SELF-CENTERING QUICK-CHANGE TOOL MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES

摘要

A tool mounting assembly for a gear hobbing machine is disclosed as being mounted between a drive spindle and an outboard bearing support in axial alignment with said drive spindle. The tool mounting assembly comprises a first coupling unit for detachably connecting one end of a hob in driving engagement with said drive spindle, and a second coupling unit for detachably connecting the other end of said hob to said outboard bearing support. The outboard support unit includes a plunger rotatably mounted in the bearing support and axially movable between a hob coupling position and an unload position, and has a drive means for selectively moving the plunger between said hob coupling and unload positions. The second coupling unit includes a first portion secured to the other end of said hob and a second portion secured to said plunger, and includes axial nesting means for self centering the other end of the hob. The outboard support unit includes a plunger drive means for positioning said plunger at the hob coupling position with sufficient end thrust to maintain the hob concentric with the axis of the drive spindle and to hold the first and second portions of first coupling unit in rigid driving relationship.