Fluid powered spindle

A liquid powered spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end and a lower, shaft-tool end (598), comprising:

• a) a body (120, 120A) having a fluid channel system, a spindle cavity (440), and at least one aperture (334, 334A);
• b) a shaft (530) having a turbine (570), wherein the shaft is rotated by a pressurized liquid striking the turbine;
• c) at least one sensor module (130) mounted to the body in association with the at least one aperture such that the at least one aperture provides a line of sight and allows the at least one sensor module to sense internal characteristics of the spindle;
• d) first and second bearings (606, 508) spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis (A);
• e) a bearing spacer (610) positioned along the shaft (530), between the first and second bearings;
• and
• f) a bearing spacer opening (612) formed in the bearing spacer (610), the bearing spacer opening (612) providing a path for the at least one sensor module to sense rotation of the shaft (530);
• wherein:
• the fluid channel system is configured to direct liquid via at least one axial exit opening (586, 588) towards the shaft tool end (598).

A liquid powered spindle (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) defining an upper end and a lower, shaft-tool end (598), comprising:

• a) a body (120, 120A) having a fluid channel system, a spindle cavity (440), and at least one aperture (334, 334A);
• b) a shank (110, 312) connected to the body (120), for mounting the spindle to a machine, the shank having an entry port (102) connected to a shank channel (416);
• c) a shaft (530) having a turbine (570), wherein the shaft is rotated by a pressurized liquid striking the turbine;
• and
• d) at least one sensor module (130) mounted to the body in association with the at least one aperture such that the at least one aperture provides a line of sight and allows the at least one sensor module to sense internal characteristics of the spindle;
• wherein:
• the fluid channel system is configured to direct liquid via at least one axial exit opening (586, 588) towards the shaft tool end (598);
• and
• the fluid channel system comprises:
• i) at least one primary horizontal fluid channel (422) extending from the end of the shank channel through the bearing housing cavity (2142);
• ii) at least one primary vertical fluid channel (426) in the shell, the at least one primary vertical fluid channel (426) in fluid communication with the at least one horizontal fluid channel through bearing housing cavity;
• and
• iii) at least one nozzle (576) in fluid communication with the at least one primary vertical fluid channel.