초록 ▼

A machine tool spindle is associated with an adjustable preload mechanism for varying the preload on a bearing set for the spindle the mechanism comprising an annular piston that is selectively pressurized for loading spring(s) carried by a spring retainer that is engageable with the bearing set; an

A machine tool spindle is associated with an adjustable preload mechanism for varying the preload on a bearing set for the spindle the mechanism comprising an annular piston that is selectively pressurized for loading spring(s) carried by a spring retainer that is engageable with the bearing set; and wherein the annular piston is held in an adjusted position by a position locating device including an adjustment member removably supported within a housing for the bearings and selectively engageable with the annular piston; the position locating device having a plurality of adjusted positions selectively engageable with the annular piston for fixing it in one of a plurality of positions for varying the compression of the spring(s) so as to maintain one of a plurality of preloads on the bearing set.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adjustable preload mechanism for varying the preload on a bearing set for a spindle rotatably supported within a spindle housing by the bearing set comprising:an annular piston slidably, sealingly supported on the I.D. of the spindle housing;an annular fluid supply plu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adjustable preload mechanism for varying the preload on a bearing set for a spindle rotatably supported within a spindle housing by the bearing set comprising:an annular piston slidably, sealingly supported on the I.D. of the spindle housing;an annular fluid supply plug sealing supported between the spindle housing and the O.D. of the spindle forming a pressurizable chamber between the annular piston and the fluid supply plug;a port for connecting a source of selectively directed pressure into the pressurizable chamber;a spring retainer including a portion thereon engageable with the bearing set;a spring member interposed between the annular piston and the spring retainer for imposing a preload force on the bearing set that varies in accordance with the position of the annular piston;a position locating device including an adjustment member removably supported within the housing and insertable within the annular piston when the annular piston is directed toward the spring by pressure build-up in the pressurizable chamber;the position locating device having a plurality of stops to change the adjusted positions of said annular piston when the adjustment member is located within the housing and selectively engageable with the annular piston for fixing it in one of a plurality of positions for varying the compression of the spring member so as to maintain one of a plurality of preload levels on the bearing set.