Turning machine for machining workpieces of multicontoured configurations

Claim 1

A lathe for machining workpieces of multicontoured configuration, comprising a working spindle for rotatably supporting multicontoured end of a workpiece, a tailstock for rotatably supporting the other end of the workpiece, a lathe tool movable longitudinally along the workpiece between the working spindle and the tailstock to contour the workpiece, and means mounting said working spindle and tailstock for movement independently of each other about circular paths of variable radius, said mounting means for each of said working spindle and tailstock comprising a pair of eccentric sleeves one inside of the other and one pair rotatably supporting said working spindle and the other pair rotatably supporting said tailstock, said means for rotating said working spindle comprising an input shaft, a differential gear having an input gear rotatable with said input shaft, a plurality of differential pinion gears mounted on an output shaft of said differential gear and in mesh with said input gear, a crown gear in mesh with said pinions, a worm gear in unitary assembly with said crown gear, a worm in mesh with said worm gear, means drivingly interconnecting said output shaft with said spindle, and means drivingly interconnecting said worm with said lathe tool whereby movement of said lathe tool longitudinally of the workpiece rotates said worm.