Rotating induction heating apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for inductively heating a non-rotating workpiece includes a rotatable spindle of insulating material having a split-ring secondary mounted thereon for rotation therewith and which secondary has opposite ends electrically connected in series with the opposite ends of a multiple turn inductor coil. A primary winding in the form of a split-ring is supported in fixed coaxial relationship with respect to the spindle and the secondary ring thereon, and opposite ends of the primary ring are connected across a source of high frequency alternating current. The apparatus is mounted on a slide for displacement toward and away from a workpiece to selectively position the inductor in magnetically coupled relationship with the workpiece, whereby the workpiece is inductively heated in response to rotation of the spindle and energization of the primary ring. The ends of the secondary ring are electrically connected with the ends of the inductor through corresponding conductor bars, and the conductor bars and secondary ring are provided with fluid flow passageways for the continuous circulation of coolant therethrough and through the inductor between coolant supply and return lines of a fluid coupling assembly mounted on the end of the spindle opposite the inductor. The fluid coupling assembly also supplies cooling and quenching liquid through the spindle to the inductor.