Patent ID: 8784022
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: B23C,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cooling apparatus for a CNC machine tool having a stationary spindle housing supporting a spindle for rotating about an axis of rotation a selected one of a plurality of interchangeable cutting tools including at least a first tool having a first length and a second tool having a second length different from the first length, the apparatus comprising: a first nozzle ring mounted on the spindle housing and at least substantially encircling the spindle, the first nozzle ring defining a first coolant conduit and including a plurality of first nozzles in fluid communication with the first conduit and distributed around the first nozzle ring, each first nozzle being oriented with an outlet thereof directed toward a first machining zone extending along the axis of rotation, wherein cutting edges of the first tool are within the first machining zone when the first tool is installed in the spindle, the first nozzles arranged in groups distributed around a circumference of the first nozzle ring, the first nozzles within a same group being oriented differently from one another such that the outlets thereof are directed toward different locations along the first machining zone; a second nozzle ring mounted on the spindle housing concentric with the first nozzle ring, the second nozzle ring defining a second coolant conduit independent from the first coolant conduit and including a plurality of second nozzles in fluid communication with the second conduit and distributed around the second nozzle ring, each second nozzle being oriented with an outlet thereof directed toward a second machining zone extending along the axis of rotation and different from the first machining zone, wherein cutting edges of the second tool are within the second machining zone when the second tool is installed in the spindle, the second nozzles arranged in groups distributed around a circumference of the second nozzle ring, the second nozzles within a same group being oriented differently from one another such that the outlets thereof are directed toward different locations along the second machining zone; and a fluid distribution system having at least first and second configurations, the fluid distribution system in the first configuration pressurizing and circulating a coolant fluid from a coolant source to the first conduit only, the fluid distribution system in the second configuration pressurizing and circulating the coolant fluid from the coolant source to the second conduit only.