US Patent 7172542 Tool changing device and tool cleaning method

A tool changing device and a tool cleaning method capable of surely removing foreign matter such as swarf adhered to tapered portions and/or flange portions of tools, which serve as contact faces to be in contact with a spindle. There is arranged tool cleaning nozzles for spouting coolant on both sides of the spindle in the rotating position of a turret. The tool cleaning nozzle has a position and a posture such that the coolant spouted from the nozzle hits against the tapered portions and/or the flange portions of the tools held by the turret. The coolant is spouted from the tool cleaning nozzle with the rotation of the turret at the time of tool selection. Each time the turret rotates, the tapered portions and/or the flange portions of the tools held by the turret are cleaned by the coolant. Even if foreign matter, such as swarf, is adhered to the standby tools held by the turret, it is possible to surely remove the foreign matter, such as swarf, since the tools are cleaned during the rotation of the turret.