Multiple-spindle bar machine

• Main Authors: Babuder, Kirt M, Bender, Thomas M, Joseph, Douglas A, Stupica, L. Joseph
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 21.05.2002

The present invention relates to a multiple spindle bar machine and, more particularly, to an improved spindle carrier and spindle carrier bearing design. A multiple spindle bar machine is disclosed including a cylindrical spindle carrier assembly supporting a spaced apart array of spindle bearings. Workpiece holding spindles are rotatably journaled in the spindle bearings. A hollow spindle drive shaft extends through a central opening in the spindle carrier and includes a drive gear pinned to an end of the shaft. The drive gear intermeshes with spindle gears to drive the spindles at a uniform rotational speed. The spindle carrier assembly is rotatably supported by at least one set of tapered roller bearings bearing against an outer peripheral surface of a spindle carrier. The set of roller bearings are disposed in a notched annulus in an inner peripheral surface a headstock upright. Each roller bearing forms an acute included angle between the spindle carrier outer peripheral surface and a surface of the tapered bearing facing the spindle carrier. The set of tapered roller bearing is mechanically preloaded before machining operations commence. The spindle carrier includes an interior manifold comprising passageways between the spindle bearings. A connector assembly including a swivel connector is provided to route pressurized fluid in the hollow cavity of the spindle drive shaft to the interior manifold of the spindle carrier to preload the spindle bearings.