SPINDLE ASSEMBLY Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: mechanical engineering. SUBSTANCE: spindle assembly may be used in metal-cutting machine-tools, supports of which contain thrust bearings. Spindle is positioned in spindle assembly body, in front and rear supports. Flange with adjacent free race o thrust bearing is secured to front end of body. Tight race of thrust bearing is mounted on spindle. Thrust bearing is provided with centering elements. Part of every centering element is fixed in radial direction relative to spindle assembly body. Other part of centering element is positioned so that its operating surface interacts with external surface of thrust bearing free race. Centering elements may be made as at least three pins positioned uniformly over circumference, if possible. Flexible part of every pin is arranged in corresponding hole of flange with guaranteed space ensuring its deformation under effect of self-setting of thrust bearing free race. Either one end of every pin is coupled directly to spindle assembly body or middle part of every pin is coupled to flange. Spindle assembly body is provided with grove in which immovable ends of pins are positioned for front support of spindle to be based on mounting surface. In this case, opposite ends of every pin are of different diameters. Every pin is made for turning and fixing about its longitudinal axis, and opposite ends of pin are made eccentric with respect to one another. This construction of spindle assembly provides for accurate centering of thrust bearing free race relative to spindle axis with simultaneous self- setting of that race during spindle assembly operation. It also enables reduction of spindle run-out. EFFECT: reduced wear of bearing. 9 dwg