Self-cleaning cooling device for numerical control milling machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a self-cleaning cooling device for a numerical control milling machine. The self-cleaning cooling device comprises a cooling liquid tank; a pump; a cooling line; the cooling liquid tank, the pump, the cooling pipeline and the spray head are in fluid connection in sequence; the spray head is provided with a circular section, and one or more nozzles are arranged at the top end of the spray head; a nozzle is arranged in the spray head, a brush ring is arranged at the position, close to the nozzle, in the spray head, the brush ring is rotatably arranged on a fixing part with a round hole on the inner wall of the spray head, and the included angle between the plane of the brush ring and the section, perpendicular to the flowing direction of cooling liquid, of the spray head ranges from 5 degrees to 15 degrees. According to the cooling device disclosed by the utility model, the nozzle can be self-cleaned, so that the tedious work of frequently disassembling and cleaning the nozzle is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of CNC milling machine technology, specifically to a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines. Background Technology

[0002] In the CNC milling process, the cooling system is a key element in ensuring machining accuracy, extending tool life, and improving machining efficiency. One of the core components of the cooling system, the nozzle, is responsible for precisely delivering coolant to the machining area, effectively cooling and lubricating both the tool and the workpiece.

[0003] However, current CNC milling machine cooling systems are plagued by nozzle clogging problems, which has become a significant factor restricting their normal operation. In actual machining scenarios, the coolant inevitably mixes with chips, grinding shavings, oil, and other machining impurities during the recycling process. Although conventional cooling systems are equipped with filtration devices, some fine particles still escape filtration, flowing with the coolant and gradually accumulating in the nozzle orifice, eventually causing clogging.

[0004] When nozzles become clogged, coolant spray is obstructed, preventing even and efficient coverage of the machining area and significantly reducing cooling effectiveness. This directly leads to a sharp rise in temperature in the machining area, severely impacting workpiece machining accuracy and surface quality, resulting in increased dimensional deviations and surface roughness. Simultaneously, the lack of proper cooling and lubrication accelerates tool wear, drastically shortening its lifespan. Frequent tool replacements not only increase production costs but also reduce efficiency due to downtime. Even more seriously, nozzle clogging can cause abnormal pressure fluctuations in the cooling system, threatening the stability and reliability of the entire system and potentially leading to equipment malfunctions and shutdowns, severely delaying production and causing significant economic losses for the company.

[0005] Current solutions primarily rely on periodic manual disassembly and cleaning of the nozzles. However, this method has many drawbacks. On the one hand, manual operation requires a significant amount of manpower and time, increasing the company's labor and time costs. On the other hand, the disassembly and installation process can easily cause physical damage to the nozzles, affecting their normal performance and reducing their accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, frequent manual intervention runs counter to the trend of automation and high efficiency in modern CNC milling, seriously hindering further improvements in production efficiency.

[0006] With the increasing demands for precision, efficiency, and stability in CNC milling machine processing from the manufacturing industry, traditional methods for solving nozzle clogging problems are no longer sufficient to meet actual production needs. Therefore, developing a new type of cooling device that can effectively solve the nozzle clogging problem in CNC milling machine cooling systems, achieve automatic nozzle cleaning, and not affect the normal operation of the machining process has become a key technical challenge that urgently needs to be overcome in the field of CNC milling machines. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to fill this technological gap and provide an innovative solution for the stable operation and efficient processing of CNC milling machine cooling systems. Specifically, the purpose of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines. This cooling device can self-clean the nozzles, avoiding the tedious work of frequently disassembling and cleaning the nozzles.

[0008] According to the technical solution of this utility model, a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines is provided, comprising:

[0009] coolant tank;

[0010] Pump;

[0011] Cooling pipes; and

[0012] The nozzle, including:

[0013] The coolant tank, the pump, the cooling pipeline, and the nozzle are sequentially fluidly connected;

[0014] The nozzle has a circular cross-section, and one or more nozzles are provided at the top of the nozzle; and

[0015] A brush ring is provided inside the nozzle near the nozzle opening. The brush ring is rotatably mounted on a fixed part with a circular hole on the inner wall of the nozzle, and the angle between the plane of the brush ring and the cross section of the nozzle perpendicular to the coolant flow direction is in the range of 5°-15°. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a self-cleaning cooling device for a CNC milling machine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle, indicated by the dashed frame, in the self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines shown, shows a fixed part with a circular hole as an annular groove.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram shows an example of a ring-shaped portion with a central hole and a fixing part with a central hole.

[0019] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the brush ring is shown; and

[0020] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a self-cleaning cooling device for a CNC milling machine according to another specific embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the cooling pipeline also has a high-pressure gas manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It will be understood that other embodiments may be implemented without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is non-limiting.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, all figures used in this specification and claims to indicate feature dimensions, quantities, and physical properties should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations, and those skilled in the art can appropriately modify these approximations to obtain the desired characteristics using the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges indicated by endpoints includes all numbers within that range and any range within that range; for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5, etc.

[0023] As mentioned above, nozzle clogging in the cooling system is a prominent problem in CNC milling. Because impurities cannot be completely intercepted by the filter during coolant circulation, fine particles easily accumulate at the nozzles, clogging them. This obstructs coolant spray, reduces cooling efficiency, leads to increased temperature in the machining area, affects workpiece accuracy and surface quality, accelerates tool wear, increases costs, and may even cause abnormal cooling system pressure or equipment malfunction and shutdown. Existing methods of manually disassembling and cleaning nozzles are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to damaging the nozzles, hindering automated and efficient machining. New solutions are urgently needed to address this technical challenge.

[0024] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines, comprising:

[0025] coolant tank;

[0026] Pump;

[0027] Cooling pipes; and

[0028] The nozzle, including:

[0029] The coolant tank, the pump, the cooling pipeline, and the nozzle are sequentially fluidly connected;

[0030] The nozzle has a circular cross-section, and one or more nozzles are provided at the top of the nozzle; and

[0031] A brush ring is provided inside the nozzle near the nozzle opening. The brush ring is rotatably mounted on a fixed part with a circular hole on the inner wall of the nozzle, and the angle between the plane of the brush ring and the cross section of the nozzle perpendicular to the coolant flow direction is in the range of 5°-15°.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a self-cleaning cooling device 100 for a CNC milling machine according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 The diagram shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the nozzle 4, indicated by the dashed frame D, in the self-cleaning cooling device 100 for CNC milling machines shown.

[0033] Specifically, the self-cleaning cooling device 100 for CNC milling machines includes: a coolant tank 1; a pump 2; a cooling pipeline 3; and a nozzle 4, wherein: the coolant tank 1, the pump 2, the cooling pipeline 3, and the nozzle 4 are sequentially fluidly connected; and the nozzle 4 has a circular cross-section, with a nozzle 5 provided at the top of the nozzle 4; and a brush ring 6 is provided inside the nozzle 4 near the nozzle 5, the brush ring 6 being rotatably mounted on a fixing part 7 with a circular hole (i.e., an annular groove) provided on the inner wall of the nozzle 4, and the angle α between the plane of the brush ring 6 and the cross-section S of the nozzle 4 perpendicular to the coolant flow direction A is in the range of 5°-25°. Figure 3 A schematic diagram shows another example of a ring-shaped portion with a central hole, the fixing part 7 with a central hole. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the brush ring 6 is shown. The brush ring 6 includes: an annular body 8; and multiple brushes 9, which are mounted on the annular body 8 and extend toward the interior of the nozzle.

[0034] Specifically, the self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines of this invention mainly consists of several key parts: a coolant tank, a pump, cooling pipelines, and a nozzle. These parts are fluidly connected in sequence to form a complete coolant circulation and spraying system.

[0035] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, the coolant tank, as the core of coolant storage, can be designed with a double-layer structure. The inner layer is made of stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of various chemicals that may be present in the coolant, ensuring the purity and stability of the coolant during storage and preventing coolant contamination due to tank corrosion, thus affecting the cooling effect and machining accuracy. The outer layer can be made of insulation material, such as high-quality polyurethane foam, whose main function is to reduce heat exchange between the coolant and the external environment. In the machining process of CNC milling machines, the temperature stability of the coolant is crucial to ensuring the consistency of the cooling effect. Through the heat insulation effect of the insulation layer, the temperature fluctuation of the coolant due to changes in the external temperature can be effectively avoided, thereby always maintaining it within a suitable working temperature range and providing stable and reliable cooling for the cutting tool and workpiece.

[0036] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, the coolant tank can be equipped with two auxiliary components: a level gauge and a filter. The level gauge employs advanced electronic level gauge technology, capable of real-time and accurate monitoring of the coolant level and rapidly transmitting the level information to the CNC milling machine's control system via a sensor. Once the coolant level falls below a set lower limit, the control system will immediately and automatically initiate a coolant replenishment program to ensure a sufficient supply of coolant, preventing cooling interruptions due to insufficient coolant, which could affect machining quality and equipment safety. The filter can employ a multi-layer filtration structure, including a coarse filter layer, a fine filter layer, and an ultrafiltration layer. The coarse filter layer primarily intercepts larger impurities with a particle size greater than 100 μm, such as larger chips and debris generated during machining; the fine filter layer further filters medium-sized impurities with a particle size between 10 μm and 100 μm; and the ultrafiltration layer effectively removes tiny particles smaller than 10 μm and some impurities dissolved in the coolant. This progressive and meticulous filtration method can remove various impurities from the coolant to the greatest extent possible, providing clean and pure coolant for subsequent cooling processes. This significantly reduces the potential adverse effects of impurities on the cooling system and processing, extends the service life of equipment, and improves processing accuracy and surface quality.

[0037] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, the pump serves as the power source for coolant circulation. In this utility model, a centrifugal pump or a gear pump can be selected to meet the working requirements and conditions of different CNC milling machines. Centrifugal pumps are characterized by large flow rate and stable pressure, making them particularly suitable for large CNC milling machines or complex machining scenarios where high coolant flow rate is required during processing. During large-scale cutting or high-speed milling, centrifugal pumps can provide sufficient coolant flow rate and stable pressure, ensuring that the tool and workpiece are adequately cooled and lubricated, effectively reducing the risk of tool wear and workpiece thermal deformation. Gear pumps, with their compact structure and strong self-priming capability, are widely used in small CNC milling machines. Their compact design saves installation space, while their strong self-priming capability allows them to quickly establish a stable coolant flow upon startup, ensuring rapid response and normal operation of the cooling system.

[0038] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, in order to further improve the performance and adaptability of the pump, the pump motor adopts a variable frequency speed control motor. During the actual machining process of a CNC milling machine, the machining conditions constantly change with factors such as cutting speed, cutting depth, and tool type. Through the intelligent connection between the CNC milling machine's control system and the pump motor, the control system can automatically and accurately adjust the pump speed according to the real-time machining conditions. For example, when performing high-speed, heavy-load cutting, the control system will automatically increase the pump speed, increase the coolant flow rate and pressure to meet the cooling and lubrication needs of the tool and workpiece during high-intensity machining, ensuring the stability of the machining process and the service life of the tool. Conversely, when performing light-load or fine machining, the control system will reduce the pump speed and decrease the coolant flow rate to avoid excessive coolant supply and waste. It will also prevent excessive scouring of the machining area by the coolant, which could affect machining accuracy, thus achieving precise coolant supply and efficient utilization, improving cooling efficiency and machining quality.

[0039] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, the cooling pipeline is responsible for transporting the coolant, and its material can be selected from metal pipes (such as stainless steel pipes) or plastic pipes according to actual needs. Metal pipes have significant advantages such as high strength, high temperature resistance, and high pressure resistance, and can withstand large coolant pressure and temperature changes, performing excellently in harsh working environments or cooling systems of large CNC milling machines where pipe strength requirements are high. For example, during long-term, high-intensity machining processes, metal pipes can stably transport coolant without easily deforming or breaking, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the cooling system. Plastic pipes, on the other hand, have high application value in some small CNC milling machines or temporary cooling systems where pipe strength requirements are relatively low due to their low cost, light weight, and easy installation. They can reduce equipment manufacturing costs and installation difficulty, facilitating rapid deployment and maintenance of equipment.

[0040] Preferably, according to certain embodiments of this utility model, the cooling pipeline can be designed with valves, and the valves are electrically adjustable valves. These electrically adjustable valves enable remote control, allowing operators to precisely adjust the flow rate and direction of the coolant according to specific processing requirements via the CNC milling machine's control system. When processing workpieces of different shapes, sizes, and materials, different processing areas may require different cooling intensities and coolant coverage areas. With the electrically adjustable valve, operators can easily adjust the coolant supply, concentrating it on areas requiring focused cooling, such as near the cutting edge of the tool or critical processing areas of the workpiece, thereby improving the targeting and effectiveness of the cooling effect. Simultaneously, the electrically adjustable valve can also be linked with the CNC milling machine's processing program, automatically adjusting the coolant flow rate and direction according to preset processing parameters. During automated processing, no manual intervention is required; the cooling system can automatically adapt to changes in the processing technology, further improving processing efficiency and quality, and achieving intelligent cooling control.

[0041] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, the nozzle, as a key component of the cooling device, is directly related to the cooling effect and the nozzle's anti-clogging performance. Preferably, the nozzle has a circular cross-section and one or more nozzles at its top, with nozzle diameters ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm, preferably from 1mm to 2.5mm. The appropriate number and diameter of nozzles can be flexibly selected based on different processing requirements and coolant spraying needs. For example, in fine machining, smaller diameter nozzles may be needed to provide more precise and concentrated coolant spraying, ensuring machining accuracy; while in large-area rough machining, multiple larger diameter nozzles may be needed to achieve wider coolant coverage and improve cooling efficiency. A brush ring is provided inside the nozzle near the nozzle, rotatably mounted on a fixed part with a circular hole on the inner wall of the nozzle. Preferably, the angle between the plane of the brush ring and the cross-section of the nozzle perpendicular to the coolant flow direction is in the range of 5° to 15°. Within this angle range, when the coolant flows through the brush ring at a certain speed, the impact force of the coolant generates a tangential component on the brush ring. This tangential component is sufficient to overcome the friction and inertial forces of the brush ring during rotation, thus stably driving the brush ring to rotate. Simultaneously, this angle ensures that the rotation of the brush ring does not significantly interfere with the normal spraying of the coolant, guaranteeing that the coolant can be accurately and evenly sprayed onto the processing area, achieving good cooling effects and effective support for the processing.

[0042] According to certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the brush ring is one of the core components for realizing the self-cleaning function of the nozzle. It consists of a ring-shaped body and multiple brushes, and its unique structural design and material selection endow it with excellent cleaning and anti-clogging performance.

[0043] Specifically, the annular body is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a key choice based on PTFE's numerous excellent performance characteristics. In the machining environment of CNC milling machines, coolant typically contains various additives, which may be corrosive and cause erosion and damage to cooling system components. PTFE, however, possesses excellent chemical stability, effectively resisting the corrosion of various chemicals in the coolant. This ensures that the annular body remains uncorroded even when immersed in coolant for extended periods, significantly extending the brush ring's service life. This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and functional reliability of the brush ring. Only by ensuring the long-term stable operation of the brush ring can it continuously and effectively fulfill its vital function of cleaning the nozzles, guaranteeing the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0044] Furthermore, the extremely low coefficient of friction of PTFE allows the brush ring to rotate smoothly under the influence of the coolant. During coolant flow, the low coefficient of friction reduces power loss, ensuring the brush ring can rotate continuously and stably with low energy consumption. Simultaneously, low friction effectively reduces heat generated by friction, preventing overheating that could deform or damage the brush ring, thus ensuring its nozzle cleaning function remains unaffected. In long-term use, stable rotational performance is one of the key factors in ensuring the brush ring effectively cleans the nozzle and prevents clogging.

[0045] According to certain preferred embodiments of the utility model, the fixing part with a round hole is an annular groove or an annular part with a round hole in the center.

[0046] The annular portion with a central hole is a ring-shaped structure, providing a stable mounting position for the brush ring. During operation, the brush ring is rotatably mounted on this annular portion, allowing it to rotate smoothly under the force generated by the coolant flow. When the coolant flows through the nozzle, its own flow dynamics and the specific flow pattern formed under the constraints of the nozzle's internal structure impact the brush ring. The presence of the annular portion with the central hole ensures that the brush ring can rotate stably around the central axis of the hole when impacted by the coolant, thereby agitating the coolant near the nozzle and cleaning the nozzle. Preferably, the annular portion with the central hole is an annular protrusion on the inner wall of the nozzle. More preferably, the annular portion with the central hole is integrally formed with the inner wall of the nozzle.

[0047] Furthermore, during the rotation of the brush ring, the annular body continuously contacts and rubs against the perforated fixing part on the inner wall of the nozzle. The excellent wear resistance of PTFE allows it to withstand this long-term friction without easily wearing down, ensuring that the brush ring remains stably installed in the groove and rotates normally even after multiple uses, maintaining the reliability of the cleaning function. Moreover, the self-lubricating properties of PTFE mean that no additional lubricant is needed during the brush ring's rotation, effectively reducing friction between it and the inner wall of the nozzle and the brush, lowering maintenance costs, and avoiding the risk of coolant contamination due to lubricant leakage, ensuring coolant cleanliness and preventing adverse effects on the processing.

[0048] Preferably, multiple brushes are mounted on the annular body and extend towards the inside of the nozzle, with a brush length ranging from 5-15 mm, preferably 5-10 mm. This length range ensures that the brushes can effectively contact the coolant in nozzles with different inner diameters (1 cm-5 cm, preferably 1 cm-3 cm), and thoroughly agitate and clean the inner wall of the nozzle. When the brush ring rotates, the brushes powerfully agitate the coolant in an area around the nozzle with a radius approximately equal to the brush length. The rotation and agitation of the brushes disrupts the previously relatively stable coolant flow near the nozzle, creating complex eddies and turbulence. This turbulent flow effectively breaks up any agglomerates of impurities in the coolant, preventing the deposition of chips, grinding debris, oil, and other impurities near the nozzle, thus avoiding nozzle clogging. Simultaneously, the turbulent coolant flow enhances the heat exchange efficiency between the coolant and the tool and workpiece surfaces, improving the cooling effect and further ensuring the machining accuracy of the CNC milling machine and the service life of the tools.

[0049] According to certain preferred embodiments of this utility model, in order to further enhance the mechanical strength of the annular body and prevent deformation during coolant impact and rotation, the annular body of the brush ring is optionally provided with a reinforcing rib structure. The reinforcing ribs are evenly distributed along the circumference of the annular body, increasing the structural rigidity of the annular body so that it can better withstand the impact force of the coolant and the stress during rotation, ensuring the stability and reliability of the brush ring during long-term use. In actual processing, the flow rate and pressure of the coolant may change; the reinforcing rib structure can effectively cope with these changes, ensuring that the brush ring always maintains a good working condition, providing strong support for nozzle cleaning and the stable operation of the cooling system.

[0050] According to certain preferred embodiments of this invention, the cooling pipeline also includes a high-pressure gas manifold. The high-pressure gas manifold in the cooling pipeline is one of the key innovative designs of this invention for achieving efficient nozzle cleaning. It plays a crucial role after the CNC milling machine stops cutting, ensuring that the nozzle remains clean and maintaining the stable operation of the cooling system.

[0051] Figure 5 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a self-cleaning cooling device 200 for a CNC milling machine according to another specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the self-cleaning cooling device 200 further includes a high-pressure gas manifold 11, and the cooling line 3 is connected to the high-pressure gas manifold 11 via a three-way valve 10.

[0052] Once the CNC milling machine completes the workpiece cutting process and the operator issues a stop command, the CNC milling machine's control system automatically identifies the cutting completion status through its built-in intelligent logic program. At this point, the triggering conditions for the cleaning process are met. The system immediately begins preparations for the high-pressure gas source. The high-pressure gas source is typically a compressed air tank or a dedicated high-pressure gas generator. Before introducing the high-pressure gas into the cooling pipeline, the gas pressure needs to be rigorously tested and adjusted to ensure it is stable and meets design requirements. Generally, the suitable gas pressure range for this cleaning process is between 3 and 6 bar. This is because if the pressure is too low, it may not provide sufficient power to rotate the brush ring at high speed, thus failing to effectively remove impurities from the nozzle and affecting the cleaning effect; while if the pressure is too high, it may pose a risk of damage to the cooling system's pipes and connections, such as causing pipe ruptures or loose connections, seriously affecting the integrity and safety of the cooling system.

[0053] Meanwhile, to prevent moisture from adversely affecting the cooling system, the high-pressure gas must be dried to remove any moisture it may contain. In the machining environment of a CNC milling machine, if moisture enters the cooling system, it may mix with the coolant, altering its properties, such as reducing its lubricity and cooling effect, leading to increased tool wear and decreased workpiece machining quality. Furthermore, moisture can cause corrosion, corroding the metal components of the cooling system, shortening its lifespan, and increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime.

[0054] After the high-pressure gas preparation is completed, the prepared high-pressure gas is smoothly introduced into the cooling lines through the high-pressure gas manifold. The high-pressure gas manifold is designed with a special flow-dividing structure to ensure that the gas is evenly distributed to the pipeline section connected to the nozzle, ensuring uniform force around the brush ring and achieving stable rotation. When the high-pressure gas flows rapidly along the cooling lines to the nozzle, it impacts the brush ring. Because the plane of the brush ring is at a certain angle to the cross-section of the nozzle (usually 30°-60°), the impact force of the high-pressure gas is decomposed into a tangential force that propels the brush ring to rotate. Under the action of this tangential force, the brush ring overcomes the rotational resistance and begins to rotate at high speed.

[0055] As the brush ring rotates at high speed, its brushes powerfully agitate the remaining coolant inside the nozzle. This agitation process breaks up any agglomerates of impurities that may be present in the coolant, redistributing chips, oil, and other impurities adhering to the inner wall of the nozzle and near the nozzle opening back into the coolant. Simultaneously, the high-speed rotating brushes also physically wipe the inner wall of the nozzle, further removing stubborn impurities that are difficult to wash away by the coolant, ensuring the cleanliness of the nozzle opening and its interior.

[0056] After agitation and cleaning, the coolant containing impurities is discharged through the cooling system's drain channel. The draining process is designed using a combination of gravity flow and pumping to ensure thorough drainage and prevent residual impurities from re-precipitating and causing blockages. A fine filter is installed at the outlet of the drain channel to further intercept any tiny impurities that may have escaped, preventing them from re-entering the cooling system. After draining, a simple flushing operation can be performed on the cooling system using a small amount of clean coolant or water to rinse the pipes and nozzles, further removing residual impurities. After flushing, the high-pressure gas manifold valve is closed, restoring the cooling system to standby mode, ready for the next machining operation. Through these detailed process steps, high-pressure gas can be used to effectively clean the nozzles after the milling cutting process is stopped, maintaining the stable operation of the cooling system and ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of CNC milling machining.

[0057] Optionally, the self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to this utility model also has a coolant recirculation system, which can effectively improve the utilization efficiency of coolant, reduce production costs and environmental impact, and conform to the concept of green environmental protection and sustainable development in modern manufacturing.

[0058] Specifically, the self-cleaning cooling device of the CNC milling machine also includes a recirculation pipeline, which is fluidly connected to the machining table and coolant tank of the CNC milling machine, forming a closed-loop coolant recovery and reuse circuit. A structure inclined in a specific direction is provided on the surface of the machining table of the CNC milling machine, with an inclination angle between 0.5° and 2°. This design utilizes gravity, allowing the coolant to flow naturally on the surface of the machining table to the collection grooves provided around the machining table. The collection grooves are 10mm-30mm deep and 20mm-50mm wide, with a slope at the bottom to guide the coolant flow to the outlet, ensuring that the coolant can smoothly flow out of the collection grooves and enter the subsequent recycling process.

[0059] In addition, a removable primary filter screen is installed at the outlet of the collection trench. The pore size of the primary filter screen is 3mm-8mm. Its main function is to initially intercept larger chips and impurities, preventing these large particles from entering the subsequent circulation pipeline and protecting the equipment and components of the circulation system from damage. A conveying pipeline is connected from the outlet of the collection trench. The conveying pipeline is made of corrosion-resistant plastic or stainless steel, with a diameter of 15mm-40mm. Y-type filters are installed on the pipeline at intervals of 0.5m-1m. The filter screen precision of the Y-type filters is 10μm-50μm, which can further filter medium-sized impurities in the coolant and facilitates regular cleaning and replacement of the filter screen. At the same time, a check valve is installed on the pipeline to prevent coolant backflow to the processing table, ensuring that the coolant flows unidirectionally to the subsequent processing stages and guaranteeing the stable operation of the recirculation system.

[0060] Next, the coolant is transferred to a settling tank, which has a volume of 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the coolant tank. The coolant remains in the settling tank for 20-40 minutes, during which time most suspended impurities will settle to the bottom under gravity. The bottom of the settling tank is designed in a funnel shape, which facilitates the cleaning of settled impurities and improves maintenance efficiency. The coolant then passes through a bag filter and an ultrafiltration unit. The bag filter can filter fine particles with a diameter of 1μm-10μm, while the ultrafiltration unit removes even smaller colloidal particles and some dissolved impurities. These two stages of fine filtration ensure that the recovered coolant meets a high cleanliness standard, satisfying the requirements for reuse and providing reliable cooling for CNC milling machine machining.

[0061] After the coolant flows into the coolant tank, the coolant level control system and temperature regulation device inside the tank begin to function. The coolant level control system monitors the coolant level in real time via a level sensor. When the level falls below the set lower limit, it automatically initiates a replenishment program to add new coolant, ensuring an adequate supply. When the level rises above the set upper limit, coolant recovery stops and an alarm is triggered to prevent coolant overflow and ensure the safe and stable operation of the cooling system. The temperature regulation device adjusts the coolant to a suitable operating temperature range based on its actual temperature, ensuring stable cooling performance. Through this process design, effective recovery and recirculation of coolant from the CNC milling machine's machining table is achieved. This improves coolant utilization efficiency while ensuring machining quality, reducing production costs and environmental impact, and providing strong support for efficient and green machining on CNC milling machines.

[0062] According to the technical solution of this utility model, in addition to the main components and systems mentioned above, this utility model may optionally include a series of other auxiliary components and optimized designs, which further improve the performance, reliability and ease of use of the cooling device.

[0063] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, the nozzle edge is designed with rounded corners, with a radius between 0.1mm and 0.5mm. This rounded corner design effectively reduces resistance during coolant spraying, allowing the coolant to flow more smoothly from the nozzle, improving spray efficiency and coverage. Simultaneously, the rounded corner design prevents impurities from accumulating at the nozzle edge, reducing the risk of nozzle clogging and extending the nozzle's service life.

[0064] According to certain preferred embodiments of this invention, a sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the cooling pipeline and the nozzle. The sealing gasket is made of high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant rubber with a Shore hardness between 60 and 80 HA. This sealing gasket ensures the sealing of the connection and effectively prevents coolant leakage. During the operation of the cooling system, coolant leakage not only wastes coolant but may also affect the environment of the processing area and even lead to equipment failure. Therefore, good sealing performance is one of the key factors in ensuring the normal operation of the cooling system.

[0065] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, in order to better monitor the coolant flow rate, a flow sensor is installed in the cooling pipeline near the nozzle, and the flow sensor is connected to the control system of the CNC milling machine. The flow sensor can monitor the coolant flow rate in real time, and when the flow rate is abnormal, such as too high or too low, it will immediately send an alarm signal to the control system. The operator can check and adjust the cooling system in a timely manner based on the alarm information to ensure normal coolant supply and guarantee the stability and safety of the machining process.

[0066] According to certain preferred embodiments of this invention, a protective cover is provided on the outside of the nozzle, and the protective cover is made of transparent polycarbonate material. The main function of the protective cover is to prevent external impurities from entering the nozzle and to protect the internal structure and components of the nozzle from contamination and damage. At the same time, the transparent material allows operators to observe the working status of the nozzle at any time, such as the spraying of coolant and the rotation of the brush ring, so as to promptly identify and handle any problems.

[0067] According to certain preferred embodiments of this invention, the annular body of the brush ring is provided with scale markings. This design facilitates accurate determination of its position and angle during installation and maintenance. During installation, operators can precisely install the brush ring onto the fixed part with a circular hole on the inner wall of the nozzle using the scale markings, ensuring an installation accuracy within ±0.5° of the nozzle, guaranteeing that the brush ring can rotate normally and perform its cleaning function. During maintenance, the scale markings also help to quickly check for displacement or angular deviation of the brush ring, allowing for timely adjustments and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0068] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, the valves of the cooling pipeline are electrically adjustable valves. Besides enabling remote control of the coolant flow rate and direction, they can also be linked with the machining program of the CNC milling machine. During automated machining, the control system of the CNC milling machine can automatically control the opening of the electrically adjustable valve according to preset machining process parameters, achieving dynamic adjustment of the coolant flow rate and direction. For example, during different stages of machining, such as roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing, the control system can automatically adjust the coolant supply according to the cutting parameters of the machining tool and the material properties of the workpiece, ensuring the most suitable cooling effect at each machining stage, thereby improving machining quality and efficiency.

[0069] According to certain preferred embodiments of this invention, the inner wall of the nozzle is coated with a ceramic coating, which possesses wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant properties. Under the long-term scouring of coolant and the high-temperature environment of processing, the ceramic coating effectively protects the inner wall of the nozzle, reducing wear and corrosion, and improving the nozzle's service life and anti-clogging performance. Simultaneously, the smooth surface of the ceramic coating also helps reduce coolant flow resistance and improve coolant spraying efficiency.

[0070] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, the coolant tank level gauge is an electronic level gauge, capable of transmitting liquid level information to the control system of the CNC milling machine in real time. Through connection with the control system, the level gauge can not only achieve automatic liquid replenishment but also issue alarms to the operator when the liquid level is abnormal. For example, when the liquid level is too high or too low, the control system can display corresponding prompts on the CNC milling machine's operating interface, reminding the operator to check and handle the situation promptly, ensuring that the coolant tank level is always within the normal range and guaranteeing the stable operation of the cooling system.

[0071] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, a check valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the pump and the coolant tank. The function of the check valve is to prevent coolant from flowing back into the coolant tank. When the pump stops working or malfunctions, the check valve can prevent coolant from flowing back into the pipe, avoiding contamination of the coolant tank or damage to the pump due to backflow, thus ensuring the normal operation of the pump and the safety of the coolant tank.

[0072] According to certain preferred technical solutions of this utility model, the cooling pipeline is protected by a metal spiral protective sleeve at easily bendable sections. The metal spiral protective sleeve is made of galvanized iron wire with a pitch between 3mm and 5mm. During the installation and use of the cooling pipeline, there may be situations requiring bending, such as bypassing other equipment components or adapting to different installation spaces. The metal spiral protective sleeve effectively prevents damage to the cooling pipeline during bending, ensuring the stability of coolant delivery. The galvanized iron wire material has a certain strength and corrosion resistance, which can extend the service life of the protective sleeve while ensuring the protective effect.

[0073] In summary, this invention, through meticulous design of its components and optimized system combination, achieves a highly efficient, reliable, and self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines. It effectively solves problems such as nozzle clogging and low coolant utilization efficiency in existing cooling systems, providing superior cooling for CNC milling operations. This helps improve machining accuracy, extend tool life, increase machining efficiency, and reduce production costs and environmental impact, demonstrating significant practical value and innovative significance. In practical applications, this invention can meet the machining needs of different CNC milling machines and adapt to various complex machining conditions.

[0074] The following list of embodiments further illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which should not be construed as unduly limiting the present invention:

[0075] Specific implementation scheme 1 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines, comprising:

[0076] coolant tank;

[0077] Pump;

[0078] Cooling pipes; and

[0079] The nozzle, including:

[0080] The coolant tank, the pump, the cooling pipeline, and the nozzle are sequentially fluidly connected;

[0081] The nozzle has a circular cross-section, and one or more nozzles are provided at the top of the nozzle; and

[0082] A brush ring is provided inside the nozzle near the nozzle opening. The brush ring is rotatably mounted on a fixed part with a circular hole on the inner wall of the nozzle, and the angle between the plane of the brush ring and the cross section of the nozzle perpendicular to the coolant flow direction is in the range of 5°-15°.

[0083] Specific implementation scheme 2 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the distance between the center of the brush ring and the nozzle is in the range of 5-15mm, preferably 5-10mm.

[0084] Specific implementation scheme 3 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the brush ring includes:

[0085] Ring-shaped body; and

[0086] Multiple brushes are mounted on the annular body and extend toward the interior of the nozzle.

[0087] Specific implementation scheme 4 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines as described in specific implementation scheme 3, wherein the length of the multiple brushes is in the range of 5-15mm.

[0088] Specific implementation scheme 5 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 3, wherein the annular body is a polytetrafluoroethylene annular body.

[0089] Specific implementation scheme 6 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the inner diameter of the nozzle is in the range of 1cm-3cm.

[0090] Specific implementation scheme 7 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is also connected to a high-pressure gas manifold via a three-way valve.

[0091] Specific implementation scheme 8 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is a metal pipe or a plastic pipe.

[0092] Specific implementation scheme 9 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines as described in specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is a stainless steel pipe.

[0093] Specific implementation scheme 10 is a self-cleaning cooling device for a CNC milling machine according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the self-cleaning cooling device for a CNC milling machine further has a recirculation pipeline, the recirculation pipeline being in fluid communication with the machining table of the CNC milling machine and the coolant tank.

[0094] Specific implementation scheme 11 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is equipped with valves to control the flow rate and direction of the coolant.

[0095] Specific implementation scheme 12 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the nozzle is connected to the cooling pipeline by threads or flanges.

[0096] Specific implementation scheme 13 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the diameter of the nozzle of the spray head is in the range of 0.5mm-3mm.

[0097] Specific implementation scheme 14 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the coolant tank is equipped with a level gauge and a filter, the level gauge is used to display the level height of the coolant, and the filter is used to filter impurities in the coolant.

[0098] Specific implementation scheme 15 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the pump is a centrifugal pump or a gear pump.

[0099] Specific implementation scheme 16 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the annular body of the brush ring is provided with a reinforcing rib structure, and the reinforcing ribs are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction of the annular body to enhance the mechanical strength of the annular body and prevent deformation during coolant impact and rotation.

[0100] Specific implementation scheme 17 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the brush is made of a composite material of nylon and carbon fiber, which has good wear resistance, corrosion resistance and flexibility, and can effectively agitate the coolant and extend the service life of the brush.

[0101] Specific implementation scheme 18 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the edge of the nozzle of the nozzle is designed with rounded corners, and the rounded corner radius is between 0.1mm and 0.5mm, so as to reduce the resistance when the coolant is sprayed and prevent impurities from accumulating at the edge of the nozzle.

[0102] Specific implementation scheme 19 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the connection between the cooling pipeline and the nozzle is provided with a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket is made of high temperature and corrosion resistant rubber material with a Shore hardness between 60-80HA, to ensure the sealing of the connection and prevent coolant leakage.

[0103] Specific implementation scheme 20 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 14, wherein the filter of the coolant tank adopts a multi-layer filtration structure, including a coarse filter layer, a fine filter layer and an ultrafiltration layer, which can effectively filter impurities of different particle sizes. The coarse filter layer filters impurities with a particle size greater than 100μm, the fine filter layer filters impurities with a particle size between 10μm and 100μm, and the ultrafiltration layer filters impurities with a particle size less than 10μm.

[0104] Specific implementation scheme 21 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the pump motor is a variable frequency speed control motor, which can automatically adjust the pump speed according to the machining conditions of the CNC milling machine, thereby accurately controlling the flow rate and pressure of the coolant.

[0105] Specific implementation scheme 22 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is equipped with a flow sensor near the nozzle, the flow sensor is connected to the control system of the CNC milling machine, monitors the flow rate of the coolant in real time, and issues an alarm signal when the flow rate is abnormal.

[0106] Specific implementation scheme 23 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the nozzle is provided with a protective cover on the outside. The protective cover is made of transparent polycarbonate material, which can prevent external impurities from entering the nozzle and facilitate observation of the nozzle's working status.

[0107] Specific implementation scheme 24 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines as described in specific implementation scheme 7, wherein a one-way valve is provided at the connection between the high-pressure gas manifold and the cooling pipeline to ensure that the high-pressure gas can only flow into the cooling pipeline in one direction and prevent the coolant from flowing back into the high-pressure gas system.

[0108] Specific implementation scheme 25 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines as described in specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the coolant tank adopts a double-layer structure, with the inner layer being made of stainless steel and the outer layer being made of heat insulation material, which can effectively maintain the temperature stability of the coolant and reduce heat loss.

[0109] Specific implementation scheme 26 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the annular body of the brush ring is provided with scale markings to facilitate the determination of its position and angle during installation and maintenance, and to ensure that the installation accuracy with the nozzle is within ±0.5°.

[0110] Specific implementation scheme 27 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the valve of the cooling pipeline is an electric regulating valve, which can remotely control its opening degree, realize the automatic control of coolant flow rate and flow direction, and can be linked with the machining program of CNC milling machine.

[0111] Specific implementation scheme 28 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the inner wall of the nozzle is provided with a ceramic coating, which has the characteristics of wear resistance, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, and can improve the service life and anti-clogging performance of the nozzle.

[0112] Specific implementation scheme 29 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the liquid level gauge of the coolant tank is an electronic liquid level gauge, which can transmit the liquid level information to the control system of the CNC milling machine in real time, and automatically start the liquid replenishment program when the liquid level is lower than the set value.

[0113] Specific implementation scheme 30 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines as described in specific implementation scheme 1, wherein a check valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the pump and the coolant tank to prevent coolant from flowing back into the coolant tank and to ensure the normal operation of the pump.

[0114] Specific implementation scheme 31 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, wherein the cooling pipeline is protected by a metal spiral protective sleeve at the easily bent parts. The metal spiral protective sleeve is made of galvanized iron wire with a pitch between 3mm and 5mm, which can effectively prevent the cooling pipeline from being damaged due to bending and ensure the stability of coolant delivery.

[0115] Specific implementation scheme 32 is a self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to specific implementation scheme 1, characterized in that the fixing part with a round hole is an annular groove or an annular part with a round hole in the center.

[0116] Compared with existing self-cleaning cooling devices for CNC milling machines, the advantages of the self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to this invention are as follows:

[0117] 1. Effectively prevents nozzle clogging: By setting a rotatable brush ring inside the nozzle, the flow of coolant drives its rotation to agitate the coolant near the nozzle, breaking up the agglomerated structure of impurities and preventing chips, oil, and other contaminants from accumulating at the nozzle. This avoids problems such as reduced cooling effect, accelerated tool wear, and reduced machining accuracy caused by nozzle clogging, reducing the number of equipment downtimes and ensuring production progress.

[0118] 2. Automatic cleaning function: The nozzle can be automatically cleaned during CNC milling machine operation, eliminating the need for regular manual disassembly and cleaning as required by existing technologies. This saves a lot of manpower and time costs, improves production efficiency, and avoids damage to the nozzle caused by manual disassembly and installation, ensuring the normal use and accuracy of the nozzle.

[0119] 3. Optimized coolant circulation: Equipped with a multi-layered filtration system for the coolant tank and recirculation pipeline, it can effectively filter impurities of different particle sizes, improve coolant cleanliness, realize the recovery and recycling of coolant from the processing table, improve coolant utilization efficiency, reduce coolant consumption and production costs, and reduce environmental impact.

[0120] 4. Precise cooling control: The electric regulating valve of the cooling pipeline can remotely control the flow rate and direction of the coolant, and can also be linked with the machining program to automatically adjust according to the machining conditions, so as to achieve precise supply of coolant, improve the cooling effect and machining quality, and adapt to different machining needs.

[0121] 5. Stable system operation: Special designs of each component, such as the rounded corner design of the nozzle, sealing gaskets, check valves, and metal spiral protective sleeves, ensure the system's sealing, stability, and reliability, prevent coolant leakage, backflow, and pipeline damage, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0122] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning cooling device for a numerical control milling machine, characterized by, Comprising: a cooling liquid tank; a pump; a cooling pipeline; and a spray head, wherein: the cooling liquid tank, the pump, the cooling pipeline and the spray head are sequentially fluidly connected; the spray head has a circular cross section, and one or more spray openings are arranged at the top end of the spray head; and a brush ring is arranged inside the spray head near the spray openings, the brush ring is rotatably arranged on a circular hole fixing part on the inner wall of the spray head, and the angle between the plane of the brush ring and the cross section of the spray head perpendicular to the cooling liquid flow direction is in the range of 5°-15°, wherein: the distance between the center of the brush ring and the spray opening is in the range of 5-15mm; the brush ring comprises a ring-shaped body and a plurality of brushes, the plurality of brushes are installed on the ring-shaped body and extend towards the inside of the spray head, the length of the plurality of brushes is in the range of 5-15mm, and the ring-shaped body is a polytetrafluoroethylene ring-shaped body; the inner diameter of the spray head is in the range of 1cm-3cm, and the diameter of the spray opening of the spray head is in the range of 0.5mm-3mm.

2. The self-cleaning cooling device for a numerical control milling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-cleaning cooling device also has a high-pressure gas manifold, and the cooling pipeline is connected with the high-pressure gas manifold via a three-way valve.

3. The self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular hole fixing part is a circular groove or a circular part with a circular hole in the center.

4. The self-cleaning cooling device for CNC milling machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-cleaning cooling device for numerical control milling machine also has a recirculation pipeline, and the recirculation pipeline is in fluid communication with the machining table of the numerical control milling machine and the cooling liquid tank.

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