Patent ID: 6217496
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A machine tool for advancing a tool, such as a rotary cutting tool, along at least three mutually transverse axes for cutting of a workpiece, the machine tool comprising:a spindle having a tool mounted thereon;a frame to support the spindle and cutting tool while cutting and being advanced along the transverse axes;a gantry mounted to the frame for slidable movement in a first axis relative to the frame;a saddle mounted within the gantry and carried therewith and mounted for slidable movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and along and within the vertical gantry;a ram carried by the saddle for movement along a third axis perpendicular to the second axis and carrying the spindle and rotary cutting tool for movement along the third axis;a first linear gantry drive having at least one linear motor having portions mounted on the gantry and mounted on the frame and extending in the direction of the first axis for moving the gantry relative to the frame along the first axis;a second linear saddle drive having at least one linear motor for moving the saddle along and within the gantry and along the second axis;a third linear ram drive having at least one linear motor mounted between the saddle portion and the ram and extending in the direction of the third axis for moving the ram and spindle along the third axis to move the tool toward the workpiece and away therefrom; andthe second linear drive includes a first linear motor within the gantry having portions mounted on a first side of the gantry and on a first side of the saddle and each extending in the direction of the second axis and a second linear motor within the gantry having portions mounted on a second side of the saddle and a second side of the gantry and each extending in the direction of the second axis so that the ram and the lower portion of the saddle carrying the ram are disposed between the first and second linear motors of the linear saddle drive.