Multiple spindle bar machine

摘要

A multiple spindle bar machine (10) is disclosed including a cylindrical spindle carrier assembly (30) supporting a spaced apart array of spindle bearings (200, 202). Workpiece holding spindles (40a-40f) are rotatably journaled in the spindle bearings (200, 202). A hollow spindle drive shaft (50) extends through a central opening in the spindle carrier (30) and includes a drive gear (54) pinned to an end of the shaft (50). The drive gear intermeshes with spindle gears (41a-41f) to drive the spindles (40a-40f) at a uniform rotational speed. The spindle carrier assembly is rotatably supported by at least one set of tapered roller bearings (126, 128) bearing against an outer peripheral surface of the spindle carrier (30). The set of roller bearings (126, 128) are disposed in a notched annulus in an inner peripheral surface of a headstock upright (16) . 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 (126, 128) is mechanically preloaded before machining operations commence. The spindle carrier (30) includes an interior manifold comprising passageways (224a-224f) between the spindle bearings (200, 202). A connector assembly (210) including a swivel connector is provided to route pressurized fluid in the hollow cavity of the spindle drive shaft (50) to the interior manifold of the spindle carrier (30) to preload the spindle bearings (200, 202).