Cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for machine tools

Abstract

This invention provides a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for machine tools that prevents cutting fluid from entering the setup station from the machining chamber side with a simple configuration. [Solution] The system comprises a swivel cover 11 that separates the processing chamber M and the setup station SS, and a fixed cover 12 positioned opposite the left and right ends of the swivel cover 11 with a gap in between, covering the left and right sides of the processing chamber M and the setup station SS. The fixed cover 12 includes a first forward projection wall 13 consisting of a base portion 14 erected diagonally forward from a point opposite the left and right ends of the swivel cover 11, and a return portion 15 erected forward from the tip of the base portion 14. The swivel cover 11 and the fixed cover 12 are configured not to come into contact with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for preventing cutting fluid from entering a machine tool, particularly a structure for preventing cutting fluid from entering a machine tool provided with a machining chamber, a tool setting station, and a two-sided swing type pallet changer.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a machine tool (1) targeted by the present invention includes a machining chamber (3) in which a main shaft (2) is installed for machining a workpiece, a tool setting station (4) arranged adjacent to the machining chamber (3), and a two-sided swing type pallet changer (50) for exchanging pallets (P1) and (P2) between the machining chamber (3) and the tool setting station (4).

[0003] The pallet changer (50) includes left and right swing covers (51) and (52) that partition the machining chamber (3) and the tool setting station (4), a pallet exchange arm (53) that holds and swings the pallet (P1) in the machining chamber (3) and the pallet (P2) in the tool setting station (4), and a swing shaft (54) that integrally swings the left and right swing covers (51) and (52) and the pallet exchange arm (53). The edges near the center of the left and right swing covers (51) and (52) are fixed to the swing shaft (54), and the lower end of the swing shaft (54) is fixed to the center of the pallet exchange arm (54). Thereby, when exchanging the pallets (P1) and (P2), along with the rotation of the swing shaft (54), the left and right swing covers (51) and (52) and the pallet exchange arm (53) integrally swing 180 degrees around the axis of the swing shaft (54), and the pallet (P1) set in the machining chamber (3) and the pallet (P2) set in the tool setting station (4) are exchanged.

[0004] In the machine tool (1) shown in Figure 5, if cutting fluid enters from the machining chamber (3) to the setup station (4), there is a risk of the cutting fluid splashing onto the workpiece or operator, leading to a deterioration in work efficiency and safety. Therefore, a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure is needed to prevent cutting fluid splashed from the machining chamber (3) towards the pallet exchange device (50) from entering the setup station (4).

[0005] As a pallet exchange device equipped with such a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure, Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which the rotating cover and the inner surface of the side wall of the splash guard for preventing cutting fluid intrusion are brought into contact, and a sealing portion is provided at the contact point, thereby preventing cutting fluid from entering the machining chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure in which a cutting fluid return wall is provided in the gap for cutting fluid flow formed by the upper surface of the bottom wall and the lower edge of the hanging wall, thereby deflecting the cutting fluid back into the machining area. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-307262 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-176085 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The pallet exchange device described in Patent Document 1 had the problem of becoming complicated and costing more because the swivel cover and the inner surface of the side wall of the splash guard were to be brought into contact.

[0009] Furthermore, the structure described in Patent Document 2 is a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure between a fixed bottom wall and a hanging wall, and has the problem that it cannot be applied to a pallet exchange device in which the left and right swivel covers and the pallet exchange arm swivel together.

[0010] Here, the swivel cover (sheet metal) of the pallet exchange device tends to have a complex structure, designed to prevent chip accumulation and incorporating folds to prevent cutting fluid from entering the outside. As a result, dimensional accuracy is prone to variation, and it is often constructed from multiple parts rather than as a single piece. Furthermore, the swivel cover is sometimes attached to the cast surface of the pallet exchange arm to reduce processing costs. Generally, the pallet exchange device is designed taking into account the mounting tolerance of the sheet metal swivel cover, but there is still a possibility that gaps will remain. There are ways to manufacture parts with high precision to prevent gaps, but this comes with the problem of increased costs. In short, a structure that prevents cutting fluid intrusion can be achieved by adding components or using high-precision manufacturing methods, but this comes with the problem of increased costs.

[0011] The object of this invention, made in view of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for a machine tool that can prevent cutting fluid from entering from the machining chamber side to the setup station side at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above objective, this invention comprises the following embodiments.

[0013] 1) A machine tool having a machining chamber where workpieces are machined, a setup station located behind the machining chamber, and a two-sided rotating pallet exchange device for exchanging pallets between the machining chamber and the setup station, wherein a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure is provided to prevent cutting fluid from entering the setup station from the machining chamber side, A rotating cover that separates the processing room and the setup station, It comprises a fixed cover positioned opposite the left and right ends of the swivel cover, with a gap in between, and covering the left and right sides of the processing chamber and setup station. The fixed cover includes a first forward-projecting wall consisting of a base portion erected diagonally forward from the left and right ends of the swivel cover, and a return portion erected forward from the tip of the base portion. A cutting fluid ingress prevention structure for a machine tool, in which the swivel cover and fixed cover are configured so as not to come into contact with each other.

[0014] 2) The cutting fluid ingress prevention structure for the machine tool described in 1) above, wherein the swivel cover includes a second forward protruding wall erected forward from the left and right ends of the swivel cover.

[0015] 3) An upper cover is provided, which is positioned opposite the upper end of the swivel cover and covers the processing chamber and setup station above. The swivel cover includes a third forward-projecting wall erected forward from the upper end of the swivel cover, the cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for the machine tool as described in 1) or 2) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for the machine tool described in 1) above, even if the cutting fluid supplied to the machining chamber penetrates beyond the edge of the swivel cover into the gap between the swivel cover and the fixed cover, the first forward protruding wall prevents the cutting fluid from entering the setup station side. Furthermore, the cutting fluid that collides with the fixed cover flows backward along the fixed cover to the front surface of the base portion of the first forward protruding wall, then flows along the front surface of the base portion to the fixed cover side of the return portion, and then flows along the fixed cover side of the return portion to return to the machining chamber side. With this configuration, not only is the cutting fluid that has penetrated into the gap between the swivel cover and the fixed cover returned to the machining chamber side, but the flow of cutting fluid returning to the machining chamber side blocks the cutting fluid that is trying to penetrate between the swivel cover and the fixed cover, thus reliably preventing the cutting fluid from entering the setup station side.

[0017] According to the cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure of the machine tool in 2) above, the second front protruding wall prevents the cutting fluid from entering the gap between the swivel cover and the fixed cover. Further, the cutting fluid that collides with the left and right end portions of the swivel cover flows along the surface of the swivel cover on the machining chamber side and the surface of the second front protruding wall on the swivel cover center side and is returned to the machining chamber side. With this configuration, the flow of the cutting fluid returned to the machining chamber side blocks the cutting fluid that attempts to enter between the swivel cover and the fixed cover, and more reliably prevents the cutting fluid from entering the tool changing station side.

[0018] According to the cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure of the machine tool in 3) above, the third front protruding wall blocks the cutting fluid that attempts to enter the gap between the swivel cover and the upper cover. Further, the cutting fluid that collides with the upper end portion of the swivel cover flows along the surface of the swivel cover on the machining chamber side and the lower surface of the third front protruding wall and is returned to the machining chamber side. With this configuration, the flow of the cutting fluid returned to the machining chamber side blocks the cutting fluid that attempts to enter between the swivel cover and the upper cover, and more reliably prevents the cutting fluid from entering the tool changing station side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure of a machine tool according to this invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part as seen from the arrow direction of part A in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part as seen from the arrow direction of part B in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part as seen from the arrow direction of part C in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a conventional machine tool.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the lower right of Figure 1 will be referred to as "front," the upper left as "rear," the upper right as "right," and the lower left as "left." In Figures 2 and 3, the bottom will be referred to as "front," the top as "rear," and the left and right sides as "left and right." In Figure 4, the top and bottom will be referred to as "top and bottom," with the right side as "front" and the left side as "rear." In Figure 1, the front side is assumed to be the processing chamber side, and the rear side as the setup station side. However, the designations of the directions of components, etc., in these drawings are for convenience only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Also, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" will include angles that are slightly inclined from horizontal and vertical. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the shapes of the components and their relative arrangements described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0021] The machine tool (1) includes a machining chamber (M) where the spindle is installed and for machining a workpiece, a setup station (SS) located adjacent to the rear of the machining chamber (M), and a two-sided rotating pallet exchange device (10) for exchanging pallets between the machining chamber (M) and the setup station (SS).

[0022] The pallet exchange device (10) comprises a swivel cover (11) that separates the processing chamber (M) and the setup station (SS), a pallet exchange arm (not shown) that exchanges a pallet set on the processing chamber (M) side with a pallet set on the setup station (SS) side by swiveling, and a swivel shaft (23) that rotates the swivel cover (11) and the pallet exchange arm together. The central part of the swivel cover (11) is fixed to the swivel shaft (23), and the lower end of the swivel shaft (23) is fixed to the central part of the pallet exchange arm. As a result, when exchanging pallets, the swivel cover (11) and the pallet exchange arm rotate 180 degrees together around the axis of the swivel shaft (23) as the swivel shaft (23) rotates, and the pallet set in the processing chamber (M) and the pallet set in the setup station (SS) are exchanged.

[0023] The swivel cover (11) includes left and right partition plates (21) (22) positioned vertically to separate the processing chamber (M) from the setup station (SS). The swivel shaft (23) is positioned in the center of the left and right partition plates (21) (22) and is fixed to the right end of the left partition plate (21) and the left end of the right partition plate (22). The left and right partition plates (21) (22) may be made of a single plate material, in which case the swivel shaft (23) is attached to the center of that plate material.

[0024] Fixed covers (12) extending in the front-to-back direction are erected on the left and right sides of the machining chamber (M) and the setup station (SS). An upper cover (30) is also positioned above the machining chamber (M) and the setup station (SS). The fixed covers (12) and the upper cover (30) cover the left and right sides and the top of the machining chamber (M) and the setup station (SS), preventing cutting fluid from leaking to the outside.

[0025] The fixed cover (12) is positioned opposite the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) (in this embodiment, the left end of the left partition plate (21) and the right end of the right partition plate (22)), but a gap is provided between the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12) so as not to obstruct the rotation of the swivel cover (11). The upper cover (30) is positioned opposite the upper end of the swivel cover (11) (in this embodiment, the upper ends of the left and right partition plates (21) and (22)). When the swivel cover (11) is stationary, the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30) are positioned to be in contact, and when changing pallets, etc., the upper cover (30) is lifted by a drive device (not shown), and then the swivel cover (11) is rotated. Thus, when the swivel cover (11) is rotated, a gap is provided between the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30).

[0026] In such a machine tool (1), cutting fluid scattered from the machining chamber (M) can pass through the gaps between the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12), as well as between the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30), and enter the setup station (SS) from the machining chamber (M) side, potentially causing the cutting fluid to scatter onto the workpiece or operator, leading to a deterioration in work efficiency and safety. Therefore, a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure (40) is provided to prevent cutting fluid from passing through the gaps between the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12), as well as between the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30), thereby preventing cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS) from the machining chamber (M) side.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a base portion (14) is erected on the side of the fixed cover (12) facing the swivel cover (11), extending diagonally forward from the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11). A return portion (15) is erected on the tip of the base portion (14), extending forward. The base portion (14) and the return portion (15) are made of a strip material with the vertical direction as its longitudinal direction, and the base portion (14) and the return portion (15) together form a first forward projecting wall (13) that is roughly L-shaped when viewed from above.

[0028] A strip-shaped second forward projection wall (16) is erected from the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) toward the front, with the vertical direction as its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, a strip-shaped first rear projection wall (18) is erected from the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) toward the rear, with the vertical direction as its longitudinal axis. With this configuration, when the swivel cover (11) is rotated 180 degrees, the first rear projection wall (18) functions as the second forward projection wall (16).

[0029] When the swivel cover (11) is stationary or swiveling, the left and right ends of the fixed cover (12), including the first forward protruding wall (13) and the second forward protruding wall (16) and first rearward protruding wall (18) of the swivel cover (11), are configured not to come into contact with each other.

[0030] Even if the cutting fluid supplied to the machining chamber (M) penetrates beyond the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and into the gap between the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12), the first forward protruding wall (13) and the second forward protruding wall (16) prevent the cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS) side. Furthermore, as shown by the arrows in Figures 2 and 3, the cutting fluid that collides with the fixed cover (12) flows backward along the fixed cover (12) to the front surface of the base portion (14) of the first forward protruding wall (13), then flows along the front surface of the base portion (14) to the fixed cover (12) side of the return portion (15), and then flows forward along the fixed cover (12) side of the return portion (15) to return to the machining chamber (M) side, without entering the setup station (SS) side. In other words, the space formed by the fixed cover (12) and the first forward projection wall (13) functions as a cutting fluid return section that returns cutting fluid scattered from the machining chamber (M) back to the machining chamber (M). Also, cutting fluid that collides with the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) flows along the machining chamber side surface of the swivel cover (11) and the central side surface of the swivel cover (11) on the second forward projection wall (16) and returns to the machining chamber (M) side, and does not enter the setup station (SS) side. In other words, the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and the second forward projection wall (16) also function as cutting fluid return sections that return cutting fluid scattered from the machining chamber (M) back to the machining chamber (M). This configuration not only returns cutting fluid that has seeped into the gap between the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12) to the machining chamber (M), but the flow of cutting fluid returning to the machining chamber (M) also blocks any cutting fluid attempting to seep between the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12) before it reaches the gap, thus reliably preventing cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS).

[0031] A wiper (20) made of a strip-shaped rubber elastic material with its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction is attached along the rear surface of the base portion (14) of the first forward protruding wall (13). The tip of the wiper (20) protrudes diagonally forward from the tip of the base portion (14) toward the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11). Furthermore, the wiper (20) is configured so that its tip does not come into contact with the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11), including the second forward protruding wall (16) and the first rear protruding wall (18), when the swivel cover (11) is stationary or swiveling. This configuration more reliably prevents cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS) side.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, a third forward projection wall (17) is erected extending forward from the upper end of the swivel cover (11) (in this embodiment, the upper ends of the left and right partition plates (21) and (22)). Furthermore, a second rear projection wall (19) is erected extending rearward from the upper end of the swivel cover (11) (in this embodiment, the upper ends of the left and right partition plates (21) and (22)). The second rear projection wall (19) functions as the third forward projection wall (17) when the swivel cover (11) is rotated 180 degrees.

[0033] The third forward projection wall (17) prevents cutting fluid from entering the gap between the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30). Furthermore, as shown by the arrows in Figure 4, cutting fluid that collides with the upper part of the swivel cover (11) flows along the surface of the swivel cover (11) on the machining chamber (M) side and the lower surface of the third forward projection wall (17), returning to the machining chamber (M) side. The flow of cutting fluid returning to the machining chamber (M) side blocks cutting fluid that would otherwise attempt to enter the gap between the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30), ensuring that cutting fluid does not enter the setup station (SS) side. This configuration ensures that cutting fluid does not enter the setup station (SS) side, whether the swivel cover (11) is stationary, i.e., when the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30) are in contact, or when the swivel cover (11) is rotating, even when a gap is provided between the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30).

[0034] Preferably, the vertical length of the swivel cover (11) is slightly shorter than the vertical length of the internal space of the processing chamber (M) and the setup station (SS) so that a gap is provided between the upper end of the swivel cover (11) and the upper cover (30), and preferably the vertical lengths of the first front protruding wall (13), the second front protruding wall (16), and the first rear protruding wall (18) are configured to be equal to the vertical length of the swivel cover (11). Furthermore, preferably the horizontal length of the swivel cover (11) is slightly shorter than the horizontal length of the internal space of the processing chamber (M) and the setup station (SS) so that a gap is provided between the left and right ends of the swivel cover (11) and the fixed cover (12), and preferably the horizontal lengths of the third front protruding wall (17) and the second rear protruding wall (19) are configured to be equal to the horizontal length of the swivel cover (11).

[0035] The cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure (40), which prevents cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS) from the machining chamber (M), consists of a fixed cover (12), a swivel cover (11), a first forward protruding wall (13), a second forward protruding wall (16), a third forward protruding wall (17), a wiper (20), and an upper cover (30). The swivel cover (11), which includes the second forward protruding wall (16) and the wiper (20), and the fixed cover (12), which includes the first forward protruding wall (13), are configured so as not to come into contact with each other, thereby preventing wear on each component and reducing the need for high precision during machining and installation, which can also reduce manufacturing and labor costs.

[0036] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent cutting fluid from entering the setup station (SS) from the machining chamber (M) side with a simple configuration, and to prevent the resulting splashing of cutting fluid onto the workpiece and the operator, thereby improving work efficiency and safety. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] (1):Machine tools (10): Pallet exchange device (11): Swivel cover (12): Fixed cover (13):First front protruding wall (14): Base section (15): Return section (16):Second front protruding wall (17):Third front protruding wall (18):First rear protruding wall (19):Second rear protruding wall (20): Wiper (21)(22): Left and right partition plates (23): Swivel axis (30): Top cover (40): Cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure (M): Processing room (SS): Setup Station

Claims

1. A machine tool having a machining chamber where a workpiece is processed, a setup station located behind the machining chamber, and a two-sided rotating pallet exchange device for exchanging pallets between the machining chamber and the setup station, wherein a cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure is provided to prevent cutting fluid from entering the setup station from the machining chamber side, A rotating cover that separates the processing chamber and the setup station, The rotating cover is positioned opposite the left and right ends of the aforementioned rotating cover, with a gap in between, and includes a fixed cover that covers the left and right sides of the processing chamber and the setup station. The fixed cover includes a first forward-projecting wall consisting of a base portion erected diagonally forward from locations opposite the left and right ends of the swivel cover, and a return portion erected forward from the tip of the base portion. A cutting fluid ingress prevention structure for a machine tool, wherein the swivel cover and the fixed cover are configured so as not to come into contact with each other.

2. The cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for a machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the swivel cover includes a second forward-projecting wall erected forward from the left and right ends of the swivel cover.

3. An upper cover is provided, which is positioned opposite the upper end of the aforementioned swivel cover and covers the processing chamber and the setup station above it. The cutting fluid intrusion prevention structure for a machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the swivel cover includes a third forward-projecting wall erected forward from the upper end of the swivel cover.

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