Abstract A machine tool comprising a machining spindle adjustably extensible longitudinally within a rotary support sleeve and releasably clamped to the sleeve by a clamping bushing applied by high pressure hydraulic energizing means positioned on the spindle sleeve in such manner that application of the camping bushing does not change the load on precision bearing means used to support and precisely locate the sleeve radially and axially and does not apply significant axial stress to the structure that functions to determine the axial position of the spindle to the end that the spindle is clamped for rotation precisely in the exact axial position desired. The clamping bushing has an axial position proximate a precision bearing that locates the sleeve and spindle axially with precision and the high fluid pressure clamp energizing structure that rotates with the sleeve and energizes the clamp hydraulically is situated on the sleeve so that the portion of the sleeve that determines axially location of the spindle is effectively isolated from significant axial stresses incident to clamping of the spindle. High pressure clamp energizing means rotatable with the sleeve is energized by fluid under relatively low pressure fed to the rotary sleeve assembly by a fluid supply collar which permits high speed rotation of the sleeve without wear or deterioration of the structure.
A fluid transfer assembly for use with a machine tool, or the like, and comprising, in combination: a rotary member defining thereon a surface of revolution of generally cylindrical shape and having a first fluid supply passage means formed therein which include at least one port opening to said surface of revolution; a collar member encircling said surface of revolution and having a running fit therewith, said collar member having second fluid supply passage means including at least one annular supply groove opening to the inner peripheral surface of said collar and disposed in confronting relation to said surface of revolution and overlying said supply port to provide continuous communication between said first and second fluid supply passage means upon rotation of said rotary member, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced hydrostatic bearing means disposed on opposite sides of said groove; and mounting means for said collar member providing for limited freedom of movement in both the radial and axial directions, such that said collar can float with respect to said rotary member and be maintained in the optimum operating position in coaxial relation to said rotary member at all times, said mounting means including a radially disposed ear formed on said collar member and having an aperture therein, and a stud disposable in said aperture for fixed connection to stationary bracket means, said stud having a loose fit with said aperture to provide a lost motion type of connection such that said collar is free to move relative to said stationary bracket means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
254 words
A fluid transfer assembly for use with a machine tool, or the like, and comprising, in combination: a rotary member defining thereon a surface of revolution of generally cylindrical shape and having a first fluid supply passage means formed therein which include at least one port opening to said surface of revolution; a collar member encircling said surface of revolution and having a running fit therewith, said collar member having second fluid supply passage means including at least one annular supply groove opening to the inner peripheral surface of said collar and disposed in confronting relation to said surface of revolution and overlying said supply port to provide continuous communication between said first and second fluid supply passage means upon rotation of said rotary member, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced hydrostatic bearing means disposed on opposite sides of said groove; and mounting means for said collar member providing for limited freedom of movement in both the radial and axial directions, such that said collar can float with respect to said rotary member and be maintained in the optimum operating position in coaxial relation to said rotary member at all times, said mounting means including a radially disposed ear formed on said collar member and having an aperture therein, and a stud disposable in said aperture for fixed connection to stationary bracket means, said stud having a loose fit with said aperture to provide a lost motion type of connection such that said collar is free to move relative to said stationary bracket means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
A fluid transfer assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein each said hydrostatic bearing means include an arcuate hydrostatic bearing groove, and fluid supply means for establishing communication between said groove and a source of fluid under pressure, said fluid supply means including a pressure reducing stricture such that the pressure of the fluid in said hydrostatic groove will vary inversely with the rate of fluid flow thereto to automatically compensate for radial misalignment of said rotary and collar members.