Cutting fluid management device, cutting fluid management system, and sensor unit

Abstract

A cutting fluid management device, a cutting fluid management system, and a sensor unit are provided which improve maintainability and safety, reduce measurement errors, and are also capable of measuring the cutting fluid level state. [Solution] A cutting fluid management device 100 that performs at least one of monitoring the condition and adjusting the components of cutting fluid CF used in a machine tool MT, and is equipped with a sensor unit 10 having a temperature sensor 16 that measures the temperature of the cutting fluid CF, a concentration sensor 18 that measures the concentration of the cutting fluid CF, a pH sensor 20 that measures the pH of the CF cutting fluid, and a liquid level sensor 14 that measures the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF, and the sensor unit 10 is required to be arranged such that the temperature sensor 16, concentration sensor 18, and pH sensor 20 are immersed in the cutting fluid CF with respect to a storage tank T in which the cutting fluid CF is stored, and the liquid level sensor 14 is at the same height as or higher than the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting fluid management device for managing cutting fluid used in a machine tool, a cutting fluid management system, and a sensor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In order to obtain stable machining accuracy and machinability during machining using a machine tool, a temperature adjustment device that enables monitoring and / or adjustment of the cutting fluid temperature has conventionally been used.

[0003] On the other hand, if the concentration of the cutting fluid is lower than the specified value, the lubricity of the cutting fluid may decrease, adversely affecting the machining accuracy and the accuracy of the machined surface. Also, if the concentration of the cutting fluid is higher than the specified value, it may cause discoloration of the workpiece surface and rough skin of the worker, and at the same time, it may lead to an increase in running costs because more cutting fluid than necessary is consumed. Therefore, it is important to monitor the concentration of the water-soluble cutting fluid.

[0004] As an example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 7079904) discloses a coolant quality detection system that includes measuring means for measuring the temperature, concentration, and pH of the coolant (cutting fluid). The system can provide information on the quality of the cutting fluid and issue a warning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7079904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the coolant quality detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a temperature measuring means and a pH measuring means measure the temperature and pH of the cutting fluid in the supply flow path, and a concentration measuring means measures the concentration of the cutting fluid sampled from the supply flow path.

[0007] As described above, the above-mentioned coolant quality detection system had the following problems because the measuring means (i.e., the sensors) were not integrated. That is, maintenance of each measuring means was difficult, and errors could occur due to differences in the position and timing at which the cutting fluid status was acquired. Also, because wiring was laid for each measuring means, there was a risk that the worker would get caught in it, causing a short circuit, or a break in the wiring. Furthermore, it was not possible to measure the cutting fluid surface state (for example, the liquid level), and there were cases where there was an excess or shortage of cutting fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to realize a cutting fluid management device, cutting fluid management system, and sensor unit that are easy to maintain and safe, capable of reducing measurement errors, and are also capable of measuring the cutting fluid level state.

[0009] The present invention solves the above problems by the solution means described below as one embodiment.

[0010] That is, the cutting fluid management device disclosed is a cutting fluid management device that performs at least one of monitoring the state and adjusting the composition of cutting fluid used in a machine tool, and includes a sensor unit having a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cutting fluid, a concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the cutting fluid, a pH sensor for measuring the pH of the cutting fluid, and a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level of the cutting fluid, and the sensor unit is required to be disposed such that the temperature sensor, the concentration sensor, and the pH sensor are immersed in the cutting fluid and the liquid level sensor is at the same height as or higher than the liquid level of the cutting fluid with respect to a storage tank in which the cutting fluid is stored. This produces the following advantageous effects. That is, since the sensors are concentrated in the sensor unit, cleaning of each sensor is made easier and maintainability is improved. In addition, since the positions at which each sensor acquires the state of the cutting fluid are unified in the storage tank, it is possible to eliminate error factors that occur when the positions and timings at which each sensor acquires the state of the cutting fluid are different. Furthermore, since the sensors are concentrated in the sensor unit, it is possible to reduce the number of wirings, and it is possible to reduce the risk of an operator getting caught in the wiring, shorting out the wiring, and breaking the wiring. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the above embodiment, maintainability and safety are improved, measurement errors can be reduced, and the liquid surface state of the cutting fluid can be measured. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view (schematic view) of a cutting fluid management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a cutting fluid management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an overall view (schematic view) of a cutting fluid management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram of a cutting fluid management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an overall view (schematic view) of a cutting fluid management device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the cutting fluid management device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. In all the drawings for explaining each embodiment, members having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0014] <Machine tools> The cutting fluid management device 100 in each embodiment is for performing at least one of monitoring the state and adjusting the composition of the cutting fluid CF used in the machine tool MT. The target machine tool MT may be, for example, a machining center, an NC lathe, a multi-tasking machine, a grinding machine, etc., but is not limited to these, and may be any machine tool that uses cutting fluid (especially a water-soluble cutting fluid).

[0015] Moreover, the machine tool MT is connected to a storage tank T in which cutting fluid CF is stored, via an intake passage F1 and a discharge passage F2, for example. More specifically, the machine tool MT sucks up the cutting fluid CF from the storage tank T using a pump P, and discharges the cutting fluid CF to a machining site (i.e., a tool and / or a workpiece) from a coolant hole or a nozzle (neither of which are shown) provided on a tool holder or the like, thereby cooling the machining site, providing lubrication to the machining site, and washing away chips. The cutting fluid CF is filtered by a filter F and returned to the storage tank T through a discharge passage F2.

[0016] <Cutting fluid> The cutting fluid CF is used in the above-mentioned machine tool MT. Examples of cutting fluids include water-soluble cutting fluids in the form of emulsions, solubles, or solutions in which a water-soluble cutting fluid (undiluted solution) is diluted with a diluting fluid (e.g., water), and also include grinding fluids.

[0017] <Cutting fluid management device> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail. The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment includes a sensor unit 10 having a temperature sensor 16 that measures the temperature of the cutting fluid CF, a concentration sensor 18 that measures the concentration of the cutting fluid CF, a pH sensor 20 that measures the pH of the cutting fluid CF, and a liquid level sensor 14 that measures the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF.

[0018] <<Sensor unit>> The sensor unit 10 is arranged relative to a storage tank T in which the cutting fluid CF is stored, such that the temperature sensor 16, concentration sensor 18, and pH sensor 20 are immersed in the cutting fluid CF, and the liquid level sensor 14 is at the same height as or higher than the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF.

[0019] Examples of the temperature sensor 16 include, but are not limited to, a thermistor or a platinum resistance temperature sensor.

[0020] An example of the concentration sensor 18 is a sensor that measures the electrical conductivity or optical refractive index of the water-soluble cutting fluid, but is not limited to this.

[0021] An example of the pH sensor 20 is a sensor using a glass electrode, but is not limited to this.

[0022] The liquid level sensor 14 may be, but is not limited to, a known optical sensor that measures the level of the cutting fluid CF by detecting the reflectance or refractive index of light irradiated near the liquid surface of the cutting fluid CF.

[0023] The liquid level sensor 14 may be configured to further detect the foaming state and / or oil film state of the cutting fluid CF. More specifically, the sensor unit 10 may have a plurality of liquid level sensors 14 in the height direction. When a foam layer or an oil film layer occurs on the surface of the cutting fluid CF, light is less likely to pass through it than through a pure air layer. Therefore, when any of the liquid level sensors 14 detects a change (decrease or increase) in light transmittance due to foaming or an oil film, it becomes possible to obtain the foaming state and / or oil film state of the cutting fluid CF.

[0024] The above-described configuration of the sensor unit 10 provides the following advantageous effects. That is, since the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20 are integrated in the sensor unit 10, the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20 can be easily cleaned, improving maintainability. More specifically, it is necessary to clean foreign matter (such as cutting chips and lubricants used on the machining table of the machine tool MT) that is mixed into the cutting fluid CF and remains in the flow path as oil stains. The above-described configuration makes the cleaning easy, improving maintainability. In addition, since the positions at which the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20 acquire the state of the cutting fluid CF are unified to the reservoir tank T, it is possible to eliminate error factors that occur when the positions and timings at which the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20 acquire the state of the cutting fluid CF are different. Furthermore, since the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20 are integrated in the sensor unit 10, it is possible to reduce the number of wires, and it is possible to reduce the risk of the wires being shorted or broken by an operator getting caught in them.

[0025] The sensor unit 10 also has a first communication unit 12. The first communication unit 12 is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor 16, the concentration sensor 18, the pH sensor 20, and the liquid level sensor 14 by wire or wirelessly, and is configured to transmit each measurement data acquired by each sensor to a second communication unit 24 described later.

[0026] An example of the first communication unit 12 is a wireless communication unit that has an antenna (not shown) and uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) via a network NW as a communication method. Note that the first communication unit 12 may be a wired communication unit.

[0027] <<Circulation flow path>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment also includes one circulation flow path 30 that takes in the cutting fluid CF from the storage tank T and returns it to the storage tank T. More specifically, the circulation flow path 30 includes a first flow path 32 that sucks in the cutting fluid CF, a circulation pump 40 provided in the first flow path 32, a mixing tank 36 in which the components of the cutting fluid CF are adjusted, and a second flow path 34 that discharges the cutting fluid CF to the storage tank T. Examples of the circulation pump 40 include, but are not limited to, known fluid circulation pumps such as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or a centrifugal pump. The cutting fluid CF can be circulated in the circulation flow path 30 by the control unit 26 described later or a user operating the circulation pump 40.

[0028] <<Control unit>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment also includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 has a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, and a communication unit, and operates based on a preset control program and measurement data measured by each sensor. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 22 has a second communication unit 24 that receives each measurement data measured by each sensor 14, 16, 18, 20 from the above-mentioned first communication unit 12, a control unit 26 that executes control of at least one of the adjustment units based on each measurement data, and a memory unit 28.

[0029] An example of the second communication unit 24 is a wireless communication unit having an antenna (not shown) and using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) via a network NW as a communication method. Note that the second communication unit 24 may be a wired communication unit.

[0030] In addition, the control unit 22 may be communicatively connected to the circulation pump 40 via a wired or wireless means. In this case, the control unit 26 may be configured to turn the circulation pump 40 on and off based on each measurement data received by the second communication unit 24.

[0031] The control unit 22 may also have an operation panel (not shown). The operation panel is configured to display each measurement data measured by each of the sensors 14, 16, 18, and 20. The operation panel is also configured to allow the user to send feedback commands to each of the adjustment units 38, 42, 54, and 62 and the oil skimmer 80, which will be described later, by performing a touch operation. This allows the user to determine whether each state of the cutting fluid CF is within an appropriate numerical value and stabilize the state of the cutting fluid CF.

[0032] <<Temperature adjustment section>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment includes a temperature adjustment unit 38. An example of the temperature adjustment unit 38 is a known heat exchanger, but is not limited thereto. The temperature adjustment unit (heat exchanger) 38 is communicatively connected to the control unit 22 by wire or wirelessly. In order to adjust the temperature of the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 calculates the difference between the temperature data received by the second communication unit 24 and a preset temperature (for example, 24°C or more and 25°C or less) that is set in advance and stored in the storage unit 28, and when the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the temperature adjustment unit 38 as a heat exchanger is operated to adjust the temperature of the cutting fluid CF taken into the mixing tank 36. Note that the adjustment by the temperature adjustment unit (heat exchanger) 38 in this embodiment is cooling of the cutting fluid CF, but is not limited thereto, and may be cooling and / or heating of the cutting fluid CF. By providing the temperature adjustment unit 38 to the cutting fluid management device 100, the temperature of the cutting fluid CF can be maintained constant.

[0033] <<Density adjustment section>> In addition, the cutting fluid management device 100 in the present embodiment includes a concentration adjustment unit 42. The concentration adjustment unit 42 is configured to supply a stock solution or a dilution solution into the cutting fluid CF and adjust the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF. More specifically, the concentration adjustment unit 42 has a dilution solution flow path 44 connected to the mixing tank 36 and an electromagnetic on-off valve 46 that opens and closes the dilution solution flow path 44. Note that the dilution solution flow path 44 is connected to a dilution solution source (for example, a tap water supply source). Further, the concentration adjustment unit 42 has a stock solution flow path 50 connected to the mixing tank 36, a stock solution tank 48, and a stock solution supply pump 52 that sucks the stock solution from the stock solution tank 48 into the stock solution flow path 50 (that is, the mixing tank 36). Examples of the stock solution supply pump 52 include, but are not limited to, known transfer pumps such as piston pumps or diaphragm pumps. Also, the electromagnetic on-off valve 46 and the stock solution supply pump 52 are communicatively connected to the control unit 22 by wire or wirelessly. For adjusting the concentration of the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 calculates the difference between the concentration data received by the second communication unit 24 and the set concentration (for example, 8.0% or more and 10.0% or less) preset and stored in the storage unit 28. When the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the electromagnetic on-off valve 46 or the stock solution supply pump 52 is operated to adjust the concentration of the cutting fluid CF in the mixing tank 36. By providing the cutting fluid management device 100 with the concentration adjustment unit 42, the concentration of the cutting fluid CF can be maintained constant.

[0034] Note that the concentration adjustment unit 42 also serves to adjust the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF in the storage tank T. That is, for adjusting the liquid level of the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 calculates the difference between the liquid level data received by the second communication unit 24 and the set liquid level preset and stored in the storage unit 28. When the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the electromagnetic on-off valve 46 and / or the stock solution supply pump 52 is operated to adjust the liquid volume of the cutting fluid CF in the mixing tank 36. Thereby, the liquid volume of the cutting fluid CF in the storage tank T can be maintained constant.

[0035] <<pH Adjustment Unit>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment includes a pH adjustment unit 54. The pH adjustment unit 54 includes, for example, a pH adjuster flow path 58 connected to the mixing tank 36, a pH adjuster tank 56, and a pH adjuster pump 60 that draws the pH adjuster from the pH adjuster tank 56 to the pH adjuster flow path 58 (i.e., the mixing tank 36). Examples of the pH adjuster pump 60 include, but are not limited to, known transfer pumps such as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or a hose pump. The pH adjuster pump 60 is connected to the control unit 22 by wire or wireless communication. In order to adjust the pH of the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 calculates the difference between the pH data received by the second communication unit 24 and a preset pH (for example, 8.8% or more) that is set in advance and stored in the memory unit 28, and when the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the pH adjuster pump 60 is operated to adjust the pH of the cutting fluid CF in the mixing tank 36. This allows the pH of the cutting fluid CF to be maintained constant.

[0036] <<Foaming state adjustment section>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment may include a foaming state adjusting unit 62. The foaming state adjusting unit 62 includes, for example, an antifoaming agent flow path 64 connected to the mixing tank 36, an antifoaming agent tank 66, and an antifoaming agent pump 68 that draws the antifoaming agent from the antifoaming agent tank 66 to the antifoaming agent flow path 64 (i.e., the mixing tank 36). Examples of the antifoaming agent pump 68 include, but are not limited to, known transfer pumps such as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or a hose pump. The antifoaming agent pump 68 is connected to the control unit 22 by wire or wireless communication. In order to suppress the foaming state of the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 checks the foaming state data received by the second communication unit 24, and if foaming is present (for example, if the light transmittance directly above the cutting fluid CF surface is equal to or lower than the light transmittance in air), operates the antifoaming agent pump 68 to supply the foaming agent to the cutting fluid CF in the mixing tank 36. This makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the foaming state occurring on the cutting fluid CF surface.

[0037] In the conventional example in which each adjustment section (particularly the temperature adjustment section and the concentration adjustment section) was provided separately, the piping was complicated because each section required a circulation pipe, and the device was large and expensive because each pipe required a pump. Furthermore, it was difficult to perform comprehensive and stable cutting fluid management that not only properly controlled the temperature, concentration, and pH value of the cutting fluid, but also monitored and adjusted the state of the cutting fluid CF, such as foaming on the liquid surface and the oil film generation state, and this caused variations in machining accuracy and machining quality, which became a barrier to unmanned operation of machine tools. Therefore, by configuring the cutting fluid management device 100 as described above, the following advantageous effects are obtained. By providing the temperature adjustment section 38, the concentration adjustment section 42, the pH adjustment section 54, and the foaming state adjustment section 62 in the middle of the circulation flow path 30 and consolidating them into one device, it is possible to save space and centralize various adjustments of the cutting fluid components. Furthermore, by providing the adjustment sections 38, 42, 54, and 62 in the same circulation flow path 30, the number of pipes can be reduced, and the product cost can be reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a cutting fluid management device that enables highly accurate automatic adjustment of the cutting fluid CF and comprehensive management of the cutting fluid CF. In other words, by adopting the above configuration, highly accurate automatic adjustment of the cutting fluid CF can be realized, and the management of the cutting fluid CF can be significantly reduced, greatly contributing to unmanned and labor-saving processing.

[0038] <<Oil Skimmer>> The cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment may also include an oil skimmer 80 in the storage tank T. The oil skimmer 80 may be a known oil skimmer that absorbs the cutting fluid CF containing an oil film such as grease into an endless belt, separates the oil film and the cutting fluid from the pulled-up belt, and returns only the cutting fluid to the storage tank T. The oil skimmer 80 may be communicatively connected to the control unit 22 by wire or wirelessly. In order to remove the oil film component from the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 checks the oil film state data received by the second communication unit 24, and if there is an oil film (for example, when the control unit 26 compares the data on the permeability of the cutting fluid CF and the oil film layer stored in advance in the storage unit 28 with the oil film state data and determines that the value of the oil film state data is within the range of permeability corresponding to the oil film layer), the oil skimmer 80 is operated to remove the oil film from the cutting fluid CF in the storage tank T. This can eliminate or reduce the oil film state that has occurred on the surface of the cutting fluid CF.

[0039] In order to remove the oil film components from the cutting fluid CF, the control unit 26 may be configured to transmit a warning to the cloud server or the administrator's terminal (PC terminal or mobile terminal) via the second communication unit 24, urging the user to perform the oil film removal work. This makes it possible to start the oil film removal work using the oil skimmer 80 with the warning as a trigger.

[0040] There is no particular limitation on the order in which the control unit 26 operates each adjustment unit 38, 42, 54, 62, and the oil skimmer 80. As an example, after the circulation pump 40 is operated, the control unit 26 performs control in accordance with the order in which the second communication unit 24 receives each measurement data, or in accordance with a predetermined control program.

[0041] As described above, the control unit 26 controls at least one of the temperature adjustment unit 38, the concentration adjustment unit 42, the pH adjustment unit 54, and the foaming state adjustment unit 62 based on each measurement data, thereby enabling the adjustment of the components of the cutting fluid CF. In other words, the adjustment units 38, 42, 54, and 62 are independent of each other, and the control unit 26 can control the adjustment units 38, 42, 54, and 62 separately and simultaneously.

[0042] Furthermore, the cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment may include a sterilization unit 90. The sterilization unit 90 is provided in the storage tank T or the mixing tank 36, and is configured to suppress the proliferation of germs in the cutting fluid CF. More specifically, the sterilization unit 90 is a known copper ion generating device or a known silver ion generating device, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] <Modification> Next, a modification of the cutting fluid management device 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0044] In the cutting fluid management device 100 in the modified example, the memory unit 28 stores a correlation data table DT for the machine tool MT and the state change of the cutting fluid CF, and a machining program WP for the machine tool MT, and the control unit 26 is configured to execute predictive control of at least one of the adjustment units based on the correlation data table DT and the machining program WP. The correlation data table DT stores correlation data between the machining conditions of the machine tool MT (for example, the stage of the machining load, such as heavy cutting or light cutting, and / or the machining time, in a machining center, NC lathe, multi-tasking machine, or grinding machine) and the temperature change data, concentration change data, pH value change data, liquid level change data, or foaming generation data of the cutting fluid CF. The machining program WP stores data of the machining conditions of the machine tool MT (for example, the stage of the machining load, such as heavy cutting or light cutting, and / or the machining time, in a machining center, NC lathe, multi-tasking machine, or grinding machine). The machining program WP can be stored in advance in the storage unit 28 by a user directly inputting it to the storage unit 28 or by inputting it to the storage unit 28 from the machine tool MT.

[0045] Then, the control unit 26 calls the correlation data table DT and the machining program WP from the storage unit 28, and compares the machining conditions in the machining program WP with the correlation data table DT. Next, the control unit 26 acquires the temperature change data, the concentration change data, the pH value change data, the liquid level change data, or the foaming generation data of the cutting fluid CF. Next, the control unit 26 executes predictive control of the adjustment unit corresponding to each data based on any one of the data. Note that the predictive control in this embodiment is, as an example, feedforward control.

[0046] The control unit 26 recognizes the amount of change in the consumption of the cutting fluid CF (temperature change, concentration change, pH value change, drop in liquid level, or foaming generation) in advance and executes control, so it is possible to minimize errors from the appropriate values ​​of various cutting fluid characteristics. Also, although the cutting fluid management device 100 mainly uses feedback control to adjust the cutting fluid CF to the appropriate values ​​of various characteristics based on the cutting fluid information obtained from the sensor unit 10, by using predictive control (i.e., feedforward control) based on the correlation data table DT and the machining program WP in combination, it is possible to adjust the cutting fluid with high responsiveness.

[0047] <Cutting fluid management system> Next, the cutting fluid management system S in this embodiment will be described in detail. Fig. 3 is an overall view (schematic view) of the cutting fluid management system S in this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the cutting fluid management system S in this embodiment. The cutting fluid management system S includes a cutting fluid management device 100 and an external server 70, and is configured such that the cutting fluid management device 100 and the external server 70 are communicatively connected.

[0048] <<External Server>> The external server 70 has a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, and a communication unit, and operates based on a preset control program, measurement data measured by each sensor, and device operation history. More specifically, the external server 70 has a control unit 72, a storage unit 74, and a third communication unit 76, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The external server 70 may be a cloud server.

[0050] An example of the third communication unit 76 is a wireless communication unit having an antenna (not shown) and using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) via a network NW as a communication method. Note that the third communication unit 76 may be a wired communication unit.

[0051] The control unit 26 provided in the control unit 22 transmits each measurement data and the device operation history to the third communication unit 76 of the external server 70 via the second communication unit 24, and the control unit 72 of the external server 70 stores the each measurement data and the device operation history in the memory unit 74. In other words, the memory unit 74 stores the each measurement data and the device operation history received from the control unit 22. This enables history management of the state of the cutting fluid CF and monitoring at a remote location.

[0052] Further, the memory unit 74 stores a correlation data table DT regarding the state changes of the machine tool MT and the cutting fluid CF, and a machining program WP of the machine tool MT, and the control unit 72 is configured to execute predictive control of at least one of the adjustment units based on the correlation data table DT and the machining program WP. The machining program WP can be stored in advance in the memory unit 28 by a user directly inputting it to the memory unit 28 or inputting it to the memory unit 28 from the machine tool MT.

[0053] The control unit 72 is configured to execute the above-mentioned predictive control based on the correlation data table DT and the machining program WP.

[0054] By configuring the cutting fluid management device 100 and the cutting fluid management system S as described above, the cutting fluid state can be predicted in advance, and more precise monitoring of the cutting fluid state and component adjustment based on this prediction become possible.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Sensor unit 12 First Communications Department 14 Liquid level sensor 16 Temperature Sensor 18 Concentration sensor 20 pH Sensor 22 Control unit 24 2nd Communications Department 26 Control Unit 28 Memory section 30 Circulation flow path 38 Temperature adjustment section 42 Density adjustment section 54 pH adjustment section 62 Foaming condition adjustment section 80 Oil Skimmer 90 Sterilization Department 100 Cutting fluid management device S Cutting fluid management system MT machine tool CF cutting fluid (water-soluble cutting fluid) DT Correlation Data Table WP Machining Program

Claims

1. A cutting fluid management device for performing at least one of monitoring the state and adjusting the composition of a cutting fluid used in a machine tool, A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the cutting fluid; A concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the cutting fluid; A pH sensor for measuring a pH of the cutting fluid; a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level of the cutting fluid; The sensor unit is disposed in a storage tank in which the cutting fluid is stored such that the temperature sensor, the concentration sensor, and the pH sensor are immersed in the cutting fluid and the liquid level sensor is at the same height as or higher than the liquid level of the cutting fluid. A cutting fluid management device comprising:

2. a circulation flow path that takes in the cutting fluid from the storage tank and returns the cutting fluid to the storage tank; A temperature adjustment unit that cools the cutting fluid; A concentration adjusting unit that supplies an original solution or a diluted solution into the cutting fluid and adjusts the liquid level of the cutting fluid; A pH adjusting unit that supplies a pH adjuster into the cutting fluid, The temperature adjusting unit, the concentration adjusting unit, and the pH adjusting unit are provided in the middle of the circulation flow path.

2. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 1,

3. A control unit including a control unit that controls each of the adjustment units and a second communication unit that receives measurement data measured by each of the sensors, The sensor unit further includes a first communication unit that transmits each of the measurement data to the second communication unit, The control unit is configured to control at least one of the temperature adjustment unit, the concentration adjustment unit, and the pH adjustment unit based on each of the measurement data.

3. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 2, wherein

4. The liquid level sensor is configured to further detect a foaming state of the cutting fluid, The cutting fluid may further include a foaming state adjusting unit that supplies a defoaming agent to the cutting fluid along the path in accordance with the foaming state.

3. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 2, wherein

5. Further comprising a sterilization unit for suppressing the growth of germs in the cutting fluid.

3. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 2, wherein

6. The fluid level sensor is configured to further detect an oil film state of the cutting fluid.

3. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 2, wherein

7. The control unit further includes a storage unit. the storage unit stores a correlation data table regarding the machine tool and a state change of the cutting fluid, and a machining program of the machine tool; The control unit is configured to execute predictive control of at least one of the adjustment units based on the correlation data table and the machining program.

4. The cutting fluid management device according to claim 3.

8. A cutting fluid management device according to claim 3 and an external server having a storage unit, a correlation data table regarding the machine tool and a state change of the cutting fluid, and a machining program of the machine tool are stored in the storage unit of the external server; The control unit stores each of the measurement data and the device operation history in the storage unit of the external server via the second communication unit, The external server is configured to execute predictive control of at least one of the adjustment units based on the correlation data table and the machining program. A cutting fluid management system characterized by the above.

9. A sensor unit for monitoring a state of a cutting fluid used in a machine tool, A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the cutting fluid; A concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the cutting fluid; A pH sensor for measuring a pH adjustment portion of the cutting fluid; a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level of the cutting fluid; The temperature sensor, the concentration sensor, and the pH sensor are immersed in the cutting fluid with respect to a storage tank in which the cutting fluid is stored, and the liquid level sensor is disposed at a height equal to or higher than the liquid level of the cutting fluid. A sensor unit comprising:

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