Spindle characterization system

• US 6,496,789 B2
• Filed: 12/16/2000
• Issued: 12/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Seth, Brij B., Wells, Brian, Deegan, Michael David, Girgis, Marcus Hermann
• Primary Examiner(s): ASSOUAD, PATRICK J
• Application Number:
  US09/738,380
• Publication Number:
  US 20020077776A1
• Time in Patent Office: 731 Days
• Field of Search: 702/182, 702/183, 702/33, 702/35, 702/41, 702/42, 702/43, 384/227, 301/126, 301/131, 738/622.1, 738/623.92, 738/623.93, 738/24, 738/47, 738/656, 700/9, 700/17, 700/32, 700/275, 340/679
• US Class Current: 702/182
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/12 for indicating or measuring vibration
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 5/04 rotary shafts, e.g. working-spindles

Abstract

A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine includes a machine base for providing a mounting and support surface and having a recessed portion. The spindle characterization facility includes a table base assembly for supporting the spindle disposed within the recess portion and the table base assembly has a table top and height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the table top. The spindle characterization system also includes a spindle mounting mechanism having a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to the table top, and a spindle forcing assembly operatively connected to the spindle, and the spindle forcing assembly generates an axial load, radial load and a torque that is applied to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load. The spindle characterization facility further includes a programmable controller operatively connected to the spindle forcing assembly for providing computerized numeric control, and a computer system in communication with the programmable controller.

Claims

1. A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine comprising:

a machine base providing a mounting and support surface, wherein said machine base has a recessed portion;

a table base assembly for supporting the spindle, said table base assembly being disposed within said recessed portion of said machine base, wherein said table base assembly includes a table top and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height of said table top;

a spindle mounting mechanism, wherein said spindle mounting mechanism has a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to said table top;

a spindle forcing assembly mounted to said machine base and operatively connected to the spindle, wherein said spindle forcing assembly generates an axial load, radial load and a torque that is applied to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load;

a programmable controller operatively connected to said spindle forcing assembly for providing computerized numeric control; and

a computer system in communication with said programmable controller.

2. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 including a structure providing a housing for the said system.

3. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 including a lubrication system providing lubrication for spindles needing lubrication.

4. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said table base assembly is rigidly constructed from a metal material for increased dynamic stiffness.

5. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said table base assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting a height of said table top and a locking mechanism for maintaining the table top height.

6. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spindle mounting mechanism includes a generally planer base plate for attaching the spindle to said table top.

7. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spindle mounting mechanism includes a spindle face adapter for coupling the spindle to said spindle forcing assembly.

8. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spindle forcing assembly includes a load motor/dynamometer for providing assisted inertia during acceleration and deceleration of the spindle and for generating a torque to oppose rotation of the spindle.

9. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said spindle forcing assembly includes a forcing fixture for transmitting the radial load, axial load or torque to the spindle.

10. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said forcing fixture includes a first servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting an axial load, and a second servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting a radial load.

11. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 including a drive motor operatively connected to a belt driven spindle for providing power to the belt driven spindle.

12. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said drive motor is mounted on a cross slide for adjusting a position of the drive motor relative to the spindle.

13. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 including a fluid containment device surrounding the spindle, wherein said fluid containment device contains a controlled temperature coolant pumped through the spindle.

14. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 1 including an air supply unit to supply controlled air purge or positive internal pressure to evaluate a seal in the spindle.

15. A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine comprising:

a machine base providing a mounting and support surface, wherein said machine base has a recessed portion;

a table base assembly for supporting the spindle, said table base assembly being disposed within said recessed portion in said machine base, wherein said table base assembly is rigidly constructed from a metal material for increased dynamic stiffness;

a height adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting and locking a height of said table base assembly;

a spindle mounting mechanism, wherein said spindle mounting mechanism has a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to said table base assembly;

a spindle forcing assembly mounted to said machine base and operatively connected to the spindle, wherein said spindle forcing assembly includes a load motor/dynamometer for providing assisted inertia during acceleration and deceleration of the spindle and for generating a torque and a forcing fixture for transmitting the radial load, axial load or torque to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load;

a programmable controller operatively connected to said spindle forcing assembly for providing computerized numeric control; and

a computer system in communication with the programmable controller.

16. A spindle characterization system as set form in claim 15, including a structure providing a housing for said system.

17. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said forcing fixture includes a first servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting an axial load, and a second servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting a radial load.

18. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 15 including a drive motor operatively connected to a belt driven spindle, for providing power to the belt driven spindle, wherein the drive motor is mounted on a cross slide for adjusting a position of the drive motor relative to the spindle.

19. A spindle characterization system as set forth in claim 15 including a fluid containment device surrounding the spindle, wherein said fluid containment device contains a temperature controlled coolant pumped through the spindle.

20. A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine comprising:

a machine base providing a mounting and support surface, wherein said machine base has a recessed portion;

a table base assembly for supporting the spindle, said table base assembly being disposed within said recessed portion in said machine base, wherein said table base assembly is rigidly constructed from a metal material for increased dynamic stiffness;

a height adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting and locking a height of said table base assembly;

a spindle mounting mechanism, wherein said spindle mounting mechanism has a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to said table base assembly;

a spindle forcing assembly mounted to said machine base and operatively connected to the spindle, wherein said spindle forcing assembly includes a load motor/dynamometer for providing assisted inertia during acceleration and deceleration of the spindle and for generating a torque and a force fixture for transmitting the torque to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load;

wherein said forcing fixture includes a first servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting an axial load, and a second servo hydraulic cylinder for transmitting a radial load;

a programmable controller operatively connected to said spindle forcing assembly for providing computerized numeric control; and

a computer system in communication with the programmable controller.