Machine tool cutting fluid cooling system
By combining a precision variable frequency water chiller and a serpentine heat exchange tube with a dual filtration system, the problem of thermal deformation caused by temperature fluctuations in the cutting fluid was solved, achieving efficient cooling and high-precision machining of the machine tool.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511989505.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
Traditional natural cooling methods result in large temperature fluctuations in cutting fluids, leading to thermal deformation of machine tools, workpieces, and cutting tools, which cannot meet the machining accuracy requirements of precision parts.
Employing a precision variable frequency water chiller, serpentine heat exchange tubes, and a dual filtration system, the cutting fluid achieves efficient circulation, cooling, and purification, ensuring temperature stability and cleanliness of the cutting fluid in the machining area.
It significantly improves the cooling effect and heat exchange efficiency of cutting fluid, ensuring the high-precision machining requirements of machine tools, preventing thermal deformation, and improving machining accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN121572072A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of cutting fluid cooling technology, specifically to a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system. Background Technology
[0002] During the cutting process in a machining center, cutting fluid is typically sprayed onto the machining area to quickly dissipate the large amount of heat generated by the cutting operation, preventing abnormal temperature rise in the machining area. Simultaneously, it lubricates and protects the cutting area and tool, reducing cutting resistance and wear, and promptly encapsulates and removes chips generated during cutting, ensuring the continuity and stability of the machining process. Based on differences in machining process characteristics, material properties, and operating conditions, cutting fluids are mainly divided into two categories: oil-based cutting fluids and water-based cutting fluids. However, regardless of the type of cutting fluid used, while achieving its cooling function, it continuously absorbs heat, leading to a temperature increase. This temperature rise triggers a chain reaction of thermal deformation problems, causing not only thermal deformation of the machine tool bed but also dimensional and positional deformation of the workpiece and tool due to heat. These deformations directly affect the dimensional and positional accuracy of the machined parts, becoming one of the key factors restricting the improvement of machining accuracy.
[0003] Traditional machining centers typically employ natural cooling for cutting fluid, relying on the natural heat exchange between the cutting fluid and the surrounding air to dissipate heat and achieve a relatively stable thermal equilibrium. This cooling method is simple in structure and can meet the production needs of ordinary parts with low machining precision requirements. However, with the development of the precision manufacturing industry, the limitations of traditional natural cooling methods have become increasingly apparent for precision parts with machining precision of less than 0.01mm or even 0.005mm. Its low cooling efficiency leads to large fluctuations in cutting fluid temperature, making it difficult to effectively suppress thermal deformation of machine tools, workpieces, and cutting tools. In this case, traditional natural cooling methods can no longer meet the machining precision requirements of precision parts, becoming a prominent problem restricting the development of precision machining technology. An efficient and precise cutting fluid temperature control solution is urgently needed to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system, comprising a water tank and a cooling assembly, wherein a liquid inlet is provided at one corner of the top of the water tank, and a water pump is installed at the other corner of the top of the water tank, and the output end of the water pump is provided with a liquid outlet connector; the cooling assembly is located on one side of the water tank, and the cooling assembly includes a precision variable frequency water chiller, a working fluid output pipe, a water distribution block, a first heat exchange pipe, a compression fitting, a second heat exchange pipe, and a working fluid return pipe; the working fluid output interface of the precision variable frequency water chiller is connected to the working fluid output pipe, and a water distribution block is installed at the lower end of the working fluid output pipe; a first heat exchange pipe is fixed on one side of the water distribution block, and a compression fitting is provided at the end of the first heat exchange pipe; one end of the compression fitting is connected to the second heat exchange pipe; and a working fluid return pipe is fixedly connected to the working fluid input interface of the precision variable frequency water chiller.
[0006] Furthermore, the first heat exchange tubes are arranged in a serpentine pattern, and the first heat exchange tubes are internally connected to the working fluid output tubes through a water distribution block.
[0007] Furthermore, the middle section of the second heat exchange tube is serpentine, and the middle section of the second heat exchange tube is fixedly connected to the water tank via a clamp.
[0008] Furthermore, the working fluid return pipe is connected to the interior of the second heat exchange pipe through a water distribution block, and the water distribution block is fixedly connected to the water tank.
[0009] Furthermore, a first filter plate is installed in the middle of one end of the water tank, and a second filter plate is slidably connected inside the other end of the water tank.
[0010] Furthermore, the internal flow channels of the water tank are C-shaped, and the first filter plate and the second filter plate are symmetrically distributed about the center line of the water tank.
[0011] Furthermore, a float level switch is installed at the top of the other end of the water tank, and the float level switch is electrically connected to an external replenishment pump via a controller.
[0012] Furthermore, the bottom of the water tank is fitted with four casters.
[0013] This invention provides a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention, through the arrangement of cooling components, allows the precision variable frequency water chiller to input the cooled working fluid into the first heat exchange tube via the working fluid output pipe and water distribution block, and then flow into the second heat exchange tube through a compression fitting. This allows the cutting fluid inside the water tank to directly exchange heat with the lower-temperature first and second heat exchange tubes, thereby improving the cooling effect of the cutting fluid. Subsequently, the water pump will pump the cooled cutting fluid from the water tank into the machining area inside the machine tool, thus meeting the high-precision machining requirements of the machine tool. The heated working fluid will then flow back into the precision variable frequency water chiller via the water distribution block and working fluid return pipe, where it will be cooled by the internal compressor, condenser fan, and other components, and the heat will be discharged into the air, thus allowing for recycling. 2. Both the first and second heat exchange tubes of this invention adopt a serpentine distribution design. This structure maximizes the extension of the pipeline length within the limited internal space of the water tank, significantly expands the contact heat exchange area between the working fluid and the cutting fluid, reduces dead zones in the heat exchange process, and makes the contact between the cutting fluid and the tube wall more sufficient and uniform, laying a structural foundation for improving heat exchange efficiency. 3. When the working fluid in the second heat exchange tube of this invention flows towards the water distribution block, it continuously absorbs the heat transferred by the cutting fluid, and its own temperature gradually increases in a gradient manner. The inlet is located near the high-temperature region after the working fluid in the second heat exchange tube has heated up, while the water pump is arranged in the low-temperature region near the working fluid inlet of the second heat exchange tube. This arrangement allows the cutting fluid to flow naturally towards the low-temperature region where the water pump is located after entering the water tank from the inlet. During this process, the cutting fluid always maintains a relative temperature difference with the tube wall of the heat exchange tube, which has a gradient temperature distribution. That is, the cutting fluid exchanges heat with the tube wall in the high-temperature region at the beginning of the flow, and as its own temperature decreases, it continues to contact the relatively low-temperature tube wall, forming a heat exchange process of "continuous heat absorption and gradient cooling". This design effectively avoids the problem of heat exchange efficiency decay caused by heat exchange in a single temperature region, ensuring that the cutting fluid can maintain a high-efficiency heat exchange state throughout the entire flow path, thereby significantly improving the overall heat exchange effect. 4. This invention constructs a dual filtration protection structure through the setting of a first filter plate and a second filter plate, realizing graded purification treatment of cutting fluid. The first filter plate can perform initial filtration on the cutting fluid just entering the water tank, effectively intercepting large particles of chips, abrasives and other solid impurities mixed in the cutting fluid, preventing such impurities from adhering to the surface of the second heat exchange tube, preventing the heat exchange contact area from decreasing and the heat transfer resistance from increasing due to scaling or impurity accumulation on the tube wall, thereby ensuring the heat exchange efficiency and long-term stable operation of the heat exchange tube. The second filter plate performs secondary fine filtration on the cutting fluid before it is pumped to the processing area by the water pump, further removing residual fine impurities in the cutting fluid, ensuring that the cutting fluid entering the processing area has high cleanliness. This dual filtration design not only ensures the stable performance of the cutting fluid's lubrication and cooling, but also provides reliable protection for the high-precision machining requirements of precision parts. 5. This invention utilizes a float level switch to monitor the cutting fluid level inside the water tank in real time, ensuring that the cutting fluid is always maintained within the optimal working fluid level range. This guarantees that the first and second heat exchange tubes are completely immersed in the cutting fluid, maximizing the contact heat exchange area between the heat exchange tubes and the cutting fluid. It also prevents the heat exchange area from decreasing and the heat transfer efficiency from dropping due to insufficient cutting fluid level, while preventing uneven heat exchange caused by local pipes being exposed above the liquid surface. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall front view of a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall three-dimensional structure of a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the water tank structure of a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the float level switch structure of a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to the present invention; Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the water tank structure of a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to the present invention.
[0015] In the diagram: 1. Water tank; 2. Liquid inlet; 3. Water pump; 4. Liquid outlet connector; 5. Cooling assembly; 501. Precision variable frequency water chiller; 502. Working fluid output pipe; 503. Water distribution block; 504. First heat exchange pipe; 505. Compression fitting; 506. Second heat exchange pipe; 507. Working fluid return pipe; 6. First filter plate; 7. Second filter plate; 8. Float level switch; 9. Casters. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0017] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a machine tool cutting fluid cooling system includes a water tank 1 and a cooling assembly 5. A liquid inlet 2 is provided at one corner of the top of the water tank 1, and a water pump 3 is installed at the other corner of the top of the water tank 1. The output end of the water pump 3 is provided with a liquid outlet connector 4, which connects to an external pipeline, allowing the water pump 3 to deliver the cutting fluid to the machine tool machining area. The cooling assembly 5 is located on one side of the water tank 1 and includes a precision variable frequency water chiller 501, a working fluid output pipe 502, a water distribution block 503, a first heat exchange pipe 504, and a ferrule. The precision variable frequency water chiller 501 has a connector 505, a second heat exchange tube 506, and a working fluid return tube 507. The working fluid output interface is connected to a working fluid output tube 502, and a water distribution block 503 is installed at the lower end of the working fluid output tube 502. A first heat exchange tube 504 is fixed to one side of the water distribution block 503, and a compression fitting 505 is provided at the end of the first heat exchange tube 504. The first heat exchange tube 504 is serpentine in shape and is internally connected to the working fluid output tube 502 through the water distribution block 503. The serpentine distribution design maximizes the extension of the pipeline length within the limited internal space of the water tank 1, significantly increasing the contact heat exchange area between the working fluid and the cutting fluid, reducing dead zones in the heat exchange process, and ensuring more thorough and uniform contact between the cutting fluid and the pipe wall. One end of the compression fitting 505 is connected to a second heat exchange tube 506. The middle section of the second heat exchange tube 506 is serpentine and fixedly connected to the water tank 1 via a compression fitting. The water tank 1 and the second heat exchange tube 506 are supported and fixed together by the compression fitting, ensuring the second heat exchange tube 506... The lower wall can also exchange heat fully with the cutting fluid. The working fluid input interface of the precision variable frequency water chiller 501 is fixedly connected to the working fluid return pipe 507. The working fluid return pipe 507 is connected to the inside of the second heat exchange pipe 506 through the water distribution block 503, and the water distribution block 503 is fixedly connected to the water tank 1. The heated working fluid will flow back to the precision variable frequency water chiller 501 through the water distribution block 503 and the working fluid return pipe 507. It will be cooled by the internal compressor and condenser fan and other components, and the heat will be discharged into the air, thus achieving continuous cooling.
[0018] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, a first filter plate 6 is installed in the middle of one end of the water tank 1, and a second filter plate 7 is slidably connected inside the other end of the water tank 1. The internal flow channels of the water tank 1 are C-shaped, and the first filter plate 6 and the second filter plate 7 are symmetrically distributed about the center line of the water tank 1. The first filter plate 6 can perform initial filtration on the cutting fluid that just enters the water tank 1, effectively intercepting large particles of chips, abrasives, and other solid impurities mixed in the cutting fluid. This prevents such impurities from adhering to the surface of the second heat exchange tube 506, preventing the heat exchange contact area from decreasing and the heat transfer resistance from increasing due to scaling or impurity accumulation on the tube wall, thereby ensuring the heat exchange efficiency and long-term stable operation of the heat exchange tube. The second filter plate 7 filters the cutting fluid before it is pumped to the processing area by the water pump 3. The water tank undergoes secondary fine filtration to further remove residual fine impurities in the cutting fluid, ensuring that the cutting fluid entering the processing area has high cleanliness. A float level switch 8 is installed at the top of the other end of the water tank 1, and the float level switch 8 is electrically connected to an external replenishment pump through a controller. The float level switch 8 can detect the cutting fluid level inside the water tank 1 in real time, ensuring that the cutting fluid in the water tank 1 is always maintained in the optimal working fluid level range, ensuring that the first heat exchange tube 504 and the second heat exchange tube 506 are completely immersed in the cutting fluid, preventing uneven heat exchange caused by local pipes being exposed above the liquid surface. Four casters 9 are fitted into the bottom of the water tank 1, which facilitates the movement of the equipment.
[0019] In summary, this machine tool cutting fluid cooling system allows for easy movement of the equipment to a designated location using the casters 9. The cutting fluid inlet and outlet pipes are then connected to the inlet port 2 and outlet connector 4. During operation, an external replenishment pump pumps used cutting fluid through the pipes and inlet port 2 into the water tank 1. At this point, the first filter plate 6 performs initial filtration of the cutting fluid entering the water tank 1, effectively intercepting large particles of chips, abrasives, and other solid impurities, preventing further contamination. Impurities adhere to the surface of the second heat exchange tube 506, preventing a reduction in heat exchange contact area and an increase in heat transfer resistance due to scaling or impurity accumulation. This ensures the heat exchange efficiency and long-term stable operation of the heat exchange tube. Then, the precision variable frequency water chiller 501 introduces the cooled working fluid into the first heat exchange tube 504 through the working fluid output pipe 502 and the water distribution block 503. The fluid then flows through the compression fitting 505 inside the second heat exchange tube 506, allowing the cutting fluid inside the water tank 1 to directly contact the fluid at a relatively low temperature. The first heat exchange tube 504 and the second heat exchange tube 506 exchange heat to cool down the cutting fluid, thereby improving the cooling effect of the cutting fluid. Then, the second filter plate 7 performs secondary fine filtration on the cutting fluid before it is pumped to the machining area by the water pump 3, further removing residual fine impurities in the cutting fluid and ensuring that the cutting fluid entering the machining area has high cleanliness. Subsequently, the water pump 3 will pump the cooled cutting fluid in the water tank 1 to the machining area inside the machine tool, thereby meeting the high-precision machining requirements of the machine tool. The heated working fluid will then flow back to the precision variable frequency water chiller 501 through the water distribution block 503 and the working fluid return pipe 507, where it will be cooled by the internal compressor, condenser fan and other components, and the heat will be discharged into the air, thus allowing for recycling. Finally, during use, the level of the cutting fluid in the water tank 1 can be detected in real time using the float level switch 8 to ensure that the cutting fluid in the water tank 1 is always maintained in the optimal working fluid level range, ensuring that the first heat exchange tube 504 and the second heat exchange tube 506 are completely immersed in the cutting fluid.
[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of the invention, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.
Claims
1. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system, comprising a water tank (1) and a cooling assembly (5), characterized in that, The water tank (1) has a liquid inlet hole (2) at one corner of its top, and a water pump (3) is installed at the other corner of its top. The water pump (3) has a liquid outlet connector (4) at its output end. The cooling assembly (5) is located on one side of the water tank (1), and the cooling assembly (5) includes a precision variable frequency water chiller (501), a working fluid output pipe (502), a water distribution block (503), a first heat exchange pipe (504), a compression fitting (505), a second heat exchange pipe (506), and a working fluid return pipe (507). The working fluid output interface of the variable frequency water chiller (501) is connected to a working fluid output pipe (502), and a water distribution block (503) is installed at the lower end of the working fluid output pipe (502). A first heat exchange pipe (504) is fixed on one side of the water distribution block (503), and a compression fitting (505) is provided at the end of the first heat exchange pipe (504). A second heat exchange pipe (506) is connected to one end of the compression fitting (505). The working fluid input interface of the precision variable frequency water chiller (501) is fixedly connected to a working fluid return pipe (507).
2. The machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange tube (504) is arranged in a serpentine pattern, and the first heat exchange tube (504) is connected to the interior of the working fluid output tube (502) through the water distribution block (503).
3. The machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle part of the second heat exchange tube (506) is serpentine, and the middle part of the second heat exchange tube (506) is fixedly connected to the water tank (1) by a clamp.
4. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The working fluid return pipe (507) is connected to the interior of the second heat exchange pipe (506) through the water distribution block (503), and the water distribution block (503) is fixedly connected to the water tank (1).
5. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first filter plate (6) is installed in the middle of one end of the water tank (1), and a second filter plate (7) is slidably connected inside the other end of the water tank (1).
6. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The internal flow channels of the water tank (1) are C-shaped, and the first filter plate (6) and the second filter plate (7) are symmetrically distributed about the center line of the water tank (1).
7. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 6, characterized in that, A float level switch (8) is installed on the top of the other end of the water tank (1), and the float level switch (8) is electrically connected to an external replenishment pump through a controller.
8. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the water tank (1) is fitted with casters (9), and the number of casters (9) is four.
9. A machine tool cutting fluid cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The operation method is as follows: The equipment can be easily moved to the designated location using the casters (9), and the inlet and outlet pipes of the cutting fluid are connected to the inlet hole (2) and the outlet connector (4). The external replenishment pump will input the used cutting fluid into the water tank (1) through the pipes and the inlet hole (2). The first filter plate (6) will perform initial filtration on the cutting fluid that has just entered the water tank (1) to prevent the heat exchange contact area from decreasing and the heat transfer resistance from increasing due to scaling or impurity accumulation on the pipe wall. The precision variable frequency water chiller (501) will input the cooled working fluid into the first heat exchange tube (504) through the working fluid output pipe (502) and the water distribution block (503), and flow inside the second heat exchange tube (506) through the compression fitting (505), so that the cutting fluid inside the water tank (1) can directly contact the first heat exchange tube with the lower temperature. The heat exchange tube (504) and the second heat exchange tube (506) exchange heat and cool down. The second filter plate (7) performs secondary fine filtration on the cutting fluid before it is pumped to the machining area by the water pump (3). Subsequently, the water pump (3) will pump the cooled cutting fluid inside the water tank (1) to the machining area inside the machine tool. The heated working fluid will flow back to the precision variable frequency water chiller (501) through the water distribution block (503) and the working fluid return pipe (507). It will be cooled down by the internal compressor and condenser fan and other components, and the heat will be discharged into the air. The level of the cutting fluid inside the water tank (1) can be detected in real time by the float level switch (8) to ensure that the cutting fluid in the water tank (1) is always maintained in the optimal working fluid level range, and to ensure that the first heat exchange tube (504) and the second heat exchange tube (506) are completely immersed in the cutting fluid.