Coolant treatment device and machine tool

Abstract

To provide a coolant treatment device that can reduce the installation area while ensuring a sufficient tank capacity, and a machine tool equipped with such a coolant treatment device. [Solution] The coolant processing device 10 comprises a chip conveyor tank 21 capable of storing coolant, a chip conveyor 14 for transporting chips in the chip conveyor tank 21, a pump for pumping up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank 21, a filter for filtering the coolant and positioned so as not to overlap with the chip conveyor tank when viewed from above, and a supply pump for supplying the coolant filtered by the filter to the processing area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coolant treatment device and a machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-161689 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coolant processing device that includes a tank that stores coolant and a chip conveyor that is housed in the tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-161689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, a coolant processing device for use in a machine tool is known. In such a coolant processing device, a large amount of coolant needs to be supplied to the machining area of ​​the machine tool, so the tank capacity must be sufficient. On the other hand, the coolant processing device has a significant impact on the floor area (installation area) of the entire machine tool, so it is desired to reduce the installation area of ​​the coolant processing device.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a coolant treatment device that can keep the installation area small while ensuring sufficient tank capacity, and a machine tool equipped with such a coolant treatment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A coolant processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a chip conveyor tank capable of storing coolant, a chip conveyor for transporting chips in the chip conveyor tank, a pump for pumping up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank, a filter arranged in a position that does not overlap with the chip conveyor tank in a top view and filters the coolant, and a supply pump for supplying the coolant filtered by the filter to a processing area.

[0007] A machine tool according to the present invention comprises a chip conveyor tank capable of storing chips and coolant flowing from the machining area, a chip conveyor for transporting the chips in the chip conveyor tank, a pump for pumping up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank, a filter for filtering the coolant and arranged in a position that does not overlap with the chip conveyor tank when viewed from above, a supply pump for supplying the coolant filtered by the filter to the machining area, and a machine tool body that defines the machining area and processes the workpiece.

[0008] A coolant treatment device according to another aspect of the present invention has a bottom and side portions rising from the periphery of the bottom, and includes a tank capable of storing coolant above the bottom and surrounded by the side portions, the maximum length of the side portions in the up-down direction being greater than the length of a straight line connecting the two furthest points on the periphery of the bottom when viewed from above.

[0009] According to the coolant processing device configured in this manner, the tall tank ensures a sufficient tank capacity while keeping the installation area of ​​the coolant processing device small.

[0010] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a pump. The tank is configured to define a space below the bottom thereof in which the pump is disposed.

[0011] According to the coolant treatment device configured in this manner, the pump is disposed in the space below the bottom, so the installation area of ​​the coolant treatment device can be kept small regardless of the installation of the pump.

[0012] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a pipe that connects the pump and the tank and is connected to the bottom.

[0013] According to the coolant treatment device configured in this manner, the tall tank allows sludge contained in the coolant to collect at the bottom of the tank, and the sludge can be recovered through piping by driving the pump.

[0014] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a filter provided on a path of coolant flow from the tank that is formed as the pump is driven.

[0015] According to the coolant treatment device configured in this manner, the sludge collected from the tank can be removed by the filter.

[0016] Preferably, the pump includes a shaft that rotates the impeller, and the shaft is disposed in the space in an orientation extending horizontally.

[0017] According to the coolant treatment device configured in this manner, the pump is positioned so that its overall height is small, making it easier to arrange the pump in the space below the bottom of the tank.

[0018] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a first pump and a second pump, a first pipe connecting the first pump and the tank and connected to the bottom, a filter provided on a path of coolant flow from the tank formed as the first pump is driven, a second pipe connecting the second pump and the tank and connected to the bottom, and a guide disposed within the tank, extending along the periphery of the bottom when viewed from above, and guiding the coolant to generate a swirling flow of coolant above the bottom. The shortest distance between the connection portion of the first pipe with the bottom and the guide is greater than the shortest distance between the connection portion of the second pipe with the bottom and the guide.

[0019] With this coolant treatment device, sludge that has accumulated in the center of the bottom due to the swirling flow of coolant generated above the bottom can be collected through the first pipe connected near the center of the bottom. This allows the sludge to be efficiently removed by a filter installed on the coolant flow path from the tank that is formed when the first pump is driven.

[0020] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a plate member that is disposed within the tank and is provided at a position where the plate member is projected onto a connection portion of the second pipe relative to the bottom when viewed from above.

[0021] According to the coolant treatment device configured in this manner, the plate member can block sludge that attempts to fall inside the tank toward the connection portion of the second pipe to the tank.

[0022] Preferably, the coolant treatment device further includes a pump, a pipe connecting the pump and the tank and connected to the bottom, a sensor capable of detecting an indicator corresponding to the amount of coolant stored in the tank, and a control device that drives the pump at a first output when the amount of coolant stored corresponding to the indicator detected by the sensor is relatively large, and drives the pump at a second output larger than the first output when the amount of coolant stored corresponding to the indicator detected by the sensor is relatively small.

[0023] According to the coolant processing device configured in this manner, by controlling the output of the pump, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of coolant discharged from the pump due to the amount of coolant stored in the tank.

[0024] A machine tool according to the present invention includes any of the coolant processing devices described above, and a machine tool body that receives coolant from the coolant processing device and processes a workpiece.

[0025] According to the machine tool configured in this manner, the floor area (installation area) of the entire machine tool including the coolant treatment device can be kept small. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coolant treatment device that can keep the installation area small while ensuring sufficient tank capacity, and a machine tool equipped with such a coolant treatment device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a system diagram showing a machine tool in which a coolant treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing the tank and the first pump as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow II in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tank and a first pump in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the tank and the first pump in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the tank as seen in the direction of the arrows on line VV in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2A and 2B are side and bottom views for explaining the dimensional relationship between the side and bottom of the tank in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the tank in FIG. [Figure 8]8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the tank as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a first pump in a coolant processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the relationship between the amount of coolant stored (large) in the tank and the amount of coolant discharged. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the relationship between the amount of coolant stored in the tank (small) and the amount of coolant discharged. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a system diagram showing a machine tool in which a coolant treatment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a machine tool in which a coolant treatment device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0030] 1, machine tool 100 is a machining center that processes a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with the workpiece. Machine tool 100 is an NC (Numerically Control) machine tool in which various operations for processing the workpiece are automated by computer numerical control.

[0031] The machine tool in the present invention is not limited to a machining center, but may be a lathe that processes a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with the rotating workpiece, a multi-tasking machine that has both turning and milling functions, or an AM / SM hybrid machine that is capable of additive manufacturing (AM) processing of a workpiece and subtractive manufacturing (SM) processing of a workpiece.

[0032] The machine tool 100 has a machine tool main body 110 and a coolant treatment device 10. The machine tool main body 110 performs machining of a workpiece.

[0033] The machine tool body 110 defines the workpiece machining area and has a cover body that forms the appearance of the machine tool 100, a tool holding section (tool spindle or tool post, etc.) for holding tools in the machining area, and a workpiece holding section (workpiece spindle or table, etc.) for holding the workpiece in the machining area.

[0034] The coolant processing device 10 is provided alongside the machine tool body 110. The coolant processing device 10 is a device for processing the coolant used for workpiece machining in the machine tool body 110. The coolant discharged from the machine tool body 110 as the workpiece is machined is guided to the coolant processing device 10, which stores the coolant. The coolant processing device 10 purifies the coolant from the machine tool body 110 and supplies the clean coolant back to the machine tool body 110.

[0035] First, we will explain the overall coolant treatment system of the machine tool 100. The coolant treatment system 10 has a tank 21, a first pipe 41 (corresponding to "pipe" in the present invention), a first pump 31 (corresponding to "pump" in the present invention), and a filter 51.

[0036] The tank 21 is made of a box capable of storing coolant. The tank 21 is made of metal. The tank 21 may be made of resin. The first pipe 41 is connected to the tank 21. The first pipe 41 connects between the first pump 31 and the tank 21. The first pipe 41 forms a coolant flow path through which the coolant can flow. The first pipe 41 may be made of a steel pipe or a coolant hose.

[0037] The coolant processing device 10 is provided with a first coolant flow path 46. The first coolant flow path 46 extends from the tank 21 and is connected to the tank 21. The first coolant flow path 46 forms a circulation path for the coolant that leaves the tank 21 and returns to the tank 21. The first piping 41 forms a part of the first coolant flow path 46 at the position where it extends from the tank 21.

[0038] The first pump 31 is provided on the path of the first coolant flow path 46. The filter 51 is provided on the path of the coolant flow from the tank 21 that is formed as the first pump 31 is driven. The filter 51 is provided on the path of the first coolant flow path 46. The filter 51 is provided downstream of the first pump 31 in the coolant flow in the first coolant flow path 46.

[0039] The filter 51 can remove foreign matter contained in the coolant flowing through the first coolant passage 46. As an example, the filter 51 is a cyclone filtering device that separates the coolant from sludge contained in the coolant by centrifugal force. The filter 51 may be provided in a form supported by the tank 21.

[0040] As the first pump 31 is driven, a flow of coolant is formed in the first coolant flow path 46. The coolant flowing through the first coolant flow path 46 passes through the filter 51, which removes foreign matter such as sludge contained in the coolant. The cleaned coolant is returned to the tank 21.

[0041] The coolant processing device 10 further includes a second pipe 42 , a second pump 52 , a valve 53 , and a third pump 91 .

[0042] The second pipe 42 is connected to the tank 21. The second pipe 42 connects the second pump 52 and the tank 21. The second pipe 42 forms a coolant flow path through which the coolant can flow. The second pipe 42 may be made of a steel pipe or a coolant hose.

[0043] The coolant processing device 10 is further provided with a second coolant passage 48 and a third coolant passage 47. The third coolant passage 47 extends from the tank 21 and is connected to the machine tool body 110. The second piping 42 forms part of the third coolant passage 47 at the position where it extends from the tank 21. The second coolant passage 48 extends from the machine tool body 110 and is connected to the tank 21. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second coolant passage 48 may merge with the first coolant passage 46 and be connected to the tank 21, or may be connected to the tank 21 separately from the first coolant passage 46.

[0044] The third coolant flow path 47 and the second coolant flow path 48 form a circulation path for coolant that starts from the tank 21, passes through the machine tool body 110, and returns to the tank 21. The third coolant flow path 47 corresponds to a coolant supply path that supplies coolant from the tank 21 to the machine tool body 110. The second coolant flow path 48 corresponds to a coolant recovery path that recovers coolant discharged from the machine tool body 110 and returns it to the tank 21.

[0045] The second pump 52 and the valve 53 are provided on the path of the third coolant passage 47. A flow of coolant is formed in the third coolant passage 47 as the second pump 52 is driven.

[0046] Valve 53 is provided downstream of second pump 52 in the coolant flow in third coolant flow path 47. Valve 53 controls the coolant flow supplied toward machine tool body 110. Valve 53 controls the coolant flow supplied to multiple coolant discharge portions (ceiling coolant, base coolant, spindle coolant, etc.) in machine tool body 110.

[0047] The third pump 91 is provided on the path of the second coolant passage 48. The third pump 91 is attached to a chip conveyor 14 (see FIG. 9) of the machine tool body 110, which will be described later. As the third pump 91 is driven, a flow of coolant is formed in the second coolant passage 48.

[0048] Next, the structures of the tank 21 and the first pump 31, and the structure of the pipes connected to the tank 21 will be described in detail.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a side view showing the tank and the first pump as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow II in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the tank and the first pump in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the tank as viewed in the direction of the arrows on line VV in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a side view and a bottom view for explaining the dimensional relationship between the side and bottom of the tank in Fig. 1.

[0050] 1 to 6, tank 21 has bottom 25 and side portions 23. Bottom 25 is disposed at the bottom of tank 21. Side portions 23 rise from the periphery of bottom 25. A storage space 20 capable of storing coolant is formed above bottom 25 and surrounded by side portions 23.

[0051] The tank 21 has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The bottom 25 is made of a plate material arranged parallel to a horizontal plane. The bottom 25 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The periphery of the bottom 25 corresponds to the four sides of the rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the periphery of the bottom 25 corresponds to a pair of sides having a length B1 and a pair of sides having a length B2 that is smaller than the length B1.

[0052] The side portion 23 is made of a plate member arranged parallel to a vertical plane. The side portion 23 extends upward from the periphery of the bottom portion 25. The lower end of the side portion 23 is connected to the periphery of the bottom portion 25.

[0053] The side portion 23 has a first side portion 23A, a second side portion 23B, a third side portion 23C, and a fourth side portion 23D. Each of the first side portion 23A, the second side portion 23B, the third side portion 23C, and the fourth side portion 23D has a rectangular shape in a side view. The first side portion 23A and the fourth side portion 23D face each other in the horizontal direction. The shapes of the first side portion 23A and the fourth side portion 23D are identical. The second side portion 23B and the third side portion 23C face each other in the horizontal direction. The shapes of the second side portion 23B and the third side portion 23C are identical.

[0054] The vertical length of each of first side portion 23A and fourth side portion 23D is the same as the vertical length of each of second side portion 23B and third side portion 23C. As shown in Figure 5, each of first side portion 23A and fourth side portion 23D has a horizontal length B1. Each of second side portion 23B and third side portion 23C has a horizontal length B2 that is smaller than horizontal length B1.

[0055] The tank 21 further has a top 22. The top 22 is disposed on the ceiling of the tank 21. The top 22 faces the bottom 25 in the vertical direction. The top 22 is made of a plate disposed parallel to a horizontal plane. The top 22 is detachably attached to the upper end of the side 23. The top 22 forms a lid that closes the upper opening of the side 23.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the up-down direction is greater than the length Bmax of the line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above (Hmax>Bmax).

[0057] Hmax corresponds to the vertical length of each of first side portion 23A, second side portion 23B, third side portion 23C, and fourth side portion 23D. Bmax corresponds to the length between two diagonally arranged corners of bottom portion 25 having a rectangular shape.

[0058] The maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the up-down direction may be greater than 1.2 times the length Bmax of the line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above (Hmax>1.2×Bmax). The maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the up-down direction may be equal to or less than 2 times the length Bmax of the line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above (Hmax≦2×Bmax), or may be equal to or less than 1.5 times (Hmax≦1.5×Bmax).

[0059] The bottom portion 25 may be disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. In such a configuration, when the heights of the upper ends of the side portions 23 are uniform, the maximum length Hmax of the side portions 23 in the up-down direction is the vertical length of the side portions 23 rising from the periphery of the bottom portion 25 at the lowest position of the bottom portion 25.

[0060] The shape of bottom 25 in top view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a polygonal shape other than a rectangle, a circle, or an L-shape. The line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of bottom 25 for determining length Bmax may pass through a position between the two most distant points on the periphery of bottom 25 that is not projected onto bottom 25 in the up-down direction.

[0061] The tall tank 21 configured in this manner allows the installation area of ​​the coolant processing device 10 to be kept small while ensuring a sufficient capacity of the tank 21.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tank 21 is configured to form a space 40 below the bottom 25 in which the first pump 31 is disposed.

[0063] The coolant treatment device 10 further has a base plate 62 and a plurality of pillars 61. The base plate 62 faces the bottom 25 in the vertical direction. The base plate 62 is placed on the floor of the factory or the like in which the coolant treatment device 10 is installed. The pillars 61 extend in the vertical direction. The upper ends of the pillars 61 are connected to the bottom 25. The lower ends of the pillars 61 are connected to the base plate 62. The plurality of pillars 61 are provided at intervals from one another. The plurality of pillars 61 are arranged so as to overlap the periphery of the bottom 25 in a top view. The plurality of pillars 61 are arranged so as to overlap the four corners of the rectangular bottom 25 in a top view.

[0064] With this configuration, a space 40 is formed between the floor plate 62 and the bottom portion 25. The length of the space 40 in the vertical direction is smaller than the maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the vertical direction. The length of the space 40 in the vertical direction is smaller than the length Bmax of the straight line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above. The length of the space 40 in the vertical direction is smaller than each of the lengths B1 and B2 of one side of the bottom portion 25.

[0065] The first pump 31 is disposed in the space 40 so that the entire first pump 31 overlaps the bottom portion 25 in a top view. The first pump 31 is fixed to a base plate 62.

[0066] The first pump 31 includes a motor unit 32, a shaft 36, an impeller 33, a coolant inlet unit 34, and a coolant outlet unit 35.

[0067] The motor unit 32 is provided as a power source for the first pump 31. When supplied with electric power, the motor unit 32 outputs rotational motion about an imaginary central axis 101. The impeller 33 is provided spaced apart from the motor unit 32 in the axial direction of the central axis 101. The shaft 36 extends on the axis of the central axis 101 and is connected at both ends to the motor unit 32 and the impeller 33. The shaft 36 transmits the rotational motion output from the motor unit 32 to the impeller 33. The impeller 33 rotates about the central axis 101 upon receiving the rotational motion from the shaft 36.

[0068] Coolant inlet port 34 opens on the axis of central axis 101. Coolant inlet port 34 opens at an end of first pump 31 in the axial direction of central axis 101. First piping 41 is connected to coolant inlet port 34. Coolant discharge port 35 opens at a position spaced radially outward from central axis 101. Coolant discharge port 35 opens at a position spaced upward from central axis 101. A piping that forms first coolant flow path 46 and extends toward filter 51 is connected to coolant discharge port 35.

[0069] The first pump 31 is disposed in the space 40 with its shaft 36 (central axis 101) extending horizontally. The first pump 31 is disposed in the space 40 with its shaft 36 (central axis 101) extending parallel to the first side portion 23A and the fourth side portion 23D. The overall length (total height) of the first pump 31 in the up-down direction is smaller than the overall length of the first pump 31 in the axial direction of the central axis 101.

[0070] According to this configuration, the first pump 31 is oriented so that the shaft 36 (central axis 101) extends horizontally, thereby reducing the overall height of the first pump 31. This makes it possible to easily arrange the first pump 31 in the space 40 even when the length (height) of the space 40 in the vertical direction is small.

[0071] 1 to 5, the first pipe 41 has a first connection portion 41p. The first connection portion 41p opens at one end of the first pipe 41. The first connection portion 41p is connected to the tank 21. The first connection portion 41p is connected to the bottom portion 25.

[0072] As described above, the maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the up-down direction is greater than the length Bmax of the straight line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above. In other words, the length Bmax of the straight line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above is less than the maximum length Hmax of the side portion 23 in the up-down direction. Therefore, in the tank 21, sludge contained in the coolant collects on the bottom portion 25, which has a smaller area. In this case, because the first piping 41 is connected to the bottom portion 25, the sludge that accumulates on the bottom portion 25 can be efficiently collected through the first piping 41 and removed from the coolant by the filter 51.

[0073] The second pipe 42 has a second connection part 42p. The second connection part 42p opens at one end of the second pipe 42. The second connection part 42p is connected to the tank 21. The second connection part 42p is connected to the bottom part 25.

[0074] The coolant treatment device 10 further includes a guide portion 66. The guide portion 66 is disposed in the storage space 20 within the tank 21. The guide portion 66 extends along the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above. The guide portion 66 guides the coolant so as to generate a swirling flow of the coolant on the bottom portion 25. The swirling flow of the coolant is a flow of the coolant along the circumferential direction of the periphery of the bottom portion 25.

[0075] The guide portion 66 is made of a plate material that stands on the bottom portion 25. When viewed from above, the guide portion 66 extends while curving. When viewed from above, the guide portion 66 has a curved shape that is convex from the center toward the periphery of the bottom portion 25. When viewed from above, the guide portion 66 is provided at the four corners of the bottom portion 25, which has a rectangular shape. The guide portion 66 is divided between the corners of the bottom portion 25 that are adjacent to each other.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the shortest distance dmin between the first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 to the bottom 25 and the guide portion 66 is greater than the shortest distance Dmin between the second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 to the bottom 25 and the guide portion 66 (dmin > Dmin).

[0077] The shortest distance fmin between the first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 and the bottom portion 25 and the periphery of the bottom portion 25 is greater than the shortest distance Fmin between the second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 and the bottom portion 25 and the periphery of the bottom portion 25 (fmin > Fmin). The first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 and the bottom portion 25 is disposed in the central region of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above. The second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 and the bottom portion 25 is disposed in the periphery of the bottom portion 25 when viewed from above.

[0078] The first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 to the bottom portion 25 is disposed at a position equidistant from the first side portion 23A and the fourth side portion 23D. The first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 to the bottom portion 25 is disposed at a position equidistant from the second side portion 23B and the third side portion 23C.

[0079] When the coolant is discharged from the tank 21 through the first pipe 41 and the second pipe 42 connected to the bottom 25, it is guided by the guide portion 66, thereby generating a swirling flow of the coolant on the bottom 25. As a result of this swirling flow of the coolant, sludge that accumulates on the bottom 25 gathers in the center of the bottom 25, away from the guide portion 66 that extends along the periphery of the bottom 25.

[0080] In this case, the shortest distance dmin between the first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 to the bottom portion 25 and the guide portion 66 is greater than the shortest distance Dmin between the second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 to the bottom portion 25 and the guide portion 66, and therefore the amount of sludge collected through the first pipe 41 is greater than the amount of sludge collected through the second pipe 42. As a result, the sludge can be efficiently removed by the filter 51 to which coolant is sent from the first pipe 41 and the first pump 31, and it is possible to prevent coolant containing a large amount of sludge from being supplied to the machine tool body 110 through the second pipe 42.

[0081] Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the tank in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the tank as seen in the direction indicated by arrow VIII in Fig. 7.

[0082] 7 and 8, in this modification, the coolant processing device 10 further includes a plate member 81. The plate member 81 is disposed in the storage space 20 in the tank 21. When viewed from above, the plate member 81 is provided at a position where it is projected onto the second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 relative to the bottom portion 25.

[0083] The plate member 81 is provided directly above the second connection portion 42p. The plate member 81 is fixed to the side portion 23. The plate member 81 extends horizontally from the side portion 23. The plate member 81 faces the second connection portion 42p in the up-down direction. The distance between the bottom portion 25 and the plate member 81 in the up-down direction is smaller than the distance between the top portion 22 and the plate member 81 in the up-down direction. In other words, the plate member 81 is provided at a position closer to the bottom portion 25 than to the top portion 22 in the up-down direction.

[0084] According to this configuration, the second connection portion 42p is shielded by the plate member 81 arranged above it, which further reduces the amount of sludge collected through the second piping 42. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent coolant containing a large amount of sludge from being supplied to the machine tool body 110.

[0085] 9 is a rear view showing the machine tool. Referring to FIG. 9, the machine tool main body 110 further has a chip conveyor 14 and a duct 18.

[0086] The chip conveyor 14 discharges chips and coolant generated during workpiece machining within the machining area to the outside of the machining area. The tank 21 is installed horizontally alongside the chip conveyor 14. The chip conveyor 14 is not placed inside the tank 21; the tank 21 is installed separately from the chip conveyor 14. The piping that forms the second coolant flow path 48 in FIG. 1 extends between the chip conveyor 14 and the tank 21.

[0087] Various pipes, such as air pipes, lubricating oil pipes, and hydraulic pipes, as well as electrical wiring, are passed through duct 18. Duct 18 extends horizontally above chip conveyor 14 and tank 21. Tank 21 is located so as to overlap duct 18 in a top view.

[0088] To summarize the structures of the coolant processing device 10 and machine tool 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, the coolant processing device 10 according to the present embodiment has a bottom 25 and side portions 23 that rise from the periphery of the bottom 25, and is provided with a tank 21 capable of storing coolant above the bottom 25 and surrounded by the side portions 23. The maximum length Hmax of the side portions 23 in the up-down direction is greater than the maximum length Bmax of the straight line connecting the two most distant points on the periphery of the bottom 25 when viewed from above.

[0089] The machine tool 100 includes a coolant processing device 10 and a machine tool body 110 that receives coolant from the coolant processing device 10 and processes a workpiece.

[0090] According to the coolant processing device 10 and machine tool 100 of embodiment 1 of the present invention configured in this manner, the installation area of ​​the coolant processing device 10 can be kept small while ensuring sufficient capacity of the tank 21, and ultimately the floor area (installation area) of the machine tool 100 can be reduced.

[0091] The coolant treatment device (10) in this embodiment also includes a tank (21) capable of storing coolant and sludge, a pump (31) located below the tank (21) for pumping up the coolant and sludge, a pipe (46) arranged so that the coolant and sludge flow from the tank (21) below the tank (21), change to a flow below the tank (21) toward the pump (31), and flow upward by the pump (31), and a filter (51) for filtering the sludge from the coolant and sludge flowing upward.

[0092] The coolant treatment device (10) of the present embodiment includes a tank (21) having a bottom (25) and capable of storing coolant, and a pump (31) disposed below the bottom (25). The bottom (25) is provided with an opening (an opening communicating with the first connection portion 41p) through which the coolant in the tank (21) flows out. In top view, the pump (31) is disposed at a position offset from (not overlapping with) the opening (an opening communicating with the first connection portion 41p).

[0093] In addition, the coolant processing device (10) in this embodiment includes a chip conveyor tank (tank portion that accommodates the chip conveyor 14) that can store coolant, a chip conveyor (14) that transports chips in the chip conveyor tank (tank portion that accommodates the chip conveyor 14), a pumping pump (91) that pumps up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank (tank portion that accommodates the chip conveyor 14), a filter (51) that filters the coolant and is located in a position that does not overlap with the chip conveyor tank (tank portion that accommodates the chip conveyor 14) when viewed from above, and a supply pump (52) that supplies the coolant filtered by the filter (51) to the processing area.

[0094] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a first pump in a coolant processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the relationship between the amount of coolant stored in the tank (large) and the amount of coolant discharged. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the relationship between the amount of coolant stored in the tank (small) and the amount of coolant discharged.

[0095] The coolant processing device of the present embodiment basically has the same structure as the coolant processing device 10 of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

[0096] 10 to 12, the coolant treatment device in this embodiment further includes a water level sensor 72 and a control device 71.

[0097] The water level sensor 72 is disposed in the storage space 20 in the tank 21. The water level sensor 72 is capable of detecting the level of the coolant in the tank 21. The water level sensor 72 generates a signal of the detected coolant level and outputs the signal to the control device 71. The type of the water level sensor 72 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a float type or a laser type.

[0098] The coolant level detected by the water level sensor 72 is an index corresponding to the amount of coolant stored in the tank 21. The higher the coolant level detected by the water level sensor 72, the greater the amount of coolant stored in the tank 21, and vice versa.

[0099] The control device 71 controls the operation of the first pump 31 based on a signal from the water level sensor 72. When the water level of the coolant detected by the water level sensor 72 is relatively high, the control device 71 drives the first pump 31 at a first output Pa, and when the water level of the coolant detected by the water level sensor 72 is relatively low, the control device 71 drives the first pump 31 at a second output Pb that is larger than the first output Pa.

[0100] In a tall tank 21, a large difference in the water pressure of the coolant in the tank 21 occurs between when the water level of the coolant (amount of stored coolant) in the tank 21 is relatively high and when it is relatively low. Due to this difference in water pressure, when the water level of the coolant in the tank 21 (amount of stored coolant) is relatively high, the amount of coolant discharged from the first pump 31 increases, and when the water level of the coolant in the tank 21 (amount of stored coolant) is relatively low, the amount of coolant discharged from the first pump 31 decreases.

[0101] In contrast, when the coolant level detected by the water level sensor 72 is relatively high, the first pump 31 is driven at the first output Pa, and when the coolant level detected by the water level sensor 72 is relatively low, the first pump 31 is driven at the second output Pb that is greater than the first output Pa, thereby preventing differences in the amount of coolant discharged from the first pump 31 due to the coolant level (amount of coolant stored) in the tank 21.

[0102] The pump control method of the present invention is not limited to the first pump 31, and may be applied to the second pump 52, or to both the first pump 31 and the second pump 52. Furthermore, a weight sensor capable of detecting the weight of the coolant may be used as a sensor capable of detecting an index corresponding to the amount of coolant stored in the tank.

[0103] According to the coolant processing device of the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0104] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 13 is a system diagram showing a machine tool in which a coolant treatment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0105] The coolant processing device of the present embodiment basically has the same structure as the coolant processing device 10 of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

[0106] 13, in the present embodiment, second connection portion 42p of second pipe 42 is connected to tank 21 at a position higher than first connection portion 41p of first pipe 41. Second connection portion 42p of second pipe 42 is connected to side portion 23 (second side portion 23B). The distance between bottom portion 25 and second connection portion 42p in the up-down direction is shorter than the distance between top portion 22 and second connection portion 42p in the up-down direction. That is, second connection portion 42p is connected to side portion 23 at a position closer to bottom portion 25 than to top portion 22 in the up-down direction.

[0107] A first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 is connected to the bottom portion 25. The first connection portion 41p of the first pipe 41 opens facing upward. The second connection portion 42p of the second pipe 42 opens facing horizontally.

[0108] According to this configuration, the second connection part 42p is connected to the tank 21 at a position higher than the first connection part 41p, which reduces the amount of sludge collected through the second piping 42. This makes it possible to prevent coolant containing a large amount of sludge from being supplied to the machine tool body 110.

[0109] According to the coolant treatment device of the third embodiment of the present invention configured as above, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The present invention is primarily used in coolant treatment devices for machine tools such as machining centers and lathes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 coolant processing device, 14 chip conveyor, 18 duct, 20 storage space, 21 tank, 22 top, 23 side, 23A first side, 23B second side, 23C third side, 23D fourth side, 25 bottom, 31 first pump, 32 motor, 33 impeller, 34 coolant inlet, 35 coolant outlet, 36 shaft, 40 space, 41 first piping, 41p first connection, 42 second piping, 42p second connection, 46 first coolant flow path, 47 third coolant flow path, 48 second coolant flow path, 51 filter, 52 second pump, 53 valve, 61 column, 62 base plate, 66 guide, 71 control device, 72 water level sensor, 81 plate member, 91 third pump, 100 machine tool, 101 Center axis, 110 machine tool body.

Claims

1. A chip conveyor tank capable of storing coolant; a chip conveyor for conveying chips in the chip conveyor tank; a pump for pumping up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank; a filter that is provided at a position that does not overlap with the chip conveyor tank in a top view and that filters the coolant; a supply pump that supplies the coolant filtered by the filter to a processing area.

2. A chip conveyor tank capable of storing chips and coolant flowing from the machining area; a chip conveyor for conveying chips in the chip conveyor tank; a pump for pumping up the coolant in the chip conveyor tank; a filter that is provided at a position that does not overlap with the chip conveyor tank in a top view and that filters the coolant; a supply pump that supplies the coolant filtered by the filter to the processing area; a machine tool body that defines the machining area and machines a workpiece.

3. a pump including an impeller and a motor spaced apart from the impeller in the axial direction of the central shaft; a tank located above the pump when viewed along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a horizontal plane including the central axis, the tank being capable of storing coolant and sludge and having a central area on a bottom side where the sludge collects; a pipe connected to the central region of the tank, the pipe having, when viewed along the orthogonal direction, a first portion extending downward from the central region, a second portion extending in the axial direction, a third portion turning back and extending toward the pump, a fourth portion extending in the axial direction above the central axis, and a fifth portion extending above the fourth portion; a filter located above the central region when viewed along the orthogonal direction, the filter filtering sludge from the coolant and sludge that have flowed through the pipe.

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