concentrically about the spindle;

an armature plate secured to the spindle;

the armature plate mounted on top of the electro-magnetic member and centered thereon;

a spring biased pin received on top of a coil spring in the bottom of a bore through the center of the armature plate and spindle, the top of the pin extending upwardly from the top surface of the armature plate; and

a removable tool adapter having a tool chuck adapted for holding the cutting tool, the tool adapter secured to the top of the armature plate when the electro-magnetic member is energized, the bottom of the tool adapter having a hole therein for receiving the top of the pin when the tool adapter is secured to the top of the armature and centered thereon, the bottom of the pin compressing the coil spring downwardly in the bore when the electro-magnetic member is energized, when the field is de-energized the pin is urged upwardly by the spring for aiding in the release of the removable tool adapter from the top of the armature plate.

2. The tool adapter as described in claim 1 further including a transfer mechanism having a second electro-magnetic member, the transfer mechanism adapted for receipt over the top of the tool adapter, when the electro-magnetic member of the driver assembly is de-energized and the electro-magnetic member of the transfer mechanism is energized, the tool adapter is secured to the transfer mechanism for removing the cutting tool from the drive motor assembly.

3. The tool adapter as described in claim 2 further including a rotatably mounted armature plate attached to the electro-magnetic member of the transfer mechanism, the armature plate engaging the top of the tool adapter when the cutting tool is transferred.

4. A magnetic machine tool changer and driver for electro-magnetically holding and driving a cutting tool, the tool driver assembly comprising:

a drive motor having a rotating spindle therein;

an electro-magnetic member for producing an electro-magnetic field which can be energized and de-energized and being mounted concentrically about the spindle;

a first armature plate secured to the spindle;

said first armature plate mounted on top of the electro-magnetic member and centered thereon;

a spring biased pin received on top of a coil spring in the bottom of a bore through the center of the armature plate and electro-magnetic member, the top of the pin extending upwardly from the top surface of the armature plate;

a removable tool adapter having a tool chuck adapted for holding the cutting tool, the tool adapter secured to the top of the first armature plate when the electro-magnetic member is energized, the bottom of the tool adapter having a hole therein for receiving the top of the pin when the tool adapter is secured to the top of the first armature plate and centered thereon, the bottom of the pin compressing the coil spring downwardly in the bore when the electro-magnetic member is energized, when the electro-magnetic member field is de-energized the pin is urged upwardly by the spring for aiding in the release of the removable tool adapter from the top of the first armature plate;

a transfer mechanism having a second electro-magnetic member which can be energized and de-energized, the transfer mechanism adapted for receipt over the top of the tool adapter; and

a second armature plate attached to the second electro-magnetic member of the transfer mechanism, the second armature plate engaging the top of the tool adapter when the first electro-magnetic member of the drive motor assembly is de-energized and the second electro-magnetic member of the transfer mechanism is energized.