Development of automatic variable preload device for spindle bearing by using centrifugal force

Machine tool spindles of late require high stiffness and fast rotation characteristics all at once for high-speed, high-efficient processing, as well as for a wide range of use rotation. As such, many studies are being carried out on automatic variable preload control methods that apply a preload to a spindle rolling bearing as an alternative to the existing fixed position preload and constant pressure preload methods. This paper introduces a newly structured automatic variable preload device that can automatically adjust the preload applied to spindles employing a rolling bearing. It proposes an automatic variable preload device with a completely new composition comprising of a main bearing to which the preload is applied, an auxiliary bearing that conveys the force and a centrifugal element that converts the centrifugal force into a force in the axial direction, and a constant pressure preload spring that applies the initial preload to the main bearing. Other changes in the centrifugal force are also presented. The proposed composition was validated through a contact nonlinear analysis, and the design data necessary to create a prototype were obtained. A prototype for the automatic variable preload device using centrifugal force was then created and tested to confirm that the preload device of the proposed structure runs properly and smoothly.