Flow path unit and cooling system

Abstract

A flow path unit is formed with a main flow path connecting an input port and a main output port, and a sub output port. The flow path unit is provided with a guide section connected to a main flow path wall surface that forms the main flow path. The guide portion guides the liquid in the main flow path to a sub-output port different from the main output port when the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a flow path unit and a cooling system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A system provided with a secondary water tank, a cyclone filter, and a tertiary water tank is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3189601. The secondary water tank stores a coolant containing swarf. The cyclone filter separates the swarf contained in the coolant delivered from the secondary water tank. The tertiary water tank stores the coolant after the swarf is separated by the cyclone filter. SUMMARY

[0003] However, in a case where the separation of the swarf by the cyclone filter is insufficient, the swarf is mixed into the tertiary water tank.

[0004] One embodiment of the present application is a flow path unit including an input port, a main output port, a main flow path connecting the input port and the main output port, a sub output port formed in the flow path unit, a guide portion connected to a main flow path wall surface forming the main flow path, the guide portion guiding the liquid in the main flow path to the sub output port different from the main output port in a case where the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present application is a cooling system including the flow path unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a separation device that separates swarf contained in a coolant of a machine tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cooling system.

[0007] Figure 2 is a view showing a flow path unit of a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3A is a view showing the flow of liquid in a case where the flow rate is low in the flow path unit of the first embodiment, Figure 3B is a view showing the flow of liquid in a case where the flow rate is high in the flow path unit of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 is a view showing a flow path unit of a second embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5A is a view showing the flow of liquid in a case where the flow rate is low in the flow path unit of the second embodiment, Figure 5B is a view showing the flow of liquid in a case where the flow rate is high in the flow path unit of the second embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6is a view that shows a flow path unit of the third embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7A is a view that shows the flow of liquid when the flow rate is low in the flow path unit of the third embodiment, Figure 7B is a view that shows the flow of liquid when the flow rate is high in the flow path unit of the third embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a view that shows a flow path unit of the fourth embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9A is a view that shows the flow of liquid when the flow rate is low in the flow path unit of the fourth embodiment, Figure 9B is a view that shows the flow of liquid when the flow rate is high in the flow path unit of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] A separation device such as a cyclone filter has a tendency that separation of machining chips becomes insufficient at the start of operation or at the end of operation. Therefore, the cooling liquid discharged from the separation device at the start of operation or at the end of operation of the separation device is the cooling liquid containing machining chips. Therefore, machining chips are mixed in a storage tank (a three-way tank in the case of Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3189601) that stores the cooling liquid discharged from the separation device.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment for reducing the mixing of machining chips into the storage tank will be described.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cooling system 10. The cooling system 10 is a system that separates machining chips from cooling liquid containing machining chips generated by machining by a machine tool 12, and supplies the cooling liquid after the separation of machining chips to the machine tool 12. As the machine tool 12, a cutting machine, a lathe, a grinding machine, or the like can be cited. The cooling liquid is a liquid. A liquid in which a water-soluble agent is dissolved in water is used as the cooling liquid. The cooling liquid is used to improve machining performance when machining is performed by the machine tool 12, or to cool machining heat, or to discharge machining chips generated in machining to the outside.

[0018] The cooling system 10 is provided with a first liquid tank 14, a second liquid tank 16, a cooling liquid receiving member 18, a first hydraulic delivery pump 20, a second hydraulic delivery pump 22, a delivery pump 24, and a separation device 26.

[0019] The first liquid tank 14 is a tank that stores the cutting fluid containing swarf. The first liquid tank 14 is divided into a dirty liquid tank 14_1 and a primary cleaning tank 14_2 by a porous filter member 28. The dirty liquid tank 14_1 and the primary cleaning tank 14_2 communicate via the porous filter member 28. The porous filter member 28 divides the first liquid tank 14 into the dirty liquid tank 14_1 and the primary cleaning tank 14_2. The porous filter member 28 traps the swarf contained in the cutting fluid stored in the dirty liquid tank 14_1. Thus, the cutting fluid stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 becomes the cutting fluid from which the swarf is removed. However, the porous filter member 28 cannot completely capture the swarf. Therefore, the cutting fluid stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 contains the swarf. However, the amount of the swarf contained in the cutting fluid stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 is less than the amount of the swarf contained in the cutting fluid stored in the dirty liquid tank 14_1.

[0020] The second liquid tank 16 is a storage tank (secondary cleaning tank) that stores the cutting fluid discharged from the separation device 26. The cutting fluid stored in the second liquid tank 16 contains almost no swarf, much less than the cutting fluid stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2.

[0021] The cutting fluid receiving member 18 is a member for receiving the cutting fluid discharged from the machine tool 12 and sending the cutting fluid to the dirty liquid tank 14_1. The cutting fluid discharged from the machine tool 12 contains the swarf. The cutting fluid receiving member 18 is provided, for example, on the top plate of the first liquid tank 14.

[0022] The first hydraulic delivery pump 20 is a pump that delivers the cutting fluid stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 to the machine tool 12. The first hydraulic delivery pump 20 is provided, for example, on the top plate of the first liquid tank 14. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, the number of the first hydraulic delivery pump 20 is two, but can be one or more than three. The cutting fluid delivered to the machine tool 12 by the first hydraulic delivery pump 20 is discharged, for example, to the splash guard of the machine tool 12 or the like.

[0023] The second hydraulic delivery pump 22 is a pump that delivers the cutting fluid stored in the second liquid tank 16 to the machine tool 12. The second hydraulic delivery pump 22 is provided, for example, on the top plate of the second liquid tank 16. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, the number of the second hydraulic delivery pump 22 is one, but can be two or more. The cutting fluid delivered to the machine tool 12 by the second hydraulic delivery pump 22 is discharged, for example, to the machining portion of the workpiece. In this case, as a flow path of the cutting fluid, the through hole of the tool mounted on the spindle is discharged to the machining portion, for example.

[0024] The delivery pump 24 is a pump that delivers the coolant stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 to the separation device 26. The delivery pump 24 is provided, for example, on the top plate of the first liquid tank 14. The delivery pump 24 supplies the coolant stored in the primary cleaning tank 14_2 to the separation device 26 via the input pipe 40.

[0025] The first hydraulic delivery pump 20, the second hydraulic delivery pump 22, and the delivery pump 24 can be of a positive displacement type or of a non-positive displacement type.

[0026] The separation device 26 is a separator that separates machining chips contained in the coolant. The separation device 26 can also be a cyclone filter. The separation device 26 separates machining chips contained in the coolant supplied from the primary cleaning tank 14_2 via the input pipe 40, and supplies the coolant after separation of the machining chips to the output pipe 42.

[0027] When the supply of the coolant from the primary cleaning tank 14_2 is started, the operation of the separation device 26 is started, and the separation ability of the machining chips is gradually increased. When the supply of the coolant of the primary cleaning tank 14_2 is stopped, the separation ability of the machining chips is gradually decreased, and soon the operation of the separation device 26 is stopped. The separation device 26 has an input portion 30, a clean liquid output portion 32, a dirty liquid output portion 34, a main body portion 36, and a dust collecting portion 38.

[0028] The input portion 30 is provided, for example, on the side portion of the upper side of the main body portion 36. The input portion 30 is connected to the input pipe 40, and communicates with the delivery pump 24. The clean liquid output portion 32 is provided, for example, on the upper portion of the main body portion 36, and is connected to the output pipe 42. The dirty liquid output portion 34 is provided, for example, on the lower portion of the main body portion 36, and communicates with the dust collecting portion 38.

[0029] The main body portion 36 is a portion that performs the process of separating the machining chips from the coolant. When the coolant starts to flow from the input portion 30, the main body portion 36 starts the process of separating the machining chips from the coolant. In this case, the coolant supplied from the clean liquid output portion 32 to the output pipe 42 is gradually increased. When the coolant flowing from the input portion 30 is stopped, the main body portion 36 ends the process of separating the machining chips from the coolant. In this case, the coolant supplied to the output pipe 42 is gradually decreased, and then the supply of the coolant to the output pipe 42 is stopped.

[0030] In the case where the separation device 26 is a cyclone filter, the main body portion 36 separates the machining chips from the coolant by centrifugal force. At this time, the coolant flowing in from the input portion 30 rotates in the main body portion 36. The machining chips contained in the coolant are precipitated downward while being agglomerated near the outer wall of the cyclone filter by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation, and flow out to the dust collecting portion 38 together with a part of the coolant via the dirty liquid output portion 34. As a result, the machining chips are hardly contained in the central portion of the cyclone filter, and the clean coolant is supplied to the output line 42 from the clean liquid output portion 32.

[0031] A flow path unit 50 is provided on the output line 42 or the clean liquid output portion 32. Figure 1 An example in which the flow path unit 50 is provided on the output line 42 is shown. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the flow path unit 50 will be described.

[0032] [First Embodiment]

[0033] The flow path unit 50 is a fixed structure that does not deform due to the coolant. The flow path unit 50 does not have a valve body. In the following description, an upward direction and a downward direction are defined. The upward direction is a direction opposite to the direction of action of gravity. The downward direction is the direction of action of gravity. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path unit 50 has a flow path forming block 52 and a guide portion 54. Figure 2

[0034] The flow path forming block 52 is a member in which a flow path 56 is formed inside. The flow path forming block 52 is installed on a portion of the output line 42 that guides the coolant from the upper side to the lower side.

[0035] The flow path 56 has a main flow path 58 and a sub flow path 60. The main flow path 58 communicates an input port 62 and a main output port 64. The input port 62 is located on the upper surface of the flow path forming block 52. The input port 62 is connected to the output line 42. The coolant supplied from the separation device 26 flows into the input port 62.

[0036] The main output port 64 is disposed on the lower side of the input port 62. The main output port 64 is located on the upper surface of the flow path forming block 52. The main flow path 58 extends from the input port 62 to the main output port 64 in a single direction.

[0037] The sub flow path 60 communicates the main flow path 58 and a sub output port 66. The sub flow path 60 is formed in a manner of surrounding the main flow path 58. The sub output port 66 is located on a part of the side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface of the flow path forming block 52.

[0038] ​In the present embodiment, the flow path 56 has a first flow path 68, a second flow path 70, and a third flow path 72. The first flow path 68 communicates with the input port 62. The second flow path 70 is separated from the first flow path 68. The second flow path 70 communicates with the main output port 64. The first flow path 68 and the second flow path 70 are, for example, cylindrical in shape.

[0039] The third flow path 72 connects the first flow path 68 and the second flow path 70. The cross-sectional area of the third flow path 72 gradually increases from the first flow path 68 toward the second flow path 70. The third flow path 72 is, for example, frustoconical in shape.

[0040] The upper end (upstream end) of the third flow path 72 is located at the lower end (downstream end) of the first flow path 68. The lower end (downstream end) of the third flow path 72 is located between the upper end (upstream end) of the second flow path 70 and the lower end (downstream end) of the second flow path 70. The upper end portion of the second flow path 70 is inserted into the third flow path 72, and a partition portion 73 is provided around the upper end portion. Since the upper end portion of the second flow path 70 is inserted into the third flow path 72, the third flow path 72 is wider than the second flow path 70. In other words, the second flow path 70 is contained in the range of the downstream end of the third flow path 72.

[0041] The main flow path 58 includes the central region AR1 of the first flow path 68, the second flow path 70, and the third flow path 72. On the other hand, the sub flow path 60 includes the outer peripheral region AR2 of the third flow path 72.

[0042] The guide portion 54 is connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the main flow path 58. The connection portion PT of the guide portion 54 and the main flow path wall surface 58F is located on the upper side of the sub output port 66.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a sub flow path wall surface 60F that forms the sub flow path 60. The sub flow path wall surface 60F is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0044] As described above, at the start of operation of the separation device 26 or at the end of operation of the separation device 26, the flow rate of the coolant supplied from the separation device 26 to the output line 42 is small compared to the operation period of the separation device 26. In addition, the operation period is the period from the end of the start-up process of the separation device 26 to the start of the stop process of the separation device 26.

[0045] In a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 via the output line 42 is less than a prescribed amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant plays a dominant role. Therefore, as Figure 3AAs shown, the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the first flow path 68 along the sub flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub flow path 60 to the sub output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the sub output port 66 is supplied to the primary cleaning tank 14 2. In addition, the coolant flowing out of the sub output port 66 can also be supplied to the coolant receiving member 18 or the dirty liquid tank 14 1.

[0046] On the other hand, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds the prescribed amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant does not play a dominant role. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the coolant does not flow from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the first flow path 68 along the sub flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub flow path 60 due to the surface tension of the coolant itself, but flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16. Figure 3B

[0047] Thus, in the flow path unit 50, in a case where the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port 62 is less than the prescribed amount, the guide portion 54 is able to guide the coolant of the main flow path 58 to the sub output port 66 different from the main output port 64.

[0048] [Second Embodiment]

[0049] Next, the flow path unit 50 of the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the same constituent elements as those described above.

[0050] In this embodiment, the flow path forming block 52 is installed on a portion of the output line 42 that guides the coolant from the lower side to the upper side. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the relationship between the input port 62 and the main output port 64 is opposite to that of the first embodiment. That is, the main output port 64 is disposed on the upper side of the input port 62. The input port 62 is located on the lower surface of the flow path forming block 52 and is connected to the upstream portion of the output line 42. The main output port 64 is located on the upper surface of the flow path forming block 52 and is connected to the downstream portion of the output line 42. Figure 4

[0051] In addition, the flow path forming block 52 can be provided on the separation device 26 as a constituent element of the separation device 26 instead of the output line 42. In this case, for example, the input port 62 is connected to the downstream end of the cleaning liquid output portion 32, and the main output port 64 is connected to the upstream end of the output line 42.

[0052] ​​In the present embodiment, the guide portion 54 is the sub-flow path wall surface 60F as in the first embodiment. The sub-flow path wall surface 60F extends from the main flow path 58 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the main flow path 58, and is not inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. However, the sub-flow path wall surface 60F can also be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity as in the first embodiment.

[0053] In a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 via the output pipe 42 is less than the prescribed amount, as in the first embodiment, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant plays a dominant role. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub-flow path 60 to the sub-output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the sub-output port 66 is supplied to the primary cleaning tank 14 2. In addition, the coolant flowing out of the sub-output port 66 can be supplied to the coolant receiving member 18 or the dirty tank 14 1. In addition, even in a case where the coolant supplied from the input port 62 is more than the prescribed amount, as long as the amount of the coolant supplied from the input port 62 is less than the amount of the coolant discharged from the sub-output port 66, the coolant flows to the sub-output port 66. Figure 5A On the other hand, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds the prescribed amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant does not play a dominant role. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the coolant does not flow from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) due to the surface tension of the coolant itself, but flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the main output port 64 is supplied to the second tank 16.

[0054] Figure 5B In this way, in the flow path unit 50, even if the flow direction of the coolant is the upward direction, the guide portion 54 is able to guide the coolant of the main flow path 58 to the sub-output port 66.

[0055] In addition, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can also be installed on a portion in the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant in the horizontal direction. In this case, the configuration state of the flow path unit 50 is a state of being rotated 90 degrees. In addition, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can also be configured to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0056] In addition, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can also be installed on a portion in the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant in the horizontal direction. In this case, the configuration state of the flow path unit 50 is a state of being rotated 90 degrees. In addition, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can also be configured to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. Figure 4

[0057] [Third Embodiment]

[0058] Next, the flow path unit 50 of the third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, the same reference signs will be attached to the same constituent elements as those described above.​​

[0059] The flow path forming block 52 is installed on a portion in the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant in the horizontal direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the extending direction of the main flow path 58 is the horizontal direction. The input port 62 is located on a first side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface of the flow path forming block 52, and is connected to the upstream portion of the output pipe 42. The main output port 64 is located on a second side surface opposite the first side surface of the flow path forming block 52, and is connected to the downstream portion of the output pipe 42. The sub flow path 60 extends downward from the main flow path 58. Figure 6

[0060] In the present embodiment, the guide portion 54 is the sub flow path wall surface 60F as in the first embodiment. The sub flow path wall surface 60F is inclined in a manner that the farther it is toward the downstream direction, the more it is located on the lower side.

[0061] As in the first embodiment, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 via the output pipe 42 is less than the prescribed amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant takes the lead. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub flow path 60 to a sub output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the sub output port 66 is supplied to the primary cleaning tank 14 2. In addition, even in a case where the coolant supplied from the input port 62 is more than the prescribed amount, as long as the amount of the coolant supplied from the input port 62 is less than the amount of the coolant discharged from the sub output port 66, the coolant flows to the sub output port 66. Figure 7A

[0062] On the other hand, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds the prescribed amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant does not take the lead. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, due to the surface tension of the coolant itself, the coolant does not flow from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54), but flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out of the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16. Figure 7B

[0063] Thus, in the flow path unit 50, even if the flow direction of the coolant is the horizontal direction, the guide portion 54 is able to guide the coolant of the main flow path 58 to the sub output port 66.

[0064] In addition, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can also be installed on a portion in the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant from the upper side to the lower side. In this case, the configuration state of the flow path unit 50 is such that the input port 62 is located on the upper side of the flow path forming block 52, and the main output port 64 is located on the lower side of the flow path forming block 52. Figure 6 ​​​The state of being rotated by 90 degrees. Also, the flow path unit 50 of the present embodiment can be arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0065] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0066] Next, the flow path unit 50 of the fourth embodiment will be described. Also, in the present embodiment, the description that is repeated from the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, the same reference signs are attached to the same constituent elements as those described above.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8 , in the present embodiment, the main flow path 58 has a first flow path 68A, a second flow path 70A, and a third flow path 72A. The first flow path 68A communicates with the input port 62. The second flow path 70A is isolated from the first flow path 68A. The second flow path 70A communicates with the main output port 64. The cross-sectional area of the second flow path 70A is larger than that of the first flow path 68A. Also, in the present embodiment, the second flow path 70A is formed in the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58. Figure 8

[0068] The third flow path 72A connects the first flow path 68A and the second flow path 70A. The upper end (upstream end) of the third flow path 72A is connected to the lower end (downstream end) of the first flow path 68A. The lower end (downstream end) of the third flow path 72A is connected to the upper end (upstream end) of the second flow path 70A. The third flow path 72A communicates with the sub output port 66. The sub output port 66 is arranged on the lower side of the guide portion 54. The sub output port 66 is located on the side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface of the flow path formation block 52. The cross-sectional area of the third flow path 72A is larger than that of the second flow path 70A. That is, the third flow path 72A is formed wider than the first flow path 68A and the second flow path 70A.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a rod-shaped member 74. The rod-shaped member 74 is arranged in the third flow path 72A in a state of being inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. The upper end portion of the rod-shaped member 74 is connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the third flow path 72A. The lower end portion of the rod-shaped member 74 is not connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F but is located inside the third flow path 72A.

[0070] The rod-shaped member 74 extends toward the sub output port 66. The sub output port 66 is arranged below the lower end portion of the rod-shaped member 74. The rod-shaped member 74 passes through an imaginary flow path VC that extends downward along the first flow path 68A.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the flow path unit 50 has a liquid receiving portion 76 and a flow stopping portion 78 (refer to Figure 8 ​). The liquid receiving portion 76 is a portion that receives the cooling liquid introduced into the rod-shaped member 74. The liquid receiving portion 76 is located below the lower end portion of the rod-shaped member 74 and is connected to the sub output port 66.

[0072] The liquid receiving portion 76 is a wall surface region AR of the main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the third flow path 72A. The wall surface region AR extends in the horizontal direction from the sub flow path 60 toward the third flow path 72A. Alternatively, the wall surface region AR can be inclined so as to be closer to the sub flow path 60 toward the lower side.

[0073] The flow stopping portion 78 is a portion that stops the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion 76 from flowing toward the main output port 64. The flow stopping portion 78 is located at the edge portion of the wall surface region AR and protrudes upward from the wall surface region AR.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the cooling liquid supplied to the input port 62 via the output line 42 contacts the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) through the first flow path 68A. In a case where the flow rate of the cooling liquid supplied to the input port 62 is less than the prescribed amount, as in the first embodiment, the surface tension between the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) and the cooling liquid is dominant. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the cooling liquid received by the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) flows along the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) and drips to the liquid receiving portion 76 (the wall surface region AR). The cooling liquid received by the liquid receiving portion 76 (the wall surface region AR) flows out from the sub output port 66. The cooling liquid that has flowed out from the sub output port 66 is supplied to the primary cleaning tank 14 2. Figure 9A

[0075] On the other hand, in a case where the flow rate of the cooling liquid supplied to the input port 62 exceeds the prescribed amount, the surface tension between the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) and the cooling liquid becomes ineffective. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the cooling liquid received by the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) does not flow along the rod-shaped member 74 (the guide portion 54) but flows toward the second flow path 70A. The cooling liquid that has flowed into the second flow path 70A flows out from the main output port 64. The cooling liquid that has flowed out from the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16. Figure 9B

[0076] Thus, in the flow path unit 50, the guide portion 54 can guide the cooling liquid of the main flow path 58 to the sub output port 66 even if the sub flow path 60 is not formed. Alternatively, in the present embodiment, the sub flow path 60 can be formed. For example, the sub flow path 60 can be formed between the liquid receiving portion 76 and the sub output port 66.

[0077] ​​The flow path unit 50 of the first to fourth embodiments has the guide portion 54 connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F. When the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port 62 is less than the prescribed amount, the guide portion 54 guides the coolant of the main flow path 58 to the sub output port 66 different from the main output port 64.

[0078] Thus, at the time of operation of the separation device 26 and at the time of start or end of operation of the separation device 26, the discharge destination of the coolant discharged from the flow path unit 50 can be automatically switched even without the valve body. Therefore, the clean coolant after the machining chips are sufficiently separated by the separation device 26 can be discharged from the flow path unit 50 to the specific discharge destination.

[0079] The connection portion PT of the guide portion 54 and the main flow path wall surface 58F can be located on the upstream side of the sub output port 66. Thus, the coolant of which the flow rate supplied to the input port 62 is less than the prescribed amount is easily guided to the sub output port 66 by the surface tension.

[0080] The guide portion 54 can be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. Thus, the coolant of which the flow rate supplied to the input port 62 is less than the prescribed amount is easily guided to the sub output port 66 by the surface tension.

[0081] The flow path unit 50 has the sub flow path 60 that communicates the main flow path 58 and the sub output port 66, and the guide portion 54 can be the sub flow path wall surface 60F that forms the sub flow path 60. Thus, the discharge destination of the coolant can be switched while the structure of the flow path unit 50 is simplified.

[0082] The main flow path 58 can include the central region AR1 of the first flow path 68, the second flow path 70, and the third flow path 72, and the sub flow path 60 can include the outer peripheral region AR2 other than the central region AR1 of the third flow path 72. In this case, the third flow path 72 is larger in cross-sectional area toward the second flow path 70, and the second flow path 70 is included in the range of the downstream end of the third flow path 72. The sub flow path wall surface 60F is a wall surface that forms the third flow path 72. Thus, the discharge destination of the coolant can be switched by the flow path 56 formed inside the flow path unit 50.

[0083] The guide portion 54 can also be the rod-shaped member 74 inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. Thus, the discharge destination of the coolant can be switched even without forming the sub flow path 60.

[0084] The flow path unit 50 further has a liquid receiving portion 76 and a flow stopping portion 78. The liquid receiving portion 76 is located below the lower end portion of the rod-shaped member 74, is connected to the sub output port 66, and receives the liquid that is introduced into the rod-shaped member 74. The flow stopping portion 78 prevents the cooling liquid received by the liquid receiving portion 76 from flowing toward the main output port 64. Thus, the cooling liquid that is supplied to the input port 62 in an amount less than a prescribed amount is easily guided to the sub output port 66 by the surface tension.

[0085] With respect to the above-described embodiments, the following notes are further disclosed.

[0086] (Note 1)

[0087] The present application relates to a flow path unit 50 that is formed with an input port 62, a main output port 64, a main flow path 58 that connects the input port and the main output port, a sub output port 66 that is formed in the flow path unit, and a guide portion 54 that is connected to a main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the main flow path, the guide portion guiding the liquid of the main flow path to the sub output port that is different from the main output port when the flow amount of the liquid supplied to the input port is less than a prescribed amount.

[0088] (Note 2)

[0089] The flow path unit according to Note 1 can also have a connection portion PT of the guide portion and the main flow path wall surface located closer to a direction opposite to the direction of gravity than the sub output port.

[0090] (Note 3)

[0091] The flow path unit according to Note 2 can also have the guide portion inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0092] (Note 4)

[0093] The flow path unit according to any one of Notes 1 to 3 can also have a sub flow path 60 that connects the main flow path and the sub output port formed in the flow path unit, and the guide portion can be a sub flow path wall surface 60F that forms the sub flow path.

[0094] (Note 5)

[0095] The flow path unit according to the supplementary note 4 can also have a first flow path 68, a second flow path 70, a third flow path 72 connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, the third flow path being larger in cross-sectional area toward the second flow path, the second flow path being included in a range of a downstream end of the third flow path, the main flow path including a central region AR1 of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path, the sub flow path including a peripheral region AR2 other than the central region of the third flow path that constitutes the main flow path, the sub flow path wall surface being a wall surface that forms the third flow path.

[0096] (Supplementary note 6)

[0097] The flow path unit according to the supplementary note 3 can also have the guide portion be a rod-shaped member 74 that is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0098] (Supplementary note 7)

[0099] The flow path unit according to the supplementary note 6 can also have a liquid receiving portion 76 and a flow stopping portion 78, the liquid receiving portion being located below a lower end portion of the rod-shaped member, connected to the sub output port, and receiving the liquid that is introduced to the rod-shaped member, the flow stopping portion preventing the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion from flowing to the main output port.

[0100] (Supplementary note 8)

[0101] The present application relates to a cooling system 10 that includes the flow path unit according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 7, and a separation device 26 that separates a machining chip included in a coolant of a machine tool 12.

[0102] Although the present application has been described in detail, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. These embodiments can be variously added, replaced, changed, partially deleted, or the like, within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present application, or within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present application derived from the content described in the claims and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each action, the order of each process is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. The same applies to the numerical values or mathematical expressions used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0103] Explanation of symbols

[0104] 10…cooling system, 12…machine tool, 14…first liquid tank, 16…second liquid tank, 18…coolant receiving member, 20…first hydraulic delivery pump, 22…second hydraulic delivery pump, 24…delivery pump, 26…separation device, 50…flow path unit, 52…flow path forming block, 54…guide portion, 56…flow path, 58…main flow path, 60…sub flow path, 62…input port, 64…main output port, 66…sub output port, 68, 68A…first flow path, 70, 70A…second flow path, 72, 72A…third flow path, 74…rod-shaped member, 76…liquid receiving portion, 78…flow stopping portion.

Claims

1. A flow path unit formed with an input port, a main output port, a main flow path connecting the input port and the main output port, characterized in that, a sub output port is formed in the flow path unit, the flow path unit is provided with a guide portion connected to a main flow path wall surface forming the main flow path, the guide portion guides the liquid of the main flow path to the sub output port different from the main output port in a case where the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port is less than a prescribed amount.

2. The flow path unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, a connection portion of the guide portion to the main flow path wall surface is located closer to a direction opposite to a gravitational direction than the sub output port.

3. The flow path unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, the guide portion is inclined with respect to the gravitational direction.

4. The flow path unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, a sub flow path connecting the main flow path and the sub output port is formed in the flow path unit, the guide portion is a sub flow path wall surface forming the sub flow path.

5. The flow path unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path are formed in the flow path unit, the third flow path is larger in cross-sectional area toward the second flow path, the second flow path is included in a range of a downstream end of the third flow path, the main flow path includes the first flow path, the second flow path, and a central region of the third flow path, the sub flow path includes a peripheral region of the third flow path other than the central region, the sub flow path wall surface is a wall surface forming the third flow path.

6. The flow path unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, the guide portion is a rod-shaped member, the rod-shaped member is inclined with respect to the gravitational direction.

7. The flow path unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, the flow path unit is further provided with a liquid receiving portion and a flow stopping portion, the liquid receiving portion is located below a lower end portion of the rod-shaped member, is connected to the sub output port, and receives the liquid guided into the rod-shaped member, the flow stopping portion prevents the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion from flowing toward the main output port.

8. A cooling system characterized by, provided with: the flow path unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a separation device that separates a machining chip included in a coolant of a machine tool.

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