A tool turret, in particular intended for the use in a machine tool and for an automated tool change process, wherein in at least one work station (7) of the pivotable tool disk (5) a holder (9) intended for receiving a machining tool (15) can be attached to the tool disk (5) in a re-detachable manner by means of a clamping device (31) assigned to the individual workstation (7), wherein, in a setting position of the tool disk (5) that differs from the working position (11), the respective clamping device (31) can be activated or deactivated while leaving the holder (9) on the tool disk (5), and wherein, in a changing position of the tool disk different from the working (11) and adjusting position (57), the relevant clamping device (31) unlocks the holder (9) in such a way that it can be removed from the tool disk (5) and replaced by another holder (9) holder to be used.

A machine tool includes: a turret configured to hold a tool through a clamp mechanism; a workpiece main spindle device configured to rotatably hold a workpiece; a switching unit configured to change a clamp state of the clamp mechanism by using rotation torque of the workpiece main spindle device; and an in-machine robot configured to move the switching unit. The clamp mechanism includes a torque input hole to which rotation torque is applied to change the clamp state. The switching unit includes an input shaft coupled with the workpiece main spindle device, an output shaft coupled with the torque input hole of the clamp mechanism and configured to output torque to the torque input hole, and a transmission mechanism configured to transfer, to the output shaft, the rotation torque of the workpiece main spindle device input through the input shaft.

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.

In a machine tool having a tool carrier (1) that comprises at least one receptacle (4) for a tool holder (3) for driven or stationary tools a tool change device is provided that comprises gripping means (370) for gripping the tool holder (3) at the housing (7) or at part (71) connected with the housing (7). In addition to the gripping means the tool change device comprises a device for actuating the fastening means that are configured for attachment of the tool holder at the tool carrier.

A machine tool setup changing method includes mounting a master workpiece onto a tool spindle axis, deforming a gripping part by gripping, with the gripping part of a jig, a mock clamped portion of the master workpiece mounted on the tool spindle axis, and removing the master workpiece from the tool spindle axis and mounting a tool supported on a tool support device onto the tool spindle axis, wherein the workpiece gripped at the clamped portion by the gripping part, which was deformed in accordance with the mock clamped portion, can be machined with the tool.

A numerical controller performs control to rotate a turret, which holds a plurality of tools on the outer peripheral portion thereof, thereby moving one (selected tool) of the tools selected by a command to a predetermined position (selected position). The numerical controller sets and holds a partial area of the outer peripheral portion of the turret as an area (passage-prohibited area) prohibited from passing through the selected position and determines whether or not the selected tool is present in the passage-prohibited area or whether or not the passage-prohibited area passes through the selected position as the selected tool is moved to the selected position.

A numerical controller performs control to rotate a turret, which holds a plurality of tools on the outer peripheral portion thereof, thereby moving one (selected tool) of the tools selected by a command to a predetermined position (selected position). The numerical controller sets and holds a partial area of the outer peripheral portion of the turret as an area (passage-prohibited area) prohibited from passing through the selected position and determines whether or not the selected tool is present in the passage-prohibited area or whether or not the passage-prohibited area passes through the selected position as the selected tool is moved to the selected position.

There is provided a clamping mechanism, including: a housing which is movable to clamp or unclamp an object having clamping blocks; a clamping plate disposed in front of the housing; and a first elastic member applying a clamping force to the clamping plate by movement of the housing, wherein the clamping blocks have receiving grooves in which edges of the clamping plate are received.

A tool magazine (40) is able to move among a machining position where a tool (2) attached to a spindle (30) machines a workpiece, a tool exchange position where the tool (2) attached to the spindle (30) is exchanged, and a retreat position where an automated workpiece carrying device is not disturbed in placing or removing of the workpiece with respect to a workpiece placing part (20). The workpiece is placed on the workpiece placing part (20) from above or removed upward from the workpiece placing part (20) by the automated workpiece carrying device.

A universal machining system capable of accommodating multiple small-batch or one-off machining jobs, involving workpieces of different diameter and composition, comprises a rotating chuck having multiple jaws that may be adjusted positionally inward or outward towards the longitudinal centerline of the workpiece or removed entirely, and a tool turret capable of holding a variety of socketed tools. System also comprises a measurement sensor, which may be separate or comprise one of the socketed tools. A control program collects machining instructions for a series of workpieces, and directs the chuck, the tool turret, the measurement sensor, and at least one robot to load/unload workpieces and tools from the chuck and turret, respectively, measure workpieces and tools for quality control, and track available storage, overriding or skipping individual machining instructions as dictated by safety parameters and the availability of raw materials and tools.