Flushing Method

Abstract

To solve the problem that there is no method for proper cleaning although it is necessary to periodically exchange cutting liquid used with a cutting device because it deteriorates or becomes rotten over time and to clean a tank and a pipe loaded with the cutting liquid at the time of exchange.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a flushing method including the steps of: loading a tank with a cleaner containing a nonionic surface active agent; cleaning the insides of the tank and a pipe by circulating the cleaner and metal processing liquid after use by activating a pump together with the metal processing liquid with the tank charged with the cleaner; discharging the cleaner and the metal processing liquid after cleaning outside of the tank; removing a part of a workpiece remaining in the tank; wiping inner wall surfaces of the tank; and charging the tank with unused metal processing liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flushing method for cleaning the inside of a tank in which a metalworking fluid such as a cutting fluid or a grinding fluid that is circulated and used in a metalworking apparatus such as a lathe, a milling machine, a ball grinder, a grinding machine, or a machining center is deteriorated due to fouling or corruption, and pipes for transporting the metalworking fluid from the tank to the machining part and for refluxing the metalworking fluid from the machining part to the tank when it is necessary to replace the metalworking fluid due to such deterioration.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various flushing methods have been adopted, but the cleaning agents used therein mainly exhibit strong basicity with a pH greater than 7, such as 9.5 or 12, which may cause health hazards to workers. In addition, when the cleaning agent is added and processing is performed, there is a risk of discoloration in the case of workpieces made of aluminum or copper. Also, the process of performing the flushing method has not been disclosed as know-how, and each flushing operator has repeated trial and error, and an ideal flushing method has not been realized yet.

[0003]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 mentioned above discloses a basic to strongly basic amine compound with a pH of 8 to 11.5. However, when the pH is 8 to 11.5, there is a risk of causing health hazards to workers as described above. Also, when a cleaning agent is added and processing is carried out, there is a risk of discoloration of the workpiece in the case of aluminum or copper. Moreover, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a flushing method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The present invention relates to a flushing method for cleaning the inside of a tank in a metal processing apparatus having a metal working fluid supplied to a processing portion for lubricating and cooling the processing portion during metal processing, a tank for storing the metal working fluid, a pump and a pipe for transporting the metal working fluid stored in the tank to the processing portion, and a pipe for refluxing the metal working fluid from the processing portion to the tank, the method comprising: a cleaning agent input step of inputting a cleaning agent containing a nonionic surfactant into the tank; a cleaning step of activating the pump and circulating the cleaning agent and the metal working fluid together with the used metal working fluid in the state where the cleaning agent is input into the tank to clean the inside of the tank and the pipe; a discharging step of discharging the cleaning agent and the metal working fluid after cleaning to the outside of the tank; a removing step of removing a part of the workpiece remaining in the tank; a wiping step of wiping the inner wall surface of the tank; and a metal working fluid input step of inputting an unused metal working fluid into the tank.

[0007] The present invention includes a detergent charging step of charging a detergent containing a nonionic surfactant into the tank, a cleaning step of circulating the detergent and the metalworking fluid together with the used metalworking fluid by operating the pump while the detergent has been charged into the tank, thereby cleaning the inside of the tank and the pipes, a discharge step of discharging the washed detergent and the metalworking fluid to the outside of the tank, a removal step of removing a portion of the workpiece remaining in the tank, and a wiping step of wiping the inner wall surfaces of the tank.As a result, the inside of the tank can be effectively cleaned while minimizing health hazards to workers due to the effects of the nonionic surfactant.

[0008] (2) It is desirable to put the cleaning agent into the tank, circulate it, and then discharge the cleaning agent after one to seven days. After the cleaning agent has been added to the tank for one to seven days, contaminated or spoiled metalworking fluids are more reliably removed from the tank and pipes. The period of circulation is appropriately selected depending on the type of metalworking fluid and metalworking equipment, and the degree of contamination.

[0009] (3) It is desirable to put the cleaning agent into a tank, circulate it, operate the metal processing equipment for 1 to 7 days, and then discharge the cleaning agent after cleaning. After pouring the detergent into the tank, the metal processing equipment such as lathes and grinders can be operated to process the workpieces for one to seven days, which will not reduce the operating rate of the equipment during that time, making it more economical.

[0010] (4) The pH of the cleaning agent is preferably 5 to 7. If the pH of the cleaning agent is between 5 and 7, that is, weakly acidic or neutral, there is little risk of adverse effects on the workers' bodies, and there is also little risk of discoloring aluminum or copper when they are processed. In particular, as mentioned above, even if metal processing equipment such as lathes and grinders is operated to process workpieces for one to seven days after the cleaning agent is poured into the tank, there is little risk of discoloration of the workpieces.

[0011] (5) It is desirable to use it exclusively for processing aluminum. Since aluminum will discolor or corrode even in weakly basic solutions, it is particularly desirable that the pH of the cleaning agent be between 5 and 7.

[0012] (6) The metal processing device is preferably a lathe, milling machine, drilling machine, grinding machine or machining center. The present invention is particularly suited to cutting and grinding equipment.

[0013] (7) The metalworking fluid is preferably a water-soluble cutting fluid or grinding fluid. The present invention is particularly suited to cutting and grinding fluids.

[0014] (8) It is desirable that the metalworking fluid is water-soluble. Aqueous metalworking fluids are particularly well suited to the present invention because they are prone to spoilage.

[0015] (9) The cleaning agent contains nonionic surfactants such as glycerin fatty acid ester (RCOOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH), fatty alcohol ethoxylate (RO(CH2CH2O) n H), polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether (RC6H4O(CH2CH2O) n H), alkyl glycoside (RC6H 11 It is desirable that one or more of the following substances are included:

[0016] (10) The amount of nonionic surfactant in the cleaning agent is preferably 0.5% to 2% of the amount of used cutting fluid before it is discharged. Too much nonionic surfactant may adversely affect the various mechanisms and increase costs, while too little may result in insufficient cleaning.

[0017] (11) It is desirable that the amount of the nonionic surfactant in the cleaning agent is 0.5% to 1% with respect to water, and the pH is 5 to 7. When the pH is 5 to 7, there is little risk of adverse effects on the human body, and even when the metal processing apparatus is operated, there is little risk of adverse effects on the workpiece.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] When the flushing method according to the present invention is implemented, depending on the embodiment, there is little risk of adverse effects on the human body of the operator, and even when aluminum or copper is processed, there is little risk of discoloring them. Furthermore, the inside of the tank and the like can be cleaned more effectively. Furthermore, since the cleaning agent can be put into the tank and the metal processing apparatus can be operated for several days, the operating rate of the apparatus does not decrease.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] As an embodiment of the present invention, a cutting apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the cutting apparatus, a cutting tool 2 such as a rotating blade contacts the upper surface of the workpiece 1 that slides left and right, and cuts the surface of the workpiece 1. However, since frictional heat is generated during cutting, a cutting fluid 3 is sprayed onto the cutting portion to remove the frictional heat. There are various types of this cutting fluid 3, but all of them have functions such as enhancing lubricity (reducing cutting resistance), cooling, contributing to rust prevention, and preventing adhesion of chips and the like.

[0021] During cutting, the contact point between the workpiece 1 and the cutting tool 2 becomes extremely hot. Therefore, if the thermal damage to the cutting tool 2 is too great, it will have an adverse effect on the cutting edge and lifespan of the cutting tool (rotary blade) 2, and will also affect the workpiece 1 itself, such as causing thermal softening. The selection of the cutting fluid 3 is most directly related to the issue of how to dissipate the cutting heat. By improving the lubricity between the workpiece 1 and the cutting tool 2, the cutting resistance can be reduced, the generation of heat can be suppressed as much as possible, the generated heat can be removed by the cooling effect, and the cutting device, cutting tool 2, flange, etc. can be prevented from rusting and chip adhesion can be prevented. These points become important in the selection of the cutting fluid.

[0022] The cutting fluid 3 is stored in the cutting fluid storage tank 4. The cutting fluid 3 in the cutting fluid storage tank 4 is sent into the supply pipe 5 by a pump (not shown) and sprayed onto the cutting part. The cutting fluid 3 that has been sprayed onto the cutting part and performed a predetermined function passes through the return pipe 6 by a pump (not shown), and then chips and the like are filtered by the filter 7 and returned to the cutting fluid storage tank 4.

[0023] In this way, the cutting fluid 3 is circulated to perform the cutting operation. However, if it is used for a long time, the cutting fluid 3 will become contaminated, rot, and deteriorate, so there is a risk that the function of the cutting fluid 3 will not be fully fulfilled. Therefore, the used cutting fluid 3 is appropriately discharged from the cutting fluid storage tank 4, and new unused cutting fluid 3 is put into the cutting fluid storage tank 4. However, before putting in the new cutting fluid 3, it is necessary to clean the inside of the cutting fluid storage tank 4, supply pipe 5, and return pipe 6. This cleaning is called flushing.

[0024] Next, each step of flushing will be described according to FIG. 2. First, in the cleaning agent input step S1, a cleaning agent is input while the used cutting fluid (old cutting fluid) 3 is stored in the tank 4. The cleaning agent includes glycerin fatty acid ester (RCOOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH), which is a non-ionic surfactant, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate (RO(CH2CH2O)n H), polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether (RC6H4O(CH2CH2O) n H), alkyl glycoside (RC6H 11 O6) contains any one or more of them.

[0025] The types of these detergents are appropriately selected individually according to the conditions of cutting and grinding processes and the type of workpiece. Also, the concentration of the nonionic surfactant in the detergent is 0.5% to 1% with respect to water, and a pH of 5 to 7 is appropriate, but this is also appropriately selected individually according to the conditions of cutting and grinding processes and the type of workpiece. Furthermore, 0.5% to 2% of the nonionic surfactant in the detergent is added with respect to the amount of the used cutting fluid 3 before discharge.

[0026] Thus, after 1 to 7 days have elapsed since the detergent was put into the tank 4, in the cleaning step S2, the pump is activated, and the mixture of the detergent and the used cutting fluid 3 is circulated inside the tank 4 through the pipes 5 and 6 to clean them. Thereafter, in the old cutting fluid discharge step S3, the mixture of the detergent and the used cutting fluid 3 is discharged to an external container (for example, a drum can) using a suction pump or the like. Thereafter, in the removal step S4, chips and the like attached to the filter 7 are mechanically removed.

[0027] Thereafter, in the wiping step S5, the mixture of the detergent and the used cutting fluid 3 attached to the inner wall of the cutting fluid storage tank 4 is wiped as much as possible using a cloth or a sponge. After the inside of the tank 4 has been wiped, unused cutting fluid 3 (new cutting fluid) is put into the tank in the new cutting fluid input step S6, and all the steps are completed. During the execution of the cleaning step S2, it is also possible to drive the cutting device to perform a cutting operation (S7). Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to a general cutting device, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a lathe, milling machine, drilling machine, grinding machine, machining center, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 1 Workpiece, 2 Cutting tool, 3 Cutting fluid, 4 Cutting fluid storage tank, 5 Supply pipe, 6 Return pipe, 7 Filter.

Claims

1. A flushing method for cleaning the inside of a tank in a metalworking apparatus having a metalworking fluid supplied to a machining part for lubricating and cooling the machining part during metalworking, a tank for storing the metalworking fluid, a pump and pipes for transporting the metalworking fluid stored in the tank to the machining part, and a pipe for refluxing the metalworking fluid from the machining part to the tank, comprising: A cleaning agent input step of inputting a cleaning agent containing a nonionic surfactant into the tank while the used and deteriorated metalworking fluid is stored in the tank; A cleaning step of activating the pump and circulating the cleaning agent and the metalworking fluid to clean the inside of the tank and the pipes while the cleaning agent is input into the tank and together with the used metalworking fluid after use; A discharging step of discharging the cleaning agent and the metalworking fluid after cleaning to the outside of the tank; A removing step of removing a part of the workpiece remaining in the tank; A wiping step of wiping the inner wall surface of the tank; A metalworking fluid input step of inputting unused metalworking fluid into the tank; The flushing method comprising the above steps.

2. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent is input into the tank, the cleaning agent and the metalworking fluid are circulated for 1 to 7 days, and the cleaning agent and the metalworking fluid after cleaning are discharged to the outside of the tank.

3. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent is input into the tank and circulated, the metalworking apparatus is driven for 1 to 7 days during the cleaning step, and then the cleaning agent and the metalworking fluid after cleaning are discharged.

4. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the pH of the cleaning agent is 5 to 7.

5. The flushing method according to Claim 1, which is exclusively used for the machining of aluminum.

6. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the metalworking apparatus is a lathe, a milling machine, a boring machine, a grinding machine or a machining center.

7. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the metalworking fluid is a water-soluble cutting fluid or grinding fluid.

8. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the metalworking fluid is water-soluble.

9. The cleaning agent contains any one or more of glycerin fatty acid esters (RCOOCH ２ CH(OH)CH ２ OH), fatty alcohol ethoxylates (RO(CH ２ CH ２ O) ｎ H), polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers (RC ６ H ４ O(CH ２ CH ２ O) ｎ H), and alkyl glycosides (RC ６ H １１ O ６ ) according to claim 1, wherein the flushing method is included.

10. The flushing method according to Claim 1, wherein the amount of the nonionic surfactant in the cleaning agent is 0.5% to 2% with respect to the amount of the used cutting fluid before discharge.

11. The method of flushing according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the nonionic surfactant in the cleaning agent is 0.5% to 1% with respect to water, and the pH is 5 to 7.

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