QUICK-CHANGE BEARING ASSEMBLY THAT OBVIATES THE NEED TO RECENTER REPLACEMENT SPINDLES

摘要

The present invention provides an improvement for use in a machine tool having a spindle (51) mounted in a body opening (30) for axial and rotative movement relative to a body (31). The improvement includes a bearing assembly (25) that permits spindles (Sl , S2, S3, ...) to be quickly exchanged while obviating the need to recenter a replacement spindle with respect to the opening after the original spindle has been initially center therein. The improved bearing assembly (25) broadly includes: a ferrous tubular sleeve (29) mounted in the body opening, the sleeve having an outer surface (40) arranged to face toward a portion (31 ) of the body that surrounds the opening and having an inner surface (36, 39) arranged to face toward a penetrant portion of the spindle; and a tubular bearing (46) arranged within the sleeve, the tubular bearing having an outer surface (51 ) arranged to face the sleeve inner surface and having an inner surface (50) arranged to face the spindle penetrant portion.