TOOL REPLACEMENT DEVICE OF MACHINING CENTER

PURPOSE:To shorten the tool replacement time in a simple and low-priced constitution by disposing and holding a tool adjacent to the next tool in a refuge position by a refuge means during the machining operation of a main spindle. CONSTITUTION:During the machining operation of a main spindle 4, a tool magazine 10 is turned to index No, 5 supporting portion for supporting a tool F adjacent to the next tool B in a position corresponding to a refuge mechanism 13. When the tool F is stopped between gripping members, the gripping members are closed to grip the tool F. Subsequently, the tool F is pulled out from No. 5 supporting portion to be disposed and held in the refuge position WP, and then the emptied No. 5 supporting portion is indexed in a replacement position CP. When machining using the preceding tool A is completed, the main spindle 4 is moved to the replacement position CP and after the preceding tool A is stored in the emptied No.5 supporting portion, the main spindle 4 is raised. Subsequently, No.6 supporting portion for supporting the next tool B is indexed in the replacement position CP, and the main spindle 4 is lowered to install the next tool B on the main spindle 4.