VERTICAL RACK SPLINE-FORMING MACHINE

摘要

A vertical rack-type spline-forming machine (10) based on a novel slide base arrangement comprising a pair of vertical slide bases (12) structurally joined by a symmetrically arranged set of tie bars (14). The structurally-joined slide bases are supported on a non-structural space frame which provides improved access and lift capabilities to the vertical machine. The machine also includes a novel drive system using independent electric motors (36), one motor associated with each vertical slide base to drive the rack (24) on that base through position signals communicated between the motor drives, and the rack home positions are calibrated with electronic "datums" programmed into the motor drive and capable of being recalibrated in programmable fashion if one of the racks loses synchronicity.