GB1471036A - Tool holding turret assemblies for machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1471036 Indexing tool turrets; turret lathes HYDRO MACHINE TOOLS Ltd 28 Jan 1976 [8 Nov 1974] 48558/74 Headings B3B and B3T A tool turret assembly for a machine tool such as a lathe comprises two tool turrets 4 and 6 one being mounted on the other, the turret 4 mounted on a base 2 attachable to the machine frame, each turret is connected to a double acting piston and cylinder unit 44, 46 and 72, 70 which is actuated to axially release and clamp the turrets to permit their indexing to bring appropriate cutting tools into operating positions, the fluid pressure supply being fed selectively to the turrets and includes only two pressure supply lines 40, 42 and valve means whereby the selective operation of clamping releasing is achieved. The indexing of the turrets 4 and 6 is selectively effected from a common rack and pinion device 36, 28 through selectively engaged gearing 98-90 and 32 and 34. Toothed couplings 16 and 74 are provided between each respective turret 4 and 6 and their supports and which are engaged when the clamping operation has been effected so that the turrets are securely and accurately locked in their desired indexed position. The arrangement of the gears is such as to permit indexing of one turret at a time in a predetermined sequence related to the machining cycle of the machine for a given workpiece. Hydraulic control by way of valves 100, 140 and 138 ensures that pressure fluid supplied to effect clamping and releasing of the turret 4 does not simultaneously release turret 6. The control of the hydraulic system and the indexing of the turrets is effected by way of micro switches 128 and 130 and fluid control switch 141, the sequence of operation being pre-set depending on the working cycle of the machine. In the embodiment described the two turrets are mounted for indexing about axes which are at right angles to each other.