A tool changer includes a holding member having a tool change arm, a rotating mechanism for rotating the holding member, a forward/backward moving mechanism for moving the holding member forward and backward, and a controller controlling the mechanisms. A zero return controller determines whether the tool change arm is holding tools. When it is not holding tools, the tool change arm is rotated to a predetermined non-interference angle, the tool change arm is translated to a forward/backward movement zero point, and the tool change arm is rotated to a rotation zero point. When it is holding tools, the tool change arm is translated to a forward end, the tool change arm is rotated to position it on an expected path, and the tool change arm is moved along the expected path, thereby moving the tool change arm to the rotation zero point and the forward/backward movement zero point.

A tool changer is composed of a support shaft, a forward/backward movement drive motor moving the support shaft upward and downward, a rotation drive motor rotating the support shaft about an axis, a tool change arm having tool grippers formed at both ends thereof, and an air blow mechanism discharging compressed air to a tool and a next tool gripped by the tool grippers. In tool change using this tool changer, in a positioning operation, the tool change arm is rotated by degrees and compressed air is discharged toward the tool and the next tool by the air blow mechanism.

A tool changer includes a holding member having a tool change arm, a rotating mechanism for rotating the holding member, a forward/backward moving mechanism for moving the holding member forward and backward, and a controller controlling the mechanisms. A zero return controller determines whether the tool change arm is holding tools. When it is not holding tools, the tool change arm is rotated to a predetermined non-interference angle, the tool change arm is translated to a forward/backward movement zero point, and the tool change arm is rotated to a rotation zero point. When it is holding tools, the tool change arm is translated to a forward end, the tool change arm is rotated to position it on an expected path, and the tool change arm is moved along the expected path, thereby moving the tool change arm to the rotation zero point and the forward/backward movement zero point.

The disclosure relates to column module, more particularly it is relating to a multi-axis column module. The multi axis column module comprising a support structure of predetermined shape; at least one Automatic Tool Changer [ATC] consisting a tool magazine ensconcing a plurality of tools mounted onto the support structure, a drive unit with a spindle connected to said tool magazine, a gripper arm connected to the spindle of the drive unit; and at least one ram housing having at least one spindle at center and is mounted over the support structure. The disclosure also provides for a method of swapping tools in the multi axis column nodule and method of assembling the multi axis column module.

Provided are a tool-gripping member, a tool magazine, and a machine tool. This tool-gripping member is provided to the tool magazine and grips a tool holder that supports a tool. A stand is fixed to a magazine base of the tool magazine and includes an engaging section with which the tool holder engages. A pair of claw members move pivotally around fulcrums provided to the stand, and sandwich and grip the tool holder while the tool holder is being engaged with the engaging section. The engaging section of the stand includes groove sections extending in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in which the pair of claw members face each other and the axial direction of the fulcrums.