Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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13 BAC~ ou,~n OF IE~E INVENTJON
l4 Worldwide demand for front and four w~eel drLve vehicles has
created an Increasing demand for constant velocity universal joLnts. The
L6 Rzeppa joirlt, used almost exclusively at the outer ends of front axles,
L7 ls exemplary of this type of joint.
L8 Named for lts inventor, A. H. Rzèpp-a, it consists of an outer race
L9 member, an inner race member, a ball cage and generally six driving ba]ls.
~0 The matlng surfaces between the members are spherical in shape and close
~1 fitting to one another, The driving balls flt into corresponding half grooves
~2 of the lnner and outer races, the grooves having meridian lines of a sphere
23 as ~heir centerlines. The construction and function of the Rzeppa joint are
~4 more fullydisclosed ln U.S. Patents Nos. 1,916,442 and 1,975,758.
~5 Heretofore~ the manufacture of Rzeppa and similar type joints hasefi required large numbers of speciallzed machines for spherical turning, m~lling
27 and grinding of the races and ball grooves. Consequently, large investments
28 have been required which were ~eco~ered as part of the purchase price of the
.
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universal joint. Also, separate and specialized machines
for each of the machining operations has made difficult the
maintenance of precision tolerances.
One object of the present invention is to advance
the art of metal cutting, particularly the manufacture of
Rzeppa and similar type universal joints.
Another object is to provide machines and methods
for manufacturing universal joints wherein machining opera-
tions for close fitting races and mating and corresponding
surfaces of joint components are performed on the same
machines without removing the workpieces and held in common
workheads.
Another object is to provide machines and methods
for manufacturing universal joints wherein relative movements
between the workpieces and cutting tools, during the spherical
machining of races and ball grooves, are referenced to common
axes thereby duplicating the relationships between -the work-
pi.eces during actual use.
Generally speaking, the present invention may be
considered as providing a method for manufacturing universal
joints of the type employing conjugate members having close
fitting conforming surfaces comprising mounting each of the
conjugate members in a common workhead during the machining
thereof, imparting the same relative motions between the con-
jugate membexs and cutting tools as exist durin~ the actual
service of the members, engaging the cutting tools with the
members and generating the close fitting conforming surfaces
of the members by the cutting actions of the tools~
Generally speaking, the above method may be carried
out by way of a machine for making universal joints wherein
multiple machining operations are perforr,led on corresponding
members of a universal joint, held in a common wGrkhead and
revolved about common axes conforming to the universal joint
comprising: a base; a workhead rotatably carried on the base;,
the wor]chead having a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted
in the housing, the axis of the spindle being in perpendicular
and intersecting relationship to the workhead axis, and a
workholder attached to one end of the spindle for holding
corresponding members of a universal joint and moving the
members with the same motion as the spindle such that the
members revolve about axes conforming to the universal joint;
a means for swiveling the workhead about the axis thereof;
a means for revolving the sp.indle about the axis thereof; a
means Eor indexing the spindle about the axis thereof; a
m~ans for locking the spindle to the workhead housing; a
longitudinal tool slide table carried on the base for move-
ment parallel to the spindle axis; a means :Eor moving the
longitudinal tool slide table; a tool index table carried on
the longitudinal tool slide table for supporting a plurality
of machining stations; a means for rotatably indexin~ the
tool index table about the axis thereof; a plurality of
machining stations mounted on the tool index table, each of
the stations having a cutting tool for machining a workpiece
held in the workholder; and a means for controlling the
motions of the workholder and cutting tools of the machining
stations.
The foregoing objects, along wi-th additional objects,
features, advantages and benefits of the invention become more
apparent ln the ensuing description and accompanying drawings
which disclose the invention in detail. A preferred embodi-
men-t is disclosed in accordance with the best mode contem-
plated in carrying out the invention. The subject matter in
which an exclusive property is claimed is set forth in each
of the number claims at the conclusion of the description.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrammatic plan view of
a machine for manufacturing universal joints embodying the
principles of my invention.
Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the same machine.
lcm/ ~ ~ -2b-
Fig, 3 is a right side elevation vlew of the same machlne.
2 Flg. 4 is a left side elevation view of the same machine.
3 Fig. 5 is a partlal plan view drawn to an enlarged scale from
4 Flg. 1 depicting the relative positlons of the work station and turning
stations dur~ng a spherical turning operation of the machine.
6 Fig. 6 is a partial front el~vation vlew drawn to an enlarged
7 scale from Fig. 2 depicting the relative positipns of the work station
and miLling station during a spherical milling operation of the machine.
9 FLgs. 7 and 8 are horiæontal sectional views taken along the
line 7-7 of Flg. 1, drawn to an enlarged scale and depicting spherical I.D.
11 tlLrning of a universal joint outer race.
12 Figs. 9 and 10 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
13 mLlling of a ball groove in a universal joint outer race.
14 Figs. 11 and 12 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
spherLcal I.D. grinding of a un~versal joint outer race.
16 Figs. 13 and 14 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
17 grlnding of a ball ~roove in a universal joint outer race.
18 Figs. 15 and 16 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
19 spherical O.D. turning of a universal joint ball cage.
Figs. 17 and 18 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
21 spherical I.D. turning of a universal joint ball cage.
22 Figs. 19 and 20 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
23 spherical O.D. grinding of a universal joint ball cage.
24 Figs. 21 and 22 are similar views to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
spherical I.D. grinding of a universal joint ball cage.
26 Figs. 23 and 24 are views similar to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
27 spherical O~ D. turning of a unlversal joint inner race .
28 Figs, 25 and 26 are views similar to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
29 milling of a ball groove in a universal joint inner race.
Figs. 27 and 28 are views similar to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
31 spherical O.D. grindlng of a universal joint inner race.
lZ1 374 1
Flgs. 29 and 30 are views similar to Figs. 7 and 8 depicting
2 grlnding of a ball groove ln a universal joint inner race.
3 DE5CRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
4 With reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred
embodiment of my invention of a machine Is shown which is particularly
6 directed ~o the manufacture of universal ioints of the type which incorporate
7 components having spherical surfaces with common axes and centers of
8 curvature. It will be observed that In these types of assemblies,
9 corresponding and mating surfaces of the separate components must be
machined to very close tolerances and conformity of shape in order to meet
11 the requirements of the user.
12 Heretofore, the aforedescribed kinds of universal joints have
13 been made by two types of methods. Single and low volume production
14 has been accomplished by general purpose rnachlnes while large volume '~
production has been on special purpose machines which perform single ~ -
16 machinlng operations and generally incorporate multiple workheads.
lY With the instant invention the exacting machining operatLons for
18 the spherical surfaces and ball grooves oE the indlvidual components are
19 performed on common machLnes, referenced to common axes and generated
about common centers without removing the workpieces. Thus, with my
21 lnvention a slngle workhead is provided in combination with multiple tool
22 heads on a common machine.
23 From the ensuing detailed description it will be noted that
24 several noteworthy benefits are derived from the instant invention. The 7
referencing of the machining for the spherical surfaces and ball grooves
26 to common axes and the generativn of surfaces without removing the work-
27 piece results in improvements in conformity of corresponding and mating
28 surfaces and control of product quality. Also, a single work station in
2g combination with multiple machining stations facilitates control of product 7.
quality by providLng common locating points for the workpiece in the
~æ~
workhead durin~ machining operations and is readily adaptable
to efficient and ~nodeln methods of automated production, such
as, numerical or other systems of automated control. It will
be further observed that the instant invention is highly
versatile and ~ay be ~mployed as a single machine for proto-
type and low volume production or in numbers for high volume
production.
In the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like and
corresponding parts t~.roughout the several views, the
preferred embodiment is shown in the machine comprising a
single work station 41 and a group of machining stations 39,
preferably powered b~ electric motor drives, and mounted for
rotation and translation on a base 40. The machine is
universal in construction, whereby a wide range of sizes and
types of unive.rsal joints can be machined by adjustments and
minor modificati.ons to the cuttina tools and work holding
devices thereof. The control of the machine may be manual
or alternatively auto~.atic by the use of a control system.
Operator controls are located in the control unit 47 which is
mounted to the base 40 by the support member 48. It will be
observed that many features of the inventive concept can be
embodied in alternate constructions. For example, where the
group of machining stations 39 is replaced by a single or group
of demountable machinina stations.
The work swivel table 42 is journaled to the base 40
in su.itable bearings, not shown, for rotation about the
vertical axis, designated by the numeral 80, and supported
by the pair of bearing ring segments 43. The swivel table
axis 80 is fixed in space and provides a reference axis for
positioning a wor~piece and for generating corresponding
and mating surfaces of separate components of a particular
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design of a universal joint assembly. The swivel. table 42
is power driven by the electric motor drive unit 49. The
electric motor drive unit 49 is conventional and swivels
table 42 back and for_h about the swivel axls 80.
On top of and supported by the swivel table 42 is the
work sli.de table 44 which is moveable in a direction perpen-
dicular to the axis 80 of the swivel table 42. The work
slide table 44, driven by the electric motor drive unit 46,
is supported and guided by the pair of V-slide ways 45 or
other suitable support and guide meansO
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Suitably mounted to the work slide table 44 is the workhead 50,
2 comprising the spindle housing 51, spindle 55, spindle drive unit 52, spindle
3 indexing unit 53, and work holding device 54~ The spindle 55 is rotatably
4 mounted within the spLndle housing 51 on bearings, not shown, and during the
operation of the machine may be either locked Ln position to the housing 51,
6 indexed rotatably by the indexing unit 53 or continuously driven by the spindle
7 drive unit 52. The spindle axis 38 lntersects and is perpendicular to the
8 swivel table axis 80, whereby during movement of the slide table 44 on the
9 swivel table 42 the holding device 54 moves on the swivel table 42 along
axLs 38 in radial rela~ionship to the axis 80 of the swivel table 42.
11 A workpiece 58 to be machined is carried in the holding device 54,
12 shown as a conventional chuck 5~, but which may a~ternatively be some other
13 type of holding device, such as, a collet or arbor. The holding device 54 is
14 operatively attached to one end of the spindle 55. ~t the other end of the
spindle 55 is the indexing unit 53 which indexes the spindle 55 and attached
16 ~ holdin~ devlce 54 about the spLndle axis 38. The indexing unLt 53 is
17 operatively connected to the spindle 55 by a clutch means, not shown, and
18 is operative only when the spindle 55 is not driven by the electric motor drive
19 unit 52. When the splndle 55 is not driven by the drive unit 52 it is locked
in position to the housing 51 by the clutch or some other locking means.
21 Opposite the work station 41 is the group of machining stations 39,
22 comprising the spherical turning station 60, ball groove milling station 59
23 spherical grLnding station 61 and ball groove grinding station 62. The
24 machining stations 39 are mounted in fixed positions on the rotary index
table 63 which is rotatable about the axis 37 disposed in a parallel and
26 co-planar relationship to the axis 80 of the work swivel table 42. The rotary
27 Index table 63, suitably journaled and mounted to the cross slide table 65 in
28 ~earings, T~ot shown, Is driven by the electric motor lndexing drive unit 64
29 whereby the separate machining stations 39 and their tools may be properly
presented to the workpiece 58 during the machining thereof.
31 Ihe cross slide table 65 is mounted on V-slide ways 66, or other
937L~ 1
suLtable support and guide means, on the longitudinal slide table 68 and
2 driven by the electric motor dri~,_ 67. The cross slide table 65 is
3 oriented and moveable in a direction perpendicular to the axis 37 of the
4 index table 630 The dlrection of movement of the cross slide table 65 is
designated in the drawlngs by the arrows 36-36.
6 The longitudlnal slide table 68 which underlies the cross slide
7 table 65 Is mounted on V-slide ways 69, or other suitable support and guide
8 means, on the machine base 40. The table 68 Ls oriented and moveable in a
9 dlrection perpendicular to the axis 37 of the index table 63 and driven by the
electric motor drive unit 67 in the direction designated by the arrows 35-35.
11 The dlrections 35~35 and 36-36 are perpendicular to each other.
12 Referring to Fig. 4, the spherical turning station 60 is comprised13 , of the tool holder 71 flxed to the index table 63 and the replaceable cutter
14 li bit 70 held ill the tool holder 71. The cutting edge 57 of ~he cutter bit 70
Is posltioned at the same helght as the workhead splndle axis 38. Thus,
16 ' during movements of the workplece 58, the cutting edge 57 of the cutter
17 bit 70 and workhead spindle axis 38 lie In the same plane and said plane
18 is perpendicular to the swtvel table axis 80 and index table axis 37. It
19 wlll be later noted that the rotational axes of the tools of the milling
station 59 and grinding stations 61, 62 are also located in this plane.
21 The cutter bit 70 is engaged with the workpiece 58 by indexing
22 the table 63 to a position whereby the turning station 60 is opposite the
23 workpiece 58 and then advancing the cutter bit 70 in the direction of the
24 workpiece 58 by compound movements of the longitudinal slide 68 and
cross slide 65 tables. The depth of cut of the cutter bit 70 is controlled
26 by movement of the cross slide table 65,
27 The construction of the ball groove milling station 59 is best
28 observed ln Fig. 6. The horlzontally disposed milling spinàle 72 is
29 suitably journaled wlthin bearings, not shown, in the housing 73 and
rotatably driven by the electric motor drive unit 75. The housing 73 is
31 fixed to ~he index table 63. At the outer end of the spindle 72 is the
-- 7 ~
holdlng devLce 76 which carries the milling cutter 74. The rotational
2 axis 56 of the milling cutter 7~ is positioned at the same heLght as the
3 workhead spindle axis 38, co-planar with the spindle axis 38 and
4 perpendlcular to the swivel table axis 80.
Referring to Flg. 1, the spherical grinding station 61 includes
6 the spLndle housing 92 fixed to the index table 63, ~he horizontally disposed
7 spLndle 89 suitably ~ournaled in bearings, not shown, within the housing 92,
8 the tool holder 90 aligned with and attached to the outer end of the
9 splndle ~9, the grLnding tool 91 and the electric motor drive unit 88 for
rotatLng the spindle 89.
11 The spherical end of the grinding tool 91 ls shaped and sized to
12 produce the finished profile of the spherical race of a joint member.
13 Preferably, with the object of minimizing the requirement for replacement
14 and dressing of the grindinçl tool 91, an abraslve material having high wear
resistance is used for thc tool 91. An example of a commercially available
16 ' materlal wlth hlgh wear reslstance is the abraslve marketed under the
17 tradename Borazon. The horizontal rotatlonal axis 111 of the spindle 89 and
18 thereby th~ grindlng tool 91 are at the same height as the workhead spindle
19 axis 38, thus lying in the same plane as the workhead spindle axis 3S
and perpendlcular to the swlvel table axis 80.
21 The conskuction of the ball groove grinding station 62 is similar
22 to the spherical grinding station 61, except for the speed ratio of the
23 electric motor drive unit 9~ which provides the proper surface speed for
24 grinding the ball grooves, and preferably the shape of the grindlng tool 97 .
The spindle 95 is suitably journaled within bearings, not shown, in the
26 housing 96 which is fixed to ~he index table 63. The tool holder 98 which
27 is aligned with and attached to one end of the spindle 95 carries the ball
28 groove grindlng tool 97, the axis 110 of the grinding tool 97 also being the
29 axls of the spindle 95. The electric motor drive unit 9~1 Is attached to the
other end of the spindle 95.
31 The horizontal rotational axis 110 of the ball groove grinding
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spindle 89 is at the same height as the workhead spindle axis 38 thereby
2 lylng in the same plane as the workhead spindle axis 38 and perpendicular
3 to the swivel table axis 80. An abrasive rnaterial with high wear resistance
4 is also preferred for the ball groove grLnding tool 97~
In applying the present invention it will be observed that In
6 order to achieve the exactlng tolerances which are required for the separate
7 members of a universal ~oint, the machlne herein described must be
8 constructed with care and accuracy such that the cutting edge 57 of the
9 cutter bit 70, and rotational axes of the milling cutter 74 and grinding
tools 91, 97 are posltioned at the same height and lLe in the same plane
11 as the axis 38 of the workhead splndle 55. It will also be observed that
12 the foregolng condition must be met during the aforedescribed motions of
13 the other members, such as, the work sv~livel table 42 of the machine.14 The followLng descriptLon of spherlcal and ball race machiningof a set of universal Jolnt components further describes the features and
16 use of the present inventlon.
17 ` Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, the outer member 77 of a Rzeppa type
18 universal ~oint is shown in the worlchead 50 during spherical turning of the
19 outer r~ce 78. The workpiece 77 is accurately located ln the workhead 50
by clamping ~e outer diameter of the workpiece 77 in the jaws 79 of the
21 holding device 54, butting the shoulder 81 of the workplece 77 against the
22 shoulder stop 82 of the workhead 50 and enç~aging the key 83 of the holding
23 device 54 with the keyway 84 of the workpiece 77. Thus, it is seen that the
24 workpiece 77 has bean accurately allgned and positioned in axial and radial
directions with respect to the axis 38 of the workhead spindle 55.
26 In Fig. 7 the positions of the workhead 50 and turning station 60
27 are shown at the beginning of spherical I.D. turning of the outer race 78.
28 As will be observed, the workhead 50 has been revolved about the swivel
29 table axis 80 and the cutter bit 70 engaged with the workpiece 77 by
advancing the longltudinal slide table 68 and then moving the cross slide
31 table 65 to set the depth of cut. During spherical turning, the workpiece 77
i l
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is rotatably drlven by the drive unlt 52 about the work spindle axis 38 and
2 swiveled by the swivel table 42 about ~he table axis 80 to th0 final position
3 shown in Fig. 8. If necessary, further cuts are taken in the aforedescribed
4 mannes to complete the turning of the outer race 78.
S After spherical ~urning ~he outer race 78, the cutter bit 70 ls
6 wlthdrawn from the workpiece 77 by movements of the cross sllde 65 and
7 longitudinal slide 68 tablesO The spindle 55 is positioned by the indexing
8 unit 53 and lodged in place to prepare for the next operation of milling the
9 ball grooves 87 of the workpiece 77. It will be observed that for ball groove
milllng the workpLece 77 is not removed from the holding device 54 used
11 for spherical turning.
12 Referring now to Fig. 9 wherein the initial positions of the
13 workpiece 77 and milling cutter 7~ are shown for ball groove milling, the
14 workpiece Y7 is initially positloned by swiveling the table 42 and dLsplacing
the work slide table 44 Erom the position used for spherical turning in an
16 amount equal to the offset 86 in the workpiece 77 between the cènter of
17 curvature S5 of the outer race 78 and the center 34 of the meridians of the
18 ball grooves 87. Thus, the workpiece 77 has been re-Rsitioned to place
19 the center 34 of the meridians of the. ball grooves 87 to be machined on the
axis 80 of the work swivel table 42. The milling station 59 is moved
21 opposite the workpiece 77 by indexing the rotary~table 63 and the milling
22 cutter 74 engaged with the workpiece 77 by advancing the longitudinal
23 slide table 68 and then moving the cross slide table 65 to set the depth of
24 the milling cut.
During the milling of a ball groove 87, the milling cutter 74 is
26 rotatably driven by the drive unlt 75 as the workpiece 77 is swiveled by the
27 table 42 about the table axis 80 to the final position shown in Fig. 10. If
28 necessary, further milling is done in the aforedescribed manner to complete
29 the ball groove 87. After the ball groove 87 has been completed, the milling
cutter 74 is w~thdrawn irom the workp~ece 77, by a movement of the
31 longitudinal slide table 68, and the workpiece 77 is rotatably indexed by the
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indexing unLt 53 for milling the next ball groove 87. The spindle 55 is then
2 ;; locked to the housing 51 the mllling cutter 74 re-engaged with the
3 workpiece 77 and the nex~ ball groove 87 milled in the aforedescribed
4 manner. The sequence is repeated for the remaining ball grooves 87.
S Following ball groove milling the workpiece 77 is preferably
6 removed from the holding device 54 and heat treated. After heat treating
7 the workpiece is re-mounted in the same position in the holding device 54
8 with the help of the key 83 for grinding the outer race 78 and ball grooves 87
9 to their finished siæes.
Referring to Fig. 11 the workpiece 77 and spherical grinding
11 tool 91 are shown at their initial positions for the operation of spherical
12 grinding the outer race 78. The workpiece 77 is Initially positioned by
13 sw~veling the table 42 and dlsplacing the work slide table 44 to place the
14 center of curvature 85 of the outer race 78 on the axis 80 of the swivel
~5 table 42 The posltLon of the work slide table 4~ for spherical grinding is
16 the same as for spherical turning. The grinding station 61 is moved
17 ~ opposite the workpiece 77 by indexing the rotary table 63 and the grinding
18 tool 91 engaged wLth the workpLece 77 by advancing thq longitudinal slide
19 table 68 and moving the cross slide table 65 to set the depth of the grind.
During spherical grLnding of the outer race 78, the grinding
21 tool 91 Ls rotated by the drive unit 88 as the workpiece 77 is rotatably
22 driven by the drive unLt 52. about the work spindle axis 38 and swiveled
23 by the table 42 about the table axLs 80 to the final position shown in Fig. 12.
24 If necessary further grLnding is done in ~he aforedescribed manner for the
fLnLshed sLæe of the outer race 78. The grLnding tool 91 is then withdrawn
26 from engagement with the workpiece 77 by movements of the cross slide
27 table 65 and longitudinal slide table 68 to begin the next operation of
28 grinding the ball grooves 87 to their finished si2es.
29 After spherical grinding the outer race 78, the spindle 55 is
positioned by the indexing unit 53 and locked ln place to prepare for the next
31 operation of ball groove grinding. The work slide table 44 is then returned
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to the same position as ball groove milling whereby the center 34 of the
ball groove meridians Is on the axis 80 of the work swlvel table 42.
3 Referring now to Fig. 13, the initial positions of the workpiece 77
4 and ball groove grinding tool 97 are shown for ball groove grinding. The
workpiece 77 is swiveled about the axis 80 by the swivel table 42 and the
6 ball gros)ve grinding station 62 brought into position by indexing the rotary
7 table 63. The grinding tool 97 is engaged with the ball groove 87 of the
8 workpiece 77 by advancing the longitudinal slide table 68 and moving the
9 cross slide table 65 to set the depth of the grind. During grinding, the
grinding tool 97 is rotatably driven by the drive unit 94 as the workpiece 77
11 is swiveled by the table 42 about the table axis 80 to the final position
12 shown in Fig. 14, If necessary, further grinding is done in the aforedescribed
13 manner to finish the ball groove 87. The. grinding tool 97 is then withdra~Jn
~1 from engagement with ~he workpiece 77, by movements of the cross slide
table 65 and longitudinal slLde table 68, and the workpiece 77 is rotatably
16 indexed by the indexiny unit 53 about the axis 38 to the position of the next
17 ball groove 87. The spindle 55 is then locked to the housing 51, the
18 grinding tool 97 re-engaged with the workpiece 77 and the next ball groove 87
19 ground in the aforedescribed manner. The sequence is repeated for the
remaining ball grooves 87.
21 Referring to Figs. lS and 16, the finished outermember 77 has
22 been removed from the ma~hine and the ball cage member 108, supported
23 on the arbor 104, mounted Ln the workholder 54. The operation to be
24 performed is spherical O.D. turning of the workpiece 108. It will be
observed after the subsequent grinding of the workpiece 108 that the finished
26 outer contour of ball cage member 108 conforms to the contour of the outer
27 race 78 of the outer member 77~
28 The workpiece 108 is clamped to the end portion OI the arbor 10A
29 by the washer 102 and clamp nut 99 which is in threaded engagement with
the arbor 104. The arbor 104 Is al~gned with the spinclle 55 by the jaws 79
31 of the workholder 54 and located Ln the direction of the splndle axis 38 by
"
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.
butt~ng the arbor shoulder 101 against the workhead shoulder stop 82. The
2 constructLon of the arbor 104 preferably positions the center of curvature 85,
3 of the surface to be machlned, on the swivel table axis 80 when the work
sllde table 44 is positioned at the same location used during spherical
machining of the outer race 78 of the member 77.
The workpiece 108 is initially positioned as shown in Fig. 15 by
7 swiveling the table 42 about the table axis 8Q and moving the work slide
8 table 44 to positlon the center of curvature 85 of the surface to be machined
9 onto the swivel table axis 80. The turning station 60 is then moved into
position by indexing the rotary table 63 and the cutter bit 115 engaged with
11 the workpiece 108 by advancing the longitudinal slide table 68 and then
12 moving the cross slide table 65 to set the depth of cut of the cutter bit 115.
13 During spherical turning, the workpiece 108 is rotatably driven by the
14 drive unit 52 about the spindle axis 38 and swiveled by the table 42 about
the table axis 80 to the final position shown in Fig. 16. If necessary,
16 further cuts are taken in the aforedescribed manner to size the spherical
17 ~ O.D. of the workpLece 108.
18 Referrinçl to Figs. 17 and 18, the workpiece 108 has been removed
19 from the arbor 104 and mounted on the arbor 112 which is carried in the
I workholder 54. The interior of the arbor 112 is shaped to receive the outer
21 contour of the workpiece 108 and the workpiece 108 is clamped to the
22 arbor 112 by the clamp nu~ 105 which is in threaded engagement with the
23 end portion of the arbor 112. An alternative means, not shown, for holding
24 the workpiece 108 during spherical I.D. turning and grinding is unhardened
chuck ~aws having a conforminç~ contour for clamping the workpiece 108
26 within the jaws. It i5 apparent that with the alternative holding method the
27 conformlng contour can be machined in unhardened jaws of the workholder 54
28 by the use of the present invention.
29 The workplece 108 Is initially positioned as shown in Fig 17 by
swiveling the table 42 about the table axis 80 and moving the work slide
31 table 44, if necessary, to position the center of curvature 85 of the ~nner
- 13 -
li i
surface to be machined on the swivel table axis 80. The turning station 60
2 is moved into position by indexing the rotary table 63 and the cutter bit 109
3 engaged with the workpiece 108 by advancing the longitudinal slide table 68
4 and moving the cross slide table 65 to set the depth of cut of the cutterS b~t 109. The workpiece 108 is then swiveled about the axis 80 by the swivel
6 table 42 and rotatably drlven about the spindle axis 38 by the drive unit 52
7 to the final position shown in Fig. 18. If necessary, further cuts are taken
8 In the aforedescrlbed manner to complete the spherical I .D. turning of the
9 workplece 108.
Following the spherical I.D. turning, the workpiece 108 is
11 preferably removed from the arbor 112 and holding device 54 for machining12 the ball slots in the workpiece 108 and heat treatlng. ~fter these operations
13 are completed, the workpiece 108 is returned to the machine for grinding
14 the spherical outer and inner surfaces to their finished sizes~
Referring now to Fig. 19, the workpiece 108 and grinding tool 116
16 are shown in their Lnitial positions for spherical O.D. grinding of the ball
17 cage member 108. The workpiece 108 has been re-mountecl on the arbor 1C)418 which is carrled in the workholder 54. The workpiece 108 is initially
19 posltloned by swiveling the tahle 42 and displacing the work slide table 44
to place the cerrter of curvature 85 of the outer surface on tl e axis 80 of the21 swlvel table 42. The grinding station 61 is brought into position by indexing
22 the rotary table 63 and the grinding tool 116 engaged with the workpiece 108
23 by advancing the longltudinal slide table 68 and moving the cross slide
24 table 65 to set the depth of cut of the grinding tool 116. The grinding tool 116
is rotatably driven by the drive unit 88 as the workpiece 108 is rotatably
26 driven by the drive unit 52 and swiveled by the table 42 about the axis 80
27 to the fLnal position shown in Flg~ 20. If necessary, further grinding is done
28 in the aforedescribed manner to complete the spherical O.D. grinding of the
29 workpiece 108.
Aiter the spherical O.D. grinding has been completed, the
31 workpiece 108 is transferred to the arbor 112 which was previously used for
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spherlcal I.D. turning and mounted with the arbor 112 Ln the workholder 54
2 for spherical I.D. grinding. The initial posltions of the workpiece 1083 and grinding tool 119 are shown in Fig. 21. The workpiece 108 is initially
4 positioned by swiveling the table 42 about the axis 80 and moving the work
S slide table 44, if necessary, to position the center of curvature 85 of the
6 Inner surface on the axis 80 of the swivel table 42. In the event the
7 grlnding station 61 has been moved from the position of spherical O.D.
8 grinding, it is returned opposite the workpiece 108 by indexing the rotary
9 table 63. The grinding tool 119 is then engaged with the workpiece 108
by advancing the longItudinal slide table 68 and moving the cross slide
11 table 65 to set the depth of grind of tile tool 119. The grinding tool 119
12 is rotatably drlven by the drive unit 88 as the workpiece 108 is rotatably
13 driven by the drive unit 52 and swiveled by the table 42 about the table
14 axis 80 to the final position shown In FicJ. 22.
Referring now to Fi~s. 23 and 24, the ball cage member 108 has
16 been removed from the machine and the inner member 123 carried on the
17 arbor 122 mounted in the workholder 54. The operation to be performed on
18 the workpiece 123 is spherlcal O.D. turning of the inner race 124. The
19 workpiece 123 Is clamped to the end portion of the arbor 122 by the spacer 121
and clamp nut 120 which is in threaded engagement with the end of the
21 arbor 122. The center portion of the arbor is splined to receive the internal
22 spline of the workpiece 123. The workpiece 123 is angularly located on the
23 arbor 122 by some means, riot shown, such as engaging a wide tooth of the
24 arbor spline with a wide space of the workpiece spline. The arbor 122 is
preferably constructed to position the center of curvature 85, of the inner
race 124 to be machined, on the swiYel table axis 80 when the work slide
27 table 44 is positioned at the same location used during spherLcal machining
28 of the outer race 78 of the member 77. The arbor 122 is located within the
29 workhead 50 by the chuck jaws 79, engaging the key 83 of the holding
device 54 with the keyway 129 of the arbor 122 and butting the shoulder 117
31 of the workpiece 123 against the shoulder stop 82 of the workhead 50.
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The workpiece 123 is initially positioned by swiveling the
2 $able 42 about the axis 80 and moving the work slide table 44 to position the
3 center of curvature 85 of the inner race 124 to be machined on the axis 80 of
the swivel table 42. The turning station 60 is moved into position by
S lndexing the rotary table 63 and the cutter bit 125 engaged with the
6 workpiece 123 by advancing the longitudinal slide table 68 and moving the
7 cross slide table 65 to set the depth of cut of the cutter bit 125. During
8 O~D. turning of the inner race 124, the workpiece 123 is rotatably driven
9 about the work spindle axis 38 by the drive unlt 52 and swiveled about the
axls 80 of the table 42. If necessary, further cuts are taken to complete the
11 turning of the inner race 124. The final position after O.D. turning is shown
12 ln Fig. 24. The cutter bLt 125 is then withdrawn from the workpiece 123 by
13 movements of the cross slide table 85 and longitudlnal slide table 68 to
14 begln the next operation of milling the ball grooves 127.
The lnitlal positions of the workpiece 123 and milling tool 128 are
16 shown in Fig. 25 for ball groove milling. The workpiece 123 is initially
17 positioned by swiveling the table 42 about the axis 80 and moving the work
18 slide table 44 to position the center 34 of the meridians of the ball grooves 127
19 to be machined on the axis 80 of the swivel table 42. It will be observed that
the same arbor 122 and workholder 54 is used for machining the inner
21 race 124 and ball grooves 127 of the inner member 123 without removing the
22 workpiece 123.
23 The milling station is moved into position by indexing the rotary
24 table 63 and the milling cutter 128 is engaged with the workpiece 123 by
advancing the longitudinal slide table 68 and moving the cross slide table 65
26 to set the depth of cut of the milling cutter 128. The work spindle 55 is
27 locked in position to the spindle housing 51 during the milling of a ball
28 groove 127. The mLlling cutter 128 is rotatably driven by the drive unit 75
29 as the workp~ece 123 15 swiveled by the table 42 about the table axis 80 to
the final position shown In Flg. 26. If necessary, further milling cuts are
31 taken in the aforedescribed manner to complete the milling of the ball
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groove 127. Af~er the groove 127 has been completed, the milling cutter 128
2 is withdrawn from engagement with the workpiece 123 by movements of the3 cross sllde table 65 and longitudinal slide table 68 and the workpiece 123
4 is rotatably indexed by the indexing unit 53 to position the workpiece 123 for
milllng the next ball groove 127. The sequence is repeated for the remaining
ball grooves 127.
7 Followlng the milling of the ball grooves 127, the workpiece 123
8 is preferably removed from the machine and heat treated. After heat treating
9 the workpiece 123 is re-mounted in the arbor 122 carried in the workholder 54
Eor grinding the inner race 124 and ball grooves 127 of the workpiece 123.
11 Referring now to Fig. 27, the workpiece 123 and grinding tool 129
12 are shown in their initial positions spherical grinding of the inner race 124.
13 The workpiece 123 is initially positioned in the same manner as during
14 spherlcal turning whereby the workpiece 123 is swiveled by the table 42about the axIs 80 and the work sllde table 44 is moved to position the
16 center of curvature 85 of the inner race 124 on the axls 80 of the swivel
17 table 42. The grinding tool l29 is engaged with the workpiece 123 by
18 advancing the longitudinal slide table 68 and moving the cross slide table 65
19 to set the clepth of the grinding cut. During spherical grinding, the
grinding tool 129 is rotatably driven by the drive unit 88 while the
21 workpiece 123 is rotatably driven about the axis 38 by the drive unit 52 and
22 is swiveled by the table 42 about the table axis 80 to the position shown in
23 Fig. 28. If necessary, further grinding is done in ths aforedescribed manner
24 to complete the spherical grinding of the inner race 124.
The initial positions of the workpiece 123 and hall groove grinding
26 tool 130 are shown in Fig. 29 for the operation of grinding ball grooves 127
27 of the inner member 123. The workpiece 123 is initially positioned by
28 swiveling the table 42 about the table axis 80 and moving the work slide
29 table 44 to position the center 34 of the meridians of the ball grooves 127 on
the axls 80 of the swivel table 42. The grinding station 62 is brought into
31 positlon by Indexing ~he rotary table 63 and the grlnding tool 130 engaged
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with the workpiece 123 by advancing the longitudinal sllde table 68 and
2 moving the cross slide table 65 to set the depth of the grind. The work
3 spindle 55 Ls positioned by the indexing unit 53 and locked in place to
4 position a ball groove 127 for finished grinding. During ball groove grinding,
; the grlnding tool 130 is rotatably driven by the drive unit 94 as the
6 ~ worlcpLece 123 Is swiveled by the table 42 about the axis 80 to the final
7 position shown in FLg. 30. If necessary, fu~ther grinding is done in the
8 aforedescribed manner to complete the ball groove 127. The grinding
9 tool 130 is then withdrawn from engagemen~ with the workpiece 123, by a
movement of the longitudLnal slide table 68, and the workplece 123 rotatably
11 indexed by the indexing unit 53 to the position of the next ball groove 127.
12 The spindle 55 is then locked in position to the housing 51, the grinding
13 tool 130 re-engaged with the workpiece 123 and the next ball groove 127
14 ground in the aforedescribed manner. The sequence is repeatecI for the
remaining ball grooves 127.
16 From the foregoing detailed description, it is apparent thatthe
17 Instant invention provides a machine which is particularly adapted to the
18 manufacture of universal joints and has numerous features and advantages,
19 " such as, reduced investment costs, adaptability to automated systems of
production, and improved maintenance of tolerances, fit and conformity of
21 the separate members of a joint assembly. It is also apparent from among the
22 numerous advantages of the invention, that a wide range of sizes and types
23 of universal joints can be machined with the invention by adjustments,
24 modifications to the cutting tools and work holding devices and variations in
the motions of the elements thereof.
26 Although but a single embodiment of the invention has been
27 described in detail, Lt is obvious that many changes may be made in the
28 size, shape, arrangement and details of the various elements of the invention
29 without departing from the spirit thereof.
I claim:
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