Patent ID: 6807887
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: B23B,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
A multiple spindle bar machine for machining workpieces from elongate bar stock at a plurality of workstations where the workpieces are rotated about a Z axis and tools are moved relative to the workpieces along an X axis and the Z axis, the machine having a longitudinally extending centerline that lies in the Z axis, comprising:a base; a headstock mounted on the base; a carrier connected to and supported by the headstock; a plurality of main spindles carried by the carrier, each main spindle including a workpiece-gripping collet, the main spindles being disposed radially about the machine centerline, each main spindle being hollow such that bar stock can be fed therethrough; means for rotating each main spindle about the Z axis; means for indexing the carrier about the machine centerline such that each main spindle moves from one workstation to another upon each indexed rotation of the carrier, the number of workstations corresponding to the number of main spindles; a back wall mounted on the base, the back wall being spaced from the headstock; a plurality of counterspindles connected to and supported by the back wall and disposed radially about the machine centerline, at least one counterspindle including a workpiece-gripping collet, each counterspindle being disposed in facing relationship to a selected one of the main spindles when the selected main spindle is at a workstation; means for rotating each of the counterspindles about a Z axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the opposing main spindle; means for moving each of the counterspindles toward or away from the opposing main spindle along the Z axis; a plurality of tool-carrying turrets connected to and supported by the base, the turrets being disposed radially about the machine centerline adjacent the workstations, the turrets being positioned at an axial location between the headstock and the back wall; and means for moving a selected turret toward or away from a selected workpiece disposed at a selected workstation to perform machining operations on the workpiece at the workstation.