Cleaning tools

Abstract

To provide a washing tool that can remove chips on an outer surface at a spindle side of a machine tool, with a simple mechanism.SOLUTION: A washing tool 1 for a machine tool comprises: a pipe part 10 that can be attached to a spindle of the machine tool and has a flow passage for washing liquid that is supplied from the machine tool; a head part 20, orthogonally connected to the pipe part 10, which has a flow passage for washing liquid that is supplied through the flow passage of the pipe part 10; and one or more nozzles 30, connected to the flow passage of the head part 20, which eject the washing liquid to the pipe part 10 side. The pipe part 10 and the nozzles 30 are connected to a surface at the spindle side of the head part 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool used in a machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Machine tools used for cutting metals and other materials are equipped with detachable and replaceable cutting tools mounted on a rotatable spindle to cut the workpiece. When the cutting tool rotates and cuts the workpiece, chips are discharged. The discharged chips fly around in large quantities and adhere not only to the cutting tool but also to the outer surface of the spindle to which the cutting tool is attached. If chips that have adhered to the outer surface of the spindle get inside the spindle when the cutting tool is replaced, they can cause the cutting tool to wobble, resulting in poor machining accuracy and a defective appearance.

[0003] In order to remove chips, it has been proposed to spray coolant accumulated in a passage in the retractable rod into the gap between the tool holder and the tapered hole from a cleaning passage in the spindle, and then spray a mixture of coolant and pressurized air (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-310229 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to remove chips adhering to the tapered hole by ejecting coolant from the cleaning passage, it is not possible to remove chips adhering to the outer surface of the spindle. In addition, it is necessary to form cleaning passages in the sleeve and the spindle, which makes the configuration complicated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning tool that uses a simple mechanism to remove chips from the outer surface of a machine tool's spindle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention solves at least one of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows: That is, a cleaning tool according to one aspect of the present invention is a cleaning tool for a machine tool, and includes: a pipe section that is attachable to a spindle of the machine tool and has a flow path for cleaning liquid supplied from the machine tool, a head section that is connected perpendicular to the pipe section and has a flow path for the cleaning liquid supplied through the flow path in the pipe section, and at least one nozzle that is connected to the flow path in the head section and discharges cleaning liquid toward the pipe section, and the pipe section and the nozzle are connected to a surface of the head section facing the spindle.

[0008] The tube portion may be rod-shaped and connected perpendicularly to the center of the head portion.

[0009] The nozzle may be connected to the outer periphery of the head portion.

[0010] The nozzles may be arranged in plural at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the head portion.

[0011] The tube portion may be detachably attached to the main shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning tool that uses a simple mechanism to remove chips from the outer surface of the spindle side of a machine tool. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the cleaning tool according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an NC machine tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0023] In the present application, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or approximate to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or clearly considered otherwise in principle.

[0015] Before describing this embodiment, for ease of understanding, an outline of the overall configuration of an NC machine tool, which is one of the machine tools to which the cleaning tool according to this embodiment is applied, will be given.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows an example of the schematic configuration of an NC machine tool. In this embodiment, a vertical machining center is shown as an example of an NC machine tool used for metal processing. The machining center 100 is equipped with a spindle head 101 that is movable in three axial directions and can be positioned freely. The spindle head 101 is equipped with a rotatable spindle 102. The spindle 102 is equipped with a detachable and replaceable tool holder 103. The tool holder 103 is equipped with a cutting tool 104. The cutting tool 104 includes, for example, a drill, an end mill, etc.

[0017] The machining center 100 also includes a workpiece support table 105 that supports a workpiece W to be machined by the cutting tool 104. The workpiece support table 105 is, for example, an index table. The workpiece support table 105 is mounted on a holding base 106 (moving table) that can move toward and away from the spindle 102 and in three axial directions.

[0018] The machining center 100 also includes a tool magazine 107. The tool magazine 107 stores a large number of tool holders 103 that are detachably attached to and replaced with respect to the spindle 102. The machining center 100 also includes an automatic tool changer (ATC, hereinafter referred to as "ATC") 108. The ATC 108 automatically changes the tool holders 103 (i.e., changes the cutting tools 104) between the spindle 102 and the tool magazine 107.

[0019] The machining center 100 automatically performs various cutting processes on the workpiece W by automatically attaching, detaching, and exchanging a tool holder 103 equipped with a cutting tool 104 to a spindle 102 using an ATC 108.

[0020] The machine tool to which the cleaning tool according to this embodiment is applied is provided with a flow path for supplying cleaning liquid. Specifically, a flow path 2a (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIG. 3) for supplying cleaning liquid to the tool holder 103 is provided inside the spindle 102. The tool holder 103 is also provided with a flow path 2b (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIG. 3) for supplying cleaning liquid to the cutting tool 104. The cutting tool 104 is also provided with a flow path 2c (not shown) for supplying cleaning liquid to the outside. Cleaning liquid supplied from a supply source passes through the flow path 2a of the spindle 102, the flow path 2b of the tool holder 103, and the flow path 2c of the cutting tool 104, and is then discharged to the outside from the cutting tool 104. The discharged cleaning liquid is used to cool and clean the machining location during machining of the workpiece. Because the configuration of the machining center 100 described above is publicly known, a detailed description of the configuration and operation of the machining center 100 will be omitted. In this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the flow paths 2a, 2b, 2c, etc., they will be simply referred to as flow paths 2.

[0021] 1 and 2 show an example of the schematic configuration of a cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the cleaning tool 1, FIG. 1(b) is a front perspective view of the cleaning tool 1, FIG. 2(a) is a plan view showing a flow path 2 of cleaning liquid A in a head unit 20 indicated by a dashed line, and FIG. 2(b) is a front view showing the flow path 2 of cleaning liquid A in the cleaning tool 1 indicated by a dashed line. The cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment sprays cleaning liquid A supplied from inside a spindle 102 of a machine tool (e.g., a machining center 100) from a nozzle 30 to remove chips adhering to the spindle 102 of the machine tool. The cleaning tool 1 is fixed to a tool holder 103 in advance and stored in a tool magazine 107, so that it can be attached to and detached from the spindle 102.

[0022] The cleaning tool 1 includes a tube portion 10, a head portion 20, and a nozzle 30.

[0023] The pipe 10 is rod-shaped and has a flow path 2d formed along its central axis, through which the cleaning liquid A flows. One end of the pipe 10 is connected to a tool holder 103 that can be attached to a spindle 102 or a tool magazine 107 of a machine tool. That is, the inlet of the flow path 2d at one end of the pipe 10 is connected to the outlet of the flow path 2b of the tool holder 103. One end of the pipe 10 is fixed to the tool holder 103 via its chuck using a known technique. For example, the pipe 10 is inserted into a tapered tool holder with a slit and tightened from the outside, so as to be fixed and held around the entire circumference. The pipe 10 is made of metal, such as aluminum.

[0024] The head portion 20 is connected perpendicularly to the other end of the tube portion 10. In this embodiment, the head portion 20 has a thick, disk-like shape. However, the shape of the head portion 20 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a square. The head portion 20 has the tube portion 10 connected perpendicularly to the center of the first circular end face 21. The connection method is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a detachable connection using a screw structure or the like, or may be formed integrally with the tube portion 10. The head portion 20 has a flow path 2 formed therein through which the cleaning solution A flowing from the tube portion 10 passes. Specifically, the flow path 2e for the cleaning solution A extends from the center of the first circular end face 21 to which the tube portion 10 is connected toward the center, branches into four branches, bends, and forms four flow paths 2f that extend from the center toward the periphery in a cross shape in a plan view, and each flow path 2f bends and extends to the first circular end face 21 as a flow path 2g. The outlet of the flow path 2d at the other end of the pipe portion 10 is connected to the inlet of the flow path 2e of the head portion 20, and the outlets of the flow paths 2g are each connected to a nozzle 30. The head portion 20 is made of metal, for example, aluminum.

[0025] The head portion 20 has one or more through holes 23 penetrating from the first circular end face 21 to the second circular end face 22. The through holes 23 are provided in a portion of the head portion 20 where the flow path 2 is not formed. By providing the through holes 23, the weight of the head portion 20 made of metal can be reduced. Of course, other methods may be used, such as providing a recess on the end face or on the outer circumferential surface, as long as the weight of the head portion 20 can be reduced. The through holes 23 do not have to be provided.

[0026] The nozzle 30 is connected to the head portion 20 so as to be perpendicular to the head portion 20. The nozzle 30 is connected to the first circular end surface 21 of the head portion 20, which is the same surface to which the tube portion 10 is connected. The connection method is not particularly limited. For example, the nozzle 30 may be detachably connected using a screw structure or the like, or may be formed integrally with the head portion 20. The nozzle 30 is connected to the outer periphery of the head portion 20. At least one nozzle 30 is provided in the head portion 20. To efficiently clean the spindle side, multiple nozzles 30 may be arranged. In this embodiment, four nozzles 30 are provided at positions symmetrical about the center of the head portion 20. The nozzles 30 are also arranged so as to be located at the end of the flow path 2e provided inside the head portion 20. In other words, the outlets of each branched flow path 2g of the head portion 20 are connected to the inlet of the nozzle 30. As a result, the cleaning liquid A supplied to the nozzle 30 is discharged toward the tube portion 10. The spray angle (angle range from the central axis of 0 degrees) and spray flow rate of the nozzle 30 can be set appropriately.

[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the operation of the cleaning tool according to this embodiment. The flow path 2 for cleaning liquid A is indicated by a dashed line, and the cleaning liquid A is indicated by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 3, a tool holder 103 equipped with a cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment is attached to a spindle 102 of a machine tool. Specifically, the tube 10 of the cleaning tool 1 is fixed to the tool holder 103, and the tool holder 103 is removably attached to the spindle 102. When cleaning liquid A is supplied from the spindle 102 side, it passes through the flow path 2 in the tube 10 and the head 20 and is ejected from the nozzle 30. As the spindle 102 rotates, the cleaning liquid A ejected from the nozzle 30 spreads and hits the outer surface of the spindle 102 side of the machine tool, removing chips adhering to the outer surface of the spindle 102 side.

[0028] The above describes the cleaning tool 1 according to this embodiment. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a cleaning tool that removes chips from the outer surface of the spindle side of a machine tool using a simple mechanism. In order to clean the outer surface of the spindle side of a machine tool, no special processing needs to be done on the machine tool or a tool needs to be attached; simply by attaching the cleaning tool to the spindle like other cutting tools, the outer surface of the spindle side can be easily cleaned and chips can be easily removed.

[0029] In this embodiment, the nozzle 30 is provided perpendicular to the head portion 20, but the axis of the nozzle 30 may be disposed at an angle to the first circular end surface 21 of the head portion 20. By disposing the nozzle 30 at an angle, the cleaning liquid A can be ejected and cleaned over a wide range.

[0030] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art may easily conceive additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention, which can be derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0031] 1: cleaning tool, 2: flow path, 10: pipe section, 20: head section, 21: first circular end face, 22: second circular end face, 23: through hole, 30: nozzle, 100: machining center, 101: spindle head, 102: spindle, 103: tool holder, 104: cutting tool, 105: workpiece support table, 106: holding base, 107: tool magazine, 108: automatic tool changer (ATC), A: cleaning fluid, W: workpiece

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for a machine tool, a pipe portion that can be attached to the spindle of the machine tool and has a flow path for cleaning liquid supplied from the machine tool; a head portion connected perpendicular to the pipe portion and having a flow path for the cleaning liquid supplied through the flow path of the pipe portion; at least one nozzle connected to a flow path of the head portion and configured to discharge the cleaning liquid toward the pipe portion, The pipe portion and the nozzle are connected to the surface of the head portion on the spindle side in a state where the pipe portion is attached to the spindle. Cleaning tools.

2. 2. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, The tube portion is rod-shaped and is connected to the center portion of the head portion perpendicularly to the head portion. Cleaning tools.

3. 3. The cleaning tool according to claim 2, The nozzle is connected to the outer side of the central portion to which the tube portion is connected on the surface of the head portion on the spindle side. Cleaning tools.

4. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The nozzles are arranged in a plurality of positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the head portion. Cleaning tools.

5. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The tube portion is detachably attached to the main shaft. Cleaning tools.

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