US 5,207,135 AGranted

Multispindle lathe and method for machining workpieces

AssigneeThe National Acme Company

InventorsKirt M. Babuder, Theodore Cioban, Alan F. Primosch

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Abstract

A multispindle lathe is disclosed which has an indexable drum including a plurality of main spindles. A secondary spindle opposes the main spindles so that it is coaxial with one of the main spindles at an indexed position. The secondary spindle is rotatable on a fixed axis and can be moved axially towards the main spindle. The rotation of the secondary spindle can be synchronized with the rotation of the main spindle so that both spindles can hold a workpiece. A cut off tool moves transversely to the spindles to cut the workpiece from bar stock which has been fed into the main spindle. After cut off, the secondary spindle moves away from the main spindle and a secondary tool moves transversely to the secondary spindle to machine the end of the workpiece which has just been cut off. Movement of the secondary tool and secondary spindle can be coordinated to form curves and tapered threads.

Claims11

Dependent claims

In a multispindle lathe including a frame having a bed and spaced apart first and second housings fixed to the bed, said first and second housings defining a workspace therebetween, an indexable drum mounted for rotation on said first housing;

means for indexing said drum relative to said first housing about the axis of rotation of said drum;
a plurality of driven main spindles carried by said drum, said main spindles having axes of rotation disposed parallel to and spaced about said drum axis;
each said main spindle being positioned to carry a workpiece within said workspace;
and a plurality of tool mechanisms carried by said frame and disposed about said drum axis for machining workpieces carried by said main spindles, the improvement which comprises:
a secondary spindle facing toward said main spindles and having a fixed axis of rotation coaxial with one of said main spindles when said main spindle is indexed in a position opposite said secondary spindle, said secondary spindle being equipped to grip a portion of a workpiece carried by one of said main spindles;
drive means for rotating said secondary spindle;
means for moving said secondary spindle linearly in an axial direction
a single-axis tool slide located in said workspace a secondary tool support carried by said slide;
and
means for moving said secondary tool support on said slide transversely relative to said secondary spindle so that a secondary tool in said tool support can be moved transversely with respect to said axis of said secondary spindle to engage a workpiece carried by said secondary spindle.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.