machine tool temperature control device

CN117615877BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-01MAKINO MILLING MASCH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202280047618.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-07-06
Filing Date
2022-06-29
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

然而,若如在专利文献1中记载的主轴温度控制装置的那样,与主轴旋转速度相应地控制冷却容量,则例如如果在中和低速旋转区域中进行长时间的重切削,则尽管主轴的发热变大,也仅由旋转速度决定冷却容量,因此,在第一控制组件中将冷却容量估计得低

Benefits of technology

[0012]根据有关本发明的机床的温度控制装置,能够通过将多个油控制模块作为模块组合来构成油控制器。因此,在冷却能力的规格因机床的规格变更而变更的情况下,能够容易地进行构成油控制器的油控制模块的增设或撤除,能够顺应与机床的规格变更相应地要求的冷却能力的变更。由此,例如,不是通过修改油控制器来变更冷却能力或者通过置换为大容量的油控制器来变更冷却能力,而是能够简便且低成本地进行冷却能力的变更。进而,油控制模块使各罐连通,且相对于机床并联连接。另外,温度控制装置具备配管连接歧管。因此,能够使从油控制器向机床供给的冷却油的合流及从机床向各油控制模块回收的冷却油的分流变得均匀,进而,因为能够使各油控制模块的冷却油的温度变得均匀,所以能够稳定地进行机床的温度控制。

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Abstract

A temperature control device for a machine tool. The temperature control device (10) includes a body temperature sensor (94) for measuring the body temperature of the part leaving the spindle assembly (26); a return oil temperature sensor (78) for measuring the temperature of the cooling oil circulating in the machine tool (12) and returned to the temperature control device (10); and an oil controller (44) having a cooler (72) and controlling the temperature of the cooling oil in such a way that the temperature of the cooling oil detected by the return oil temperature sensor (78) is consistent with a reference temperature set based on the body temperature, with each tank connected in parallel with respect to the machine tool; and a piping connection manifold (56) for making the convergence of cooling oil to the machine tool (12) and the distribution of cooling oil to each module (48, 50, 52, 54) uniform.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a temperature control device for a machine tool that circulates cooling oil in the heat-generating part of the machine tool for temperature control. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a spindle temperature control device for a machine tool. This device circulates coolant within the spindle assembly of the machine tool to maintain the spindle temperature at a target value. It includes a first and a second coolant temperature regulator arranged in series or parallel within the coolant circulation path; a storage component that pre-stores the relationship between the spindle rotation speed and the cooling capacity that compensates for the heat generated corresponding to the spindle rotation speed; a first control component that activates the first coolant temperature regulator to obtain the cooling capacity stored in the storage component corresponding to the spindle rotation speed; a spindle temperature detection component that detects the spindle temperature; and a second control component that activates the second coolant temperature regulator to ensure that the temperature detected by the spindle temperature detection component reaches the target value.

[0003] The spindle temperature control device described in Patent Document 1 activates a first liquid temperature regulator (forward control) during actual machining to generate a pre-stored cooling capacity corresponding to the spindle's rotational speed. It also detects the spindle temperature and adjusts the cooling capacity of a second liquid temperature regulator (feedback control) to make the detected temperature a target value. However, if the cooling capacity is controlled in accordance with the spindle rotational speed, as described in Patent Document 1, then, for example, if heavy cutting is performed for a long time in the medium- or low-speed rotational range, the cooling capacity is determined solely by the rotational speed, even though the spindle generates more heat. Therefore, the cooling capacity is underestimated in the first control unit. Consequently, in cases such as a rise in spindle temperature or sudden activation of the second liquid temperature regulator, there is a possibility of a time delay in spindle cooling, leading to problems with the temperature control response.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-79458 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature control device for a machine tool that improves the response of temperature control, allows for changes in cooling capacity to accommodate changes in machine tool specifications, and makes additions easy.

[0009] The means to solve the problem

[0010] According to the present invention, a temperature control device for a machine tool is provided, which controls the temperature by circulating cooling oil in the heat-generating part of the machine tool. The device is characterized by comprising a body temperature sensor, a return oil temperature sensor, an oil controller, and a piping connection manifold. The body temperature sensor measures the body temperature in the portion of the machine tool body away from the heat-generating part. The return oil temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cooling oil circulating in the machine tool and recovered to the temperature control device. The oil controller includes a tank for containing the cooling oil, a pump for circulating the cooling oil, and a cooler for reducing the temperature of the cooling oil. At least two oil control modules controlling the temperature of the cooling oil supplied to the machine tool are connected in parallel relative to the machine tool such that the temperature of the cooling oil detected by the return temperature sensor matches a reference temperature set based on the body temperature. The piping connection manifold is used to uniformly distribute the confluence of cooling oil supplied from the oil controller to the machine tool and the diversion of cooling oil recovered from the machine tool to each of the oil control modules.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the temperature control device for a machine tool of the present invention, an oil controller can be constructed by combining multiple oil control modules as modules. Therefore, when the cooling capacity specifications change due to changes in machine tool specifications, the oil control modules constituting the oil controller can be easily added or removed, adapting to changes in cooling capacity required corresponding to changes in machine tool specifications. Thus, for example, the cooling capacity can be changed simply and cost-effectively, without modifying the oil controller or replacing it with a larger capacity oil controller. Furthermore, the oil control modules connect the oil tanks and are connected in parallel with respect to the machine tool. Additionally, the temperature control device includes a piping connection manifold. Therefore, the convergence of cooling oil supplied from the oil controller to the machine tool and the distribution of cooling oil recovered from the machine tool to each oil control module can be made uniform, and because the temperature of the cooling oil in each oil control module can be made uniform, stable temperature control of the machine tool can be achieved.

[0013] Unlike the spindle temperature control device described in Patent Document 1, which combines different oil control modules such as a first liquid temperature regulator with a feedforward control method and a second liquid temperature regulator with a feedback control method, the cooling capacity specification can be changed simply by adding the same oil control module to adapt to changes in machine tool specifications, making additions easy. Furthermore, in cases where the feedforward control oil control module is insufficient, as in Patent Document 1, compensation is not provided by the feedback control oil control module. Instead, all oil control modules provide feedback control by ensuring the temperature of the returned oil (cooling oil) matches the set reference temperature, i.e., multiple oil control modules perform feedback control. Therefore, temperature control can be performed with good responsiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a machine tool equipped with the temperature control device according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the temperature control device according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 As an example of temperature control of a spindle device using the temperature control device of this embodiment, a time series of the spindle device temperature is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In order to implement the invention

[0018] The temperature control device for a machine tool according to the following embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding elements will be labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings may be modified for illustration.

[0019] Figure 1 This indicates a machine tool 12 equipped with the temperature control device 10 according to this embodiment. Arrows in the figure indicate the vertical and horizontal directions of the machine tool 12 when it is positioned on a horizontal plane. Y in the figure represents the upper side of the machine tool, and Z represents the front side. Furthermore, here, the direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction of the machine tool in the horizontal plane is referred to as the horizontal direction of the machine tool (relative to the front side). Figure 1 The paper surface is perpendicular to the direction, X).

[0020] Machine tool 12 includes a bed 14, which serves as the machine body, mounted on the factory floor; and is movably disposed on the front side of the bed 14. Figure 1 The housing 16 of the rotary table 15 on the upper left side of the bed 14; and the equipment rear side of the bed 14 that is upright. Figure 1The machine tool 12 has a column 18 fixed on top of the column 18 (on the right side of the machine) and serves as the machine body. In addition, the machine tool 12 has a Y-axis slider 20 that is movable in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) and disposed on the front side of the column 18; an X-axis slider 22 that is movable in the horizontal direction (horizontal left and right direction) and disposed on the front side of the Y-axis slider 20; and a spindle assembly 26 (heating part) mounted on the X-axis slider 22 and having a spindle head 24 that rotatably supports the spindle.

[0021] The housing 16 is reciprocally movable along a pair of Z-axis guide rails 28 extending along the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction) on the upper surface of the bed 14. A tray 36 for fixing a workpiece (not shown) is mounted on the upper surface of the housing 16. In this embodiment, a motor 40 for driving the rotation of the tray 36 is installed in the housing 16, and the tray 36 is configured to rotate about a first axis Ob (B-axis direction) extending in the vertical direction.

[0022] On the bed 14, in order to reciprocate the housing 16 along the Z-axis guide rail 28, a ball screw 38C extending in the Z-axis direction is provided (see reference). Figure 2 The Z-axis feed device 38 (heating unit) of the Z-axis servo motor connected to one end of the ball screw 38C is also included. Additionally, a ball nut 38A (see reference) that engages with the ball screw 38C is mounted on the housing 16. Figure 2 The machine tool is equipped with bearings 38B that rotatably support both ends of the ball screw 38C on the bed 14.

[0023] The Y-axis slider 20 is configured to reciprocate along a pair of Y-axis guide rails 30 extending in the vertical direction (or vertical direction) on the front of the column 18. On the column 18, a ball screw 32C extending in the Y-axis direction is provided to reciprocate the Y-axis slider 20 along the Y-axis guide rails 30 (see reference). Figure 2 The Y-axis feed device 32 (heating unit) of the Y-axis servo motor is connected to one end of a pair of ball screws 32C in this embodiment. Additionally, a ball nut 32A (see reference) that engages with the ball screws 32C is mounted on the Y-axis slider 20. Figure 2 The ball screw 32C is rotatably supported on the column 18 by bearings 32B.

[0024] The X-axis slider 22 is configured to reciprocate along a pair of X-axis guide rails 33 extending in the transverse direction (X-axis direction) of the device, located in front of the Y-axis slider 20. On the Y-axis slider 20, a ball screw 34C extending in the X-axis direction is provided to reciprocate the X-axis slider 22 along the X-axis guide rails 33 (see reference). Figure 2The X-axis feed device 34 (heating unit) of the X-axis servo motor is connected to one end of the ball screw 34C. Additionally, a ball nut 34A (see reference) that engages with the ball screw 34C is mounted on the X-axis slider 22. Figure 2 The ball screw 34C is rotatably supported on the Y-axis slider 20 at both ends.

[0025] The X-axis slider 22 has a pair of A-axis arms protruding forward in the Z-axis direction. The spindle head 24 is supported between the A-axis arms for rotational feed about an inclined rotation axis Oa (A-axis direction) parallel to the X-axis. An A-axis servo motor 39 for rotating the spindle head 24 about the inclined rotation axis Oa (A-axis direction) is installed on one side of one of the A-axis arms. The spindle head 24 rotatably supports the spindle about the central axis Os, and is configured to be driven by the built-in servo motor (not shown).

[0026] Thus, the machine tool 12 is configured to be controlled by the NC device 100 to perform linear motion along the X, Y and Z axes and rotational motion around the Oa and Ob axes, and to process the workpiece by moving the tool T mounted on the front end of the spindle and the workpiece (not shown) fixed on the tray 36 and mounted on the worktable 15 together with the tray 36 relative to each other.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the temperature control device 10. The temperature control device 10 includes a spindle assembly 26 that serves as the heat-generating part of the machine tool 12 and an oil controller 44 for supplying cooling oil to the feed devices 32, 34, and 38 of each axis.

[0028] The oil controller 44 is configured to supply cooling oil to the bearing areas of the spindle assembly 26 and each axis feed device 32, 34, 38 via a circulation path (piping) 46, thereby cooling the heat generated during the rotation of each axis. Cooling methods for the spindle assembly 26 include jacket cooling, where cooling oil circulates near the outer ring of the bearing supporting the spindle; spray lubrication, where lubricating oil is always injected from the side onto the rolling elements of the bearing supporting the spindle; and axis cooling, where cooling oil flows to the axis of the spindle. However, this invention does not employ any of these cooling methods. Furthermore, the circulation of cooling oil to the axis feed devices 32, 34, 38 can occur through ball nuts, ball screws, bearing housings at both ends, and the axis of the ball screw. Alternatively, the cooling oil can be directed only to the bearing housings at both ends of the ball screw, where the heat is greatest, and to the axis of the ball screw. Furthermore, to ensure uniform temperature throughout the machine tool, the oil controller 44 can also direct cooling oil to the interior of large components such as the bed 14, worktable 15, and column 18.

[0029] The oil controller 44 has multiple oil control modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 (hereinafter referred to as modules) connected in parallel with the circulation path 46 toward the spindle assembly 26. Here, four modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are provided: a first module 48, a second module 50, a third module 52, and a fourth module 54. Each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 uses four modules with identical internal components and equivalent performance. They differ only in whether they are connected to the respective axis feed devices 32, 34, and 38, and in the reference temperatures RT1-RT4 (refer to...) set for controlling the temperature of the cooling oil. Figure 3 (Different.) Furthermore, modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are described here as a configuration of 4 units, but are not limited to this. They may also be configured with more than 4 units or fewer units, depending on the change in cooling capacity specifications.

[0030] Four modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are connected in parallel with respect to the piping manifold 56 between the oil controller 44 and the spindle assembly 26. Specifically, the circulation path 46 of each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 is connected to the hose connection port 58 of the piping manifold 56, supplying (circulating) cooling oil from the piping manifold 56 to the spindle assembly 26 via a single circulation path 46. Therefore, the cooling oil supplied from each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 of the oil controller 44 to the spindle assembly 26 can be merged, and the cooling oil circulating in the spindle assembly 26 can be diverted towards each module 48, 50, 52, and 54. This results in a more uniform flow of cooling oil circulating in the circulation path 46 connected to each module 48, 50, 52, and 54. In particular, by arranging the pipes in the piping connection manifold 56 in such a way that the pipe length between each hose connection port 58 and the spindle assembly 26 is the same, the discharge flow rate of each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made the same. In addition, the return oil flow rate to each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made the same.

[0031] Multiple hose connection ports 58 are provided, which are configured to be sealed by embedded plugs (not shown) when not connected to modules 48, 50, 52, and 54. Additionally, the piping connection manifold 56 can be connected to four modules 48, 50, 52, and 54, but is not limited to this; a piping connection manifold capable of connecting to more than four modules can also be used.

[0032] Inside each of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54, there are first tanks 60 and second tanks 62 for containing cooling oil, and first pumps 64 and second pumps 66 for circulating the cooling oil. A partition wall 68 is provided between the first tank 60 and the second tank 62. The second tanks 62 of each of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are connected via tank connecting passages (piping) 70 to ensure that the temperature of the cooling oil (return oil) recovered to each of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 is uniform.

[0033] Additionally, on the first tank 60 side of each of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54, a cooler 72 is provided for cooling the cooling oil and lowering its temperature. The cooler 72 comprises a refrigerant compressor (not shown), a heat exchanger, and an internal flow regulating valve connected in parallel with the refrigerant circulation path passing through them. It is configured to extract heat from the cooling oil in contact with the heat exchanger by circulating the refrigerant within the piping connecting the refrigerant compressor and the heat exchanger. These structures are identical to those indicated by symbols 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in the figures of Patent Document 1, and therefore, are omitted here. Furthermore, the configuration facilitates refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant compressor and heat exchanger (increasing cooling capacity) by reducing the valve opening of the internal flow regulating valve, and hinders refrigerant circulation in the refrigerant compressor and heat exchanger (reducing cooling capacity) by increasing the valve opening to form a bypass flow path.

[0034] The cooled oil, having undergone heat exchange with the spindle assembly 26, is returned to the second tank 62 via circulation path 46 after its temperature rises. On the side of circulation path 46 that branches the returned cooled oil from the hose connection port 58 of the piping connection manifold 56 and delivers it to the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54, a flow meter 74 for measuring the flow rate of the cooled oil and a flow regulating valve 76 for adjusting the flow rate of the cooled oil through circulation path 46 are installed. Additionally, a return oil temperature sensor 78 is installed on this circulation path 46 to detect (meter) the temperature of the cooled oil (return oil) immediately after it has been returned to the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54.

[0035] The cooling oil flowing into the second tank 62 may mix with the cooling oil overflowing from the first tank 60 across the partition wall 68, or it may overflow from the second tank 62 across the partition wall 68 and flow into the first tank 60, where it is cooled by the cooler 72. The cooled oil is drawn up by the first pump 64 through the first filter 80 and delivered to the spindle assembly 26. A one-way valve 82 is installed on the circulation path 46 on the side that delivers the cooled oil from each module 48, 50, 52, 54 to the piping connection manifold 56 to prevent backflow. In addition, a flow meter 74 for measuring the flow rate of the cooling oil and a flow regulating valve 76 for adjusting the flow rate of the cooling oil flowing through the circulation path 46 are installed on the side of the circulation path 46 opposite to the one-way valve 82 and the side that is the piping connection manifold 56. By adjusting the flow regulating valve 76 so that the values ​​of all flow meters 74 are equal, the discharge flow rates of each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made the same. Additionally, the return oil flow rates to each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made the same. If the lengths of all pipes within the aforementioned piping connection manifold 56 are the same, then flow meters 74 and flow regulating valve 76 may not be required.

[0036] The first module 48 is configured to circulate the cooling oil within the Y-axis feed device 32. The cooled oil is drawn from the second tank 62 side by the second pump 66 through the second filter 84 and delivered to the ball nut 32A side and the ball screw sides 32B and 32C of the Y-axis feed device 32. The cooling oil circulating within these components is then recovered back to the first module 48.

[0037] The second module 50 is configured to circulate cooling oil in the X-axis feed device 34 and the Z-axis feed device 38. Cooled oil is drawn from the second tank 62 side by the second pump 66 through the second filter 84 and delivered to the ball nut sides 34A and 38A and the ball screw sides 34B, 34C, 38B, and 38C of the X-axis feed device 34 and the Z-axis feed device 38, which are connected in parallel with the circulation path 46. The cooling oil circulating in these devices is then recovered to the second module 50.

[0038] Each module 48, 50, 52, and 54 is connected to a cooler 72; and a first temperature setter 86, a second temperature setter 88, a third temperature setter 90, and a fourth temperature setter 92, which are electrically connected to the cooler 72 and the return oil temperature sensor 78, and control the operation of the cooler 72 as a reference temperature setting component. Each temperature setter 86, 88, 90, and 92 is configured to set reference temperatures RT1-RT4, and to control the cooling capacity of the cooler 72 in a manner that the temperature of the return oil matches the set reference temperatures RT1-RT4. Specifically, each temperature setter 86, 88, 90, and 92 increases or decreases the cooling capacity of the cooler 72 by controlling the operation of the refrigerant compressor and the internal flow regulating valve of the cooler 72.

[0039] A body temperature sensor 94 is disposed on the rear and lower side of the machine tool body (here, the bed 14) of the machine tool 12, for monitoring the body temperature of the machine tool 12 in the portion exiting from the spindle assembly 26 and the respective axis feed devices 32, 34, 38. The body temperature sensor 94 is electrically connected to each temperature setter 86, 88, 90, 92, and the reference temperatures RT1-RT4 of each temperature setter 86, 88, 90, 92 can be automatically set based on the body temperature.

[0040] Each temperature setter 86, 88, 90, and 92 has an input panel (illustration omitted) for inputting external values ​​used to set reference temperatures RT1-RT4. Alternatively, input can be made from the NC program. This allows manual setting instead of automatic setting of reference temperatures RT1-RT4 based on the machine body temperature. Furthermore, the components for setting reference temperatures RT1-RT4 are not limited to the input panel; for example, variable devices such as dials can be provided for manual adjustment.

[0041] This is based on an example of the result of temperature control. Figure 3 The time series of the temperature of the spindle assembly 26 is used to illustrate the function and effect of the temperature control device 10 in this embodiment.

[0042] In this example, only the first module 48 and the second module 50 are operational, while the third module 52 and the fourth module 54 are not. Thus, according to the temperature control device 10 of this embodiment, the number of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 operating in accordance with the operating conditions of the machine tool 12 can be easily changed. Furthermore, it is easy to add or remove modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 to accommodate changes in the specifications of the machine tool 12.

[0043] Figure 3 The horizontal axis represents the time axis (time S1 to S7). The vertical axis represents temperature (T1 to T2 on the left) and valve opening (D1 to D8 on the right). The temperature represents the reference temperature RT1 of the first module 48, the reference temperature RT2 of the second module 50, and the temperature AT of the return oil from the spindle assembly 26 (T1 to T2 on the left); the valve opening represents the valve opening DV1 of the internal adjusting valve of the cooler 72 inside the first module 48 and the valve opening DV2 of the internal adjusting valve of the cooler 72 inside the second module 50.

[0044] In this example, the reference temperatures RT1-RT4 of modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are set as follows: the reference temperature RT1 of the first module 48 is set to the lowest, followed by the reference temperature RT2 of the second module 50, and the reference temperature RT4 of the non-operating fourth module 54 is set to the highest (RT4 > RT3 > RT2 > RT1). Furthermore, the temperature difference between these reference temperatures RT1-RT4 is the same as the temperature difference ΔT (i.e., RT4-RT3 = RT3-RT2 = RT2-RT1 = ΔT). Specifically, the reference temperature RT1 of the first module 48 can be automatically set based on the machine body temperature of the machine tool 12 in the portion exiting the spindle assembly 26 and each axis feed device 32, 34, 38, detected by the machine body temperature sensor 94. For example, it can also be set to 23°C, the same as the outside air temperature at which the machine tool 12 is located. In addition, theoretically, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT between the reference temperatures RT1 and RT4, the faster the second, third, or fourth module can operate, and the better the temperature control response. However, if it is too small, there is a possibility of miscontrol, such as the first and second modules operating simultaneously, or the first module stopping while the second module starts. Therefore, it is better to set it to, for example, 0.2℃.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the spindle assembly 26 operates by increasing the rotational speed of the spindle assembly (R-1 to R-5 in the figure) (R-5 > R-4 > R-3 > R-2 > R-1) and finally stopping (STOP in the figure). For example, here, R-1 is set to 3000 rpm and R-5 to 15000 rpm. The spindle assembly 26 operates in a fixed position. Therefore, the axis feed devices 32, 34, and 38 are geometrically inactive except for micro-motion to adjust the position of the spindle assembly 26. However, the Y-axis servo motor of the Y-axis feed device 32 requires gravity support, and even when the feed axis appears to be stopped from the outside, the Y-axis servo motor is still operating and generating heat. The cooling oil circulating in the Y-axis feed device 32 is hotter than that of the other axis feed devices.

[0046] After the spindle assembly 26 starts working, only the cooler 72 of the first module 48 is active, while the cooler 72 of the second module 50 is not active. Therefore, the valve opening DV2 of the second module 50 remains at a large value (D7) without change. On the other hand, because the heat generation gradually increases with the increase of the spindle assembly 26's rotational speed, the internal flow regulating valve is activated by the first temperature setter 86, and the valve opening DV1 of the first module 48 decreases from approximately D2 towards 0 (cooling capacity increases).

[0047] If the rotational speed of the spindle assembly 26 is further increased (speed R-5 after time S5), the cooling capacity of the cooler 72 of the first module 48 alone cannot fully cope with the increased heat generation, and the temperature AT of the return oil rises sharply. As a result, the temperature AT of the return oil exceeds the reference temperature RT1 of the first module 48 and the reference temperature RT2 of the second module 50. Therefore, the cooler 72 of the second module 50 is activated by the second temperature setter 88, and the valve opening DV2 of the internal flow regulating valve of the second module 50 decreases from D7 to below D2 (cooling capacity increases). Thus, the temperature AT of the return oil is reduced to below the reference temperature RT2 of the second module 50. Furthermore, in the case of a spindle assembly with a high spindle rotational speed, for example, 20,000 rpm, four modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 are required. Temperature control in this case is the same as described above. If the temperature AT of the return oil exceeds the reference temperature RT3 of the third module 52, the third module 52 will operate; if it exceeds the reference temperature RT4 of the fourth module 54, the fourth module 54 will operate. Because the heat generated by the shaft feed devices 32, 34, and 38 does not depend on the rotational speed of the spindle device 26, the third module 52 and the fourth module 54 do not circulate the cooling oil in the shaft feed devices 32, 34, and 38, and insert plugs are applied to the unused piping sections.

[0048] According to the temperature control device 10 of this embodiment, the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be combined (modularly) to form an oil controller 44. Therefore, even if the cooling capacity specifications change due to changes in the specifications of the machine tool 12, or if the temperature AT of the return oil rises sharply due to the operating conditions of the machine tool 12, the cooling capacity can be adapted to the change. Thus, for example, the cooling capacity can be changed easily and at low cost without always having to install a large-capacity oil controller. Furthermore, the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 connect the tanks 60 and 62 and are connected in parallel with respect to the machine tool 12. In addition, the temperature control device 10 includes a piping connection manifold 56. Therefore, the convergence of cooling oil supplied from the oil controller 44 to the machine tool 12 and the distribution of cooling oil recovered from the machine tool 12 to the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made uniform, and the temperature of the cooling oil in the modules 48, 50, 52, and 54 can be made uniform, enabling stable temperature control of the machine tool 12.

[0049] As explained above, the cooling capacity of the temperature control device 10 in this embodiment can be changed to accommodate variations in the machine tool 12, and its addition is easy. The oil controller 44 in this embodiment does not require a single large oil controller with cooling capacities of two, three, or four modules. First, because only one module needs to be operated, and second, third, and fourth modules can be operated accordingly, energy-saving effects are achieved. Furthermore, since there is no need to maintain a large oil controller in stock, management costs are also reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, this description illustrates the configuration of the first module 48 to circulate cooling oil in the Y-axis feed device 32, and the second module 50 to circulate cooling oil in the X-axis feed device 34 and the Z-axis feed device 38, but is not limited to this. For example, the connection between the modules and the axis feed devices can be varied according to the required cooling capacity, such as the first module circulating cooling oil in the X-axis and Z-axis feed devices and the first module circulating cooling oil in the Y-axis feed device.

[0051] Furthermore, it is explained here that the temperature control device 10 is suitable for applications including a spindle assembly 26 and feed devices 32, 34, and 38 for each axis. Figure 1 The machine tool 12 shown is an example of this, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be applied to other types of machine tools such as lathes and grinding machines.

[0052] An embodiment of the temperature control device 10 for the machine tool 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications of the above-described embodiment are included in the embodiments of the present invention, within the scope of what those skilled in the art would consider.

[0053] Explanation of symbols

[0054] 10: Temperature control device; 12: Machine tool; 14: Bed (machine body); 18: Column (machine body); 26: Spindle device (heating unit); 32: Y-axis feed device (heating unit); 34: X-axis feed device (heating unit); 38: Z-axis feed device (heating unit); 44: Oil controller; 48: First module (oil control module); 50: Second module (oil control module); 52: Third module (oil control module); 54: Fourth module (oil control module); 56: Equipment Pipe connection manifold; 60: First tank; 62: Second tank; 64: First pump; 66: Second pump; 72: Cooler; 78: Return oil temperature sensor; 86: First temperature setter (reference temperature setter component); 88: Second temperature setter (reference temperature setter component); 90: Third temperature setter (reference temperature setter component); 92: Fourth temperature setter (reference temperature setter component); 94: Body temperature sensor; RT1: Reference temperature; RT2: Reference temperature.

Claims

1. A temperature control device for a machine tool, wherein the temperature control device circulates cooling oil within the heat-generating parts of the machine tool to control the temperature, characterized in that, Equipped with a body temperature sensor, return oil temperature sensor, oil controller, and piping connection manifold. The body temperature sensor measures the body temperature in the portion of the machine tool body that is away from the heat-generating part. The return oil temperature sensor measures the temperature of the cooling oil that circulates in the machine tool and is returned to the temperature control device. The oil controller includes a tank for containing the cooling oil, a pump for circulating the cooling oil, and a cooler for reducing the temperature of the cooling oil. At least two oil control modules that control the temperature of the cooling oil supplied to the machine tool are connected in parallel with respect to the machine tool in such a way that the temperature of the cooling oil detected by the return oil temperature sensor is consistent with a reference temperature set based on the machine body temperature. The piping connection manifold is used to make the convergence of the cooling oil supplied from the oil controller to the machine tool and the distribution of the cooling oil recovered from the machine tool to each of the oil control modules more uniform. The temperature control device of the aforementioned machine tool has a reference temperature setting component, which sets the reference temperature of at least two of the aforementioned oil control modules with additional differences, so that one of the aforementioned oil control modules operates first.

2. The temperature control device for a machine tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The reference temperature of the oil control module that operates first is set to a lower temperature than the reference temperatures of the other oil control modules.

3. The temperature control device for a machine tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the return oil temperature of the aforementioned cooling oil exceeds the reference temperature of the oil control module that is prioritized for operation, then the other oil control modules shall operate in such a manner that the return oil temperature of the aforementioned cooling oil does not exceed each of the aforementioned reference temperatures.

4. The temperature control device for a machine tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The reference temperatures of each of the aforementioned oil control modules can be set by external input.

5. The temperature control device for a machine tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the aforementioned oil control modules circulates the cooling oil in the spindle assembly of the machine tool, while the other oil control modules circulate the cooling oil in the spindle assembly and the feed axis assembly of the machine tool.

Citation Information

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