Foreign matter removal device, coolant system, and machine tool system

Abstract

A foreign matter removal device, a coolant system, and a machine tool system capable of efficiently removing foreign matter contained in a fluid are provided. [Solution] The foreign matter removal device comprises a storage tank to which a first fluid containing a liquid and foreign matter is supplied, causing the foreign matter to float to the surface of the liquid, an outlet through which a second fluid containing the foreign matter that has floated to the surface of the liquid flows out of the storage tank, a rotating body having an outer peripheral surface to which foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres, and a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhered to the outer peripheral surface by rotating the rotating body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foreign matter removal device, a coolant system, and a machine tool system. [Background technology]

[0002] Foreign matter removal devices that remove foreign matter from liquids are known.

[0003] As a related technique, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary automatic scum collection device. The rotary automatic scum collection device described in Patent Document 1 includes a rotating cylinder, a scraper, and a collection pipe. Scum that floats to the surface of the water in the tank adheres to the surface of the rotating cylinder. The scraper scrapes off the scum that has adhered to the surface of the cylinder. The scraped scum is collected by the collection pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Microfilm of Utility Model Application No. 2-20835 (Utility Model Application No. 3-115095) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a foreign matter removal device, a coolant system, and a machine tool system that can efficiently remove foreign matter contained in a fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a foreign matter removal device, a coolant system, and a machine tool system described below.

[0007] (1) a reservoir tank to which a first fluid containing a liquid and foreign matter is supplied, and which causes the foreign matter to float on the surface of the liquid; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating on the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; Equipped with Foreign matter removal device. (2) Further comprising a bubble generator for generating bubbles in the liquid; The bubbles generated by the bubble generator cause the foreign matter to float to the surface of the liquid in the storage tank. (1) above The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1. (3) The apparatus further includes an impeller that is driven by a third fluid containing the liquid and rotates the rotor. The foreign matter removal device according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The outlet is an overflow outlet through which the second fluid overflows. The foreign matter removal device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The rotating member further includes an inclined surface disposed between the outlet and the rotating member, for guiding the foreign matter to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member. A foreign matter removal device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) further comprising a foreign matter collection chamber that receives the foreign matter from the scraper; When a direction from the outlet toward the foreign matter collection chamber in a plan view is defined as a first direction, the foreign matter flowing out from the outlet is transported consistently in the first direction in a plan view to the foreign matter collection chamber. A foreign matter removal device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) The rotating body is rotatable around a first axis, the foreign matter adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body above the first shaft, the scraper is configured to scrape the foreign matter from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body above the first shaft, The scraper has an upper surface on which the foreign matter moves. A foreign matter removal device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The third fluid is supplied from the storage tank to the impeller, bypassing the outlet. The foreign matter removal device according to (3) above. (9) A discharge member for discharging the third fluid from the storage tank is provided. the discharge member has an inlet through which the third fluid flows from the reservoir; The inlet is an overflow opening that controls the liquid level at the outlet The foreign matter removal device according to (3) above. (10) Further provided is an adjustment member for adjusting the relative height of the overflow opening with respect to the storage tank. The foreign matter removal device according to (9) above. (11) The device further includes a first receiving chamber in which a portion of the second fluid and the third fluid are mixed, The first receiving chamber is formed with a discharge port for discharging a fourth fluid formed by mixing a part of the second fluid with the third fluid. The foreign matter removal device according to (3) above. (12) The storage tank forms the second fluid and the third fluid from the first fluid by floating and separating the foreign matter, The concentration of the foreign matter in the third fluid is lower than the concentration of the foreign matter in the second fluid. The foreign matter removal device according to (3) above. (13) A main tank for storing coolant; a supply device for supplying the coolant from the main tank to a machine tool; A foreign matter removal device; a first pump that sends a first fluid containing the coolant liquid and foreign matter from the main tank to the foreign matter removal device; a first return flow path that returns the fluid containing the coolant from the foreign matter removal device to the main tank; Equipped with The foreign matter removal device is a reservoir tank to which the first fluid is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float on the surface of the coolant; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating on the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; Equipped with Coolant system. (14) When a fluid including used coolant and sludge generated from a workpiece is defined as a dirty fluid, a second return flow path through which the dirty fluid flows from the machine tool toward the main tank; a first removal device for removing chips from the contaminated fluid; a second removal device for removing the sludge from the contaminated fluid; a circulation flow path that runs from the main tank through the second removal device and returns to the main tank; Further provided with The coolant system according to (13) above. (15) Machine tools and a coolant system for supplying coolant to the machine tool; Equipped with The machine tool comprises: a workpiece support device that supports the workpiece; a machining head for holding a tool; a moving device that moves the machining head relative to the workpiece supporting device; a discharge device that discharges the coolant liquid; Equipped with The coolant system comprises: a main tank for storing the coolant; a supply device for supplying the coolant from the main tank to the machine tool; A foreign matter removal device; a first pump that sends a first fluid containing the coolant liquid and foreign matter from the main tank to the foreign matter removal device; a first return flow path that returns the fluid containing the coolant from the foreign matter removal device to the main tank; Equipped with The foreign matter removal device is a reservoir tank to which the first fluid is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float on the surface of the coolant; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating on the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; Equipped with Machine tool systems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention can provide a foreign matter removal device, a coolant system, and a machine tool system that can efficiently remove foreign matter contained in a fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the foreign matter removal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the foreign matter removal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the foreign matter removal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9]9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to a seventh modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foreign matter removal device according to an eighth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view showing a foreign matter removal device according to an eighth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the coolant system according to the second embodiment can supply coolant to a machine tool. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a coolant system according to a first modified example of the second embodiment can supply coolant liquid to a machine tool. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a coolant system according to a second modification of the second embodiment can supply coolant liquid to a machine tool. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating the first removal device. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a machine tool. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view showing another example of a machine tool. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view showing still another example of a machine tool. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a coolant system capable of supplying coolant liquid to a plurality of machine tools. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a foreign matter removal device 1, a coolant system 10, and a machine tool system 100 according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, parts and components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of parts and components denoted by the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0011] (Definition of terms) In this specification, the fluid supplied to the storage tank 2 is defined as a "first fluid E1." The first fluid E1 contains a liquid L and a foreign matter F. The first fluid E1 is, for example, a suspension S containing the liquid L and the foreign matter F.

[0012] In this specification, the fluid containing foreign matter that has risen to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L is defined as a "second fluid E2." The second fluid E2 may contain aggregates FA of foreign matter F. The aggregates FA may contain air bubbles. The aggregates FA may also contain oil.

[0013] In this specification, any fluid including the liquid L is defined as a "third fluid E3." The impeller 41 is driven by the third fluid E3. The third fluid E3 may contain foreign matter F.

[0014] In this specification, the fluid formed by mixing a part of the second fluid E2 with the third fluid E3 is defined as a "fourth fluid E4" (see FIG. 5).

[0015] In this specification, the liquid L is, for example, a coolant liquid L1. Alternatively, the liquid L may be a liquid containing oil other than a coolant liquid. In this specification, the foreign matter F includes, for example, fine particles (e.g., carbon powder) generated from a workpiece machined by a machine tool. Alternatively, the foreign matter F may be a foreign matter other than fine particles generated from the workpiece.

[0016] (First embodiment) A foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to the second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 10. FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to the sixth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to a seventh modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to an eighth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a foreign matter removal device 1A according to an eighth modified example of the first embodiment.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the foreign matter removal device 1A includes a storage tank 2, an outlet 210e through which the fluid containing foreign matter that has risen to the liquid surface flows out, a rotor 3, and a scraper .

[0018] A first fluid E1 containing a liquid L and foreign matter F is supplied to the storage tank 2. The first fluid E1 is, for example, a suspension S containing the liquid L and foreign matter F. The storage tank 2 stores the first fluid E1 (more specifically, the suspension S).

[0019] 3, the storage tank 2 floats the foreign matter F to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L. More specifically, the storage tank 2 is a flotation separation tank that floats the foreign matter F to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L, thereby collecting the foreign matter F at the liquid surface LS of the liquid L.

[0020] If the specific gravity of the foreign matter F is smaller than that of the liquid L, the foreign matter F will naturally rise to the liquid surface LS in the storage tank 2. If the specific gravity of the foreign matter F is larger than that of the liquid L, the foreign matter F will adhere to a substance (e.g., air bubbles, Styrofoam, etc.) that has a smaller specific gravity than the liquid L in the storage tank 2. In this case, the foreign matter F will rise to the liquid surface LS together with the substance (e.g., air bubbles, Styrofoam, etc.) that has a smaller specific gravity than the liquid L. Note that even if the difference between the specific gravity of the foreign matter F and that of the liquid L is small, the foreign matter F will gradually rise to the liquid surface LS over time.

[0021] The second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F that has risen to the liquid surface LS flows out of the storage tank 2 from the outlet 210e. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the outlet 210e is an overflow outlet through which the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) overflows. When the outlet 210e is an overflow outlet, the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) that has risen to the liquid surface LS is likely to flow out of the storage tank 2. The aggregates FA of the foreign matter F may contain air bubbles and / or oil.

[0022] 1, the outlet 210e is formed in the side wall 210 of the reservoir tank 2. The outlet 210e may be formed by a notch formed in the top of the side wall 210 of the reservoir tank 2, or may be formed by a through-hole portion formed in the side wall 210 of the reservoir tank 2.

[0023] The rotating body 3 has an outer peripheral surface 310 to which foreign matter F (more specifically, agglomerates FA of foreign matter F) moving from the outlet 210e adheres. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the rotating body 3 is rotatable about a first axis AX1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the rotating body 3 is rotated by an impeller 41. Alternatively, the rotating body 3 may be rotated by other driving means.

[0024] The scraper 46 scrapes off foreign matter F (more specifically, agglomerates FA of foreign matter F) that has adhered to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 due to the rotation of the rotating body 3. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the scraper 46 has an edge portion 46e that scrapes off the foreign matter F (more specifically, agglomerates FA of foreign matter F). The edge portion 46e of the scraper 46 is disposed in contact with or in close proximity to the rotating body 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, as the rotating body 3 rotates around the first axis AX1, the foreign matter F (more specifically, agglomerates FA of foreign matter F) that has adhered to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 is scraped off by the scraper 46 (more specifically, the scraper 46 in a stationary state).

[0025] In the foreign matter removal device 1A of the first embodiment, the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter floating on the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank 2, and the outflowing foreign matter adheres to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3. In addition, the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface 310 is scraped off by the scraper 46. With this configuration, the foreign matter contained in the fluid is efficiently removed.

[0026] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the foreign matter removal device 1A in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] (1st Pipe 6) In the example shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter removal device 1A includes a first pipe 6 that supplies a first fluid E1 (more specifically, a suspension S) to the storage tank 2. The first pipe 6 is connected to the storage tank 2. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first pipe 6 discharges the first fluid E1 (more specifically, a suspension S containing a liquid L and foreign matter F) into a lower region of the storage tank 2. More specifically, an opening OP1 is formed in a lower portion of the storage tank 2, and the first pipe 6 discharges the first fluid E1 into the lower region of the storage tank 2 through the opening OP1.

[0028] (Bubble generator 60) 2, the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A includes a bubble generator 60 that generates bubbles in the liquid L. The bubbles generated by the bubble generator 60 cause the foreign matter F to float to the surface of the liquid L in the storage tank 2.

[0029] The foreign matter F adheres to the bubbles generated by the bubble generator 60, causing the foreign matter F to rise to the liquid surface together with the bubbles. The foreign matter F that has risen to the liquid surface aggregates to form an aggregate FA. The aggregate FA includes the foreign matter F and the bubbles.

[0030] 2, the bubble generator 60 is provided in the first pipe 6. In this case, when the first fluid E1 is supplied from the first pipe 6 to the storage tank 2, the foreign matter F contained in the first fluid E1 is caused to float by the bubbles. Thus, sedimentation of the foreign matter F is suppressed. Alternatively, or additionally, the bubble generator 60 may be provided inside the storage tank 2.

[0031] The bubble generator 60 may be a self-priming microbubble generator 60a that uses the flow of the first fluid E1 flowing through a pipe to draw air into the pipe. When the self-priming microbubble generator 60a is used, a compressor that supplies air to the pipe is not required. Since self-priming microbubble generators are well known, a detailed description of the self-priming microbubble generator will be omitted.

[0032] The bubble generator 60 (more specifically, the microbubble generator 60a) may include a shearing section that shears the air to reduce the size of the bubbles. Alternatively, or additionally, the air may be made finer by swirling the first fluid E1 flowing through the first pipe 6 at high speed. The bubble generator 60 may be a micropore-type microbubble generator that supplies air into the first fluid E1 through micropores. A micropore-type microbubble generator can raise fine foreign matter F floating in the storage tank 2 to the surface of the liquid L. The bubble generator 60 may also be of another type. For example, the bubble generator 60 may be a device that generates bubbles by reducing the pressure or heating a supersaturated gas solution.

[0033] A flocculating agent may be added to the first fluid E1 to cause the foreign matter F to flocculate into bubbles or to promote the flocculation of the foreign matter F into bubbles. Alternatively, or additionally, to promote the flocculation of the foreign matter F into bubbles, the bubbles may be given an opposite charge (e.g., a negative charge) to the charge (e.g., a positive charge) on the surface of the foreign matter.

[0034] Instead of bubbles, a solid such as polystyrene foam may be used as a substance having a lower specific gravity than the liquid L. For example, a solid having a lower specific gravity than the liquid L may be supplied to the storage tank 2. In this case, the bubble generator 60 may be omitted. Furthermore, in order to promote aggregation of the foreign matter F into the solid having a lower specific gravity than the liquid L, the solid may be given an electric charge (e.g., a negative charge) opposite to the electric charge (e.g., a positive charge) on the surface of the foreign matter.

[0035] The aggregates FA of foreign matter F that have risen to the liquid surface LS of the liquid L in the reservoir 2 move toward the outlet 210e of the reservoir 2 (see arrow AR1 in FIG. 5). The aggregates FA may contain air bubbles.

[0036] The second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F that has risen to the liquid surface LS (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) overflows from the outlet 210e and flows out of the storage tank 2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second fluid E2 contains the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F and the liquid L.

[0037] The concentration of the foreign matter F in the second fluid E2 is higher than the concentration of the foreign matter F in the first fluid E1. More specifically, the weight ratio of the foreign matter F in the second fluid E2 is higher than the weight ratio of the foreign matter F in the first fluid E1 supplied to the storage tank 2 from the first pipe 6 (see FIG. 2). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the storage tank 2 receives the first fluid E1 from the first pipe 6, concentrates the foreign matter F by floatation separation, and discharges the second fluid E2 in which the foreign matter F has been concentrated from the outlet 210e.

[0038] (Impeller 41) 1, the foreign matter removal device 1A may include an impeller 41. The impeller 41 is driven by a third fluid E3 containing a liquid L. The impeller 41 also rotates the rotor 3. More specifically, the impeller 41 uses the water volume of the third fluid E3 as a power source to rotate the rotor 3 around the first axis AX1.

[0039] 1, the impeller 41 converts potential energy generated when the third fluid E3 freely falls from the outlet of the discharge member 71 into kinetic energy that rotates the impeller 41 about the second axis AX2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first axis AX1, which is the rotation axis of the rotor 3, and the second axis AX2, which is the rotation axis of the impeller 41, are coaxial. More specifically, the impeller 41 and the rotor 3 are connected by a shaft 45 that extends along the first axis AX1.

[0040] The impeller 41 may rotate the rotor 3 about the first axis AX1 via any power transmission mechanism. In this case, the first axis AX1 and the second axis AX2 may be parallel to each other or may not be parallel to each other.

[0041] The third fluid E3 that drives the impeller 41 may contain foreign matter F in addition to the liquid L. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the impeller 41 is driven by the third fluid E3 (more specifically, the third fluid E3 containing the liquid L and the foreign matter F) supplied from the storage tank 2.

[0042] 1, the third fluid E3 is supplied from the storage tank 2 to the impeller 41, bypassing the outlet 210e. In the example shown in FIG. 1, foreign matter F with a low water content that has risen to the liquid surface LS passes through the outlet 210e and is discharged toward the rotor 3, and foreign matter that has not risen to the liquid surface LS and a relatively large amount of liquid L are discharged toward the impeller 41 via the discharge member 71. As a result, the third fluid E3 bypasses the outlet 210e, and the amount of liquid L scooped up by the scraper 46 can be reduced.

[0043] 4, the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A may alternatively have a first supply passage K1 that supplies the first fluid E1 to the storage tank 2 and a bypass supply passage BK that bypasses the storage tank 2 and supplies the third fluid E3 to the impeller 41. In this case, the impeller 41 is driven by the third fluid E3 that bypasses the storage tank 2 and is supplied to the impeller 41. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the third fluid E3 has the same composition as the first fluid E1. More specifically, the first fluid E1 is composed of a suspension S containing a liquid L and foreign matter F, and the third fluid E3 is composed of a suspension S containing a liquid L and foreign matter F.

[0044] 1 to 4, the impeller 41 uses the flow of the third fluid E3 as a power source to rotate the rotor 3. This reduces power consumption, noise, and vibration compared to when the rotor 3 is driven by a motor. Furthermore, since there is no need to add a motor to rotate the rotor 3, the manufacturing cost of the foreign matter removal device 1A is reduced and the foreign matter removal device 1A is made more compact.

[0045] 1 to 4, the process from floating and separating the foreign matter F to discharging the foreign matter F is carried out automatically, thereby reducing the workload on the operator. Also, the maintenance frequency of a system including the foreign matter removal device 1A (for example, a coolant system 10 described below) can be reduced.

[0046] (Rotating body 3) In the example shown in Fig. 5, the portion of the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotor 3 that crosses the scraper 46 has a substantially cylindrical shape. As exemplified in Fig. 1, the entire outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotor 3 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotor 3 may have a substantially cylindrical or columnar shape as a whole.

[0047] One end 3a (see FIG. 2) of the rotor 3 may be either an open end or a closed end, and the other end 3b (see FIG. 2) of the rotor 3 may be either an open end or a closed end.

[0048] The outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3 may allow the liquid L to pass through but may inhibit the passage of foreign matter F (more specifically, aggregates FA of foreign matter F). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3 may be formed with a plurality of openings Q (more specifically, a plurality of slits Q1) that allow the liquid L to pass through but inhibit the passage of foreign matter F (more specifically, aggregates FA of foreign matter F). In this case, by separating the liquid component from the foreign matter F (more specifically, aggregates FA of foreign matter F) adhering to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3, the volume of the recovered material (more specifically, the volume of the material to be discarded) recovered in the foreign matter recovery chamber 48 (see FIG. 5) can be small.

[0049] 6, the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3 is formed by the outer surfaces 310a of multiple horizontal bars 31a. A gap between two adjacent horizontal bars 31a functions as a slit Q1 that allows the passage of the liquid L. The cross-sectional shape of the horizontal bars 31a may be substantially triangular or may be another shape.

[0050] Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3 may be formed of a grid or mesh. In this case, openings in the grid or mesh allow the liquid L to pass through.

[0051] 6, an agglomerate FA is formed by a plurality of foreign matter F. Because the size of the agglomerate FA is larger than the size of each individual foreign matter F, the agglomerate FA has difficulty passing through an opening Q (e.g., a slit Q1) formed in the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3.

[0052] The size of the opening Q may be such that foreign matter F with a particle size of 1 mm or more (or foreign matter F with a particle size of 100 μm or more) cannot pass through. In this case, the opening Q can draw the liquid L into the internal region of the rotating body 3 by capillary action.

[0053] The width W1 of the slit Q1 (see FIG. 6) may be, for example, 100 μm or less, 50 μm or less, or 20 μm or less, in which case the slit Q1 can draw the liquid L into the internal region of the rotating body 3 by capillary action.

[0054] When the proportion of the liquid L in the second fluid E2 is small (in other words, when the foreign matter F is sufficiently concentrated in the second fluid E2), openings may not be formed on the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotor 3. Furthermore, when the liquid L flows sufficiently down along the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotor 3, openings may not be formed on the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotor 3.

[0055] If the foreign matter F includes a ferromagnetic material, the rotating body 3 may be provided with a magnet that magnetically attracts the foreign matter F. If the surface of the foreign matter F has an electric charge, the rotating body 3 may be charged so that the foreign matter F is attracted to it.

[0056] 2, in this specification, a direction parallel to a horizontal plane and extending from the first axis AX1 (i.e., the rotation axis of the rotor 3) toward the edge portion 46e of the scraper 46 in a plan view is defined as a first direction DR1. Also, in this specification, a direction opposite to the first direction DR1 is defined as a second direction DR2. In this specification, a portion of the rotor 3 closer to the first axis AX1 in the first direction DR1 is defined as a first portion 3-1, and a portion of the rotor 3 closer to the second direction DR2 in the first axis AX1 is defined as a second portion 3-2.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) flowing downward from the outlet 210e is received by the second portion 3-2 of the rotating body 3.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregate FA of the foreign matter F) adhering to the rotor 3 is transferred by the rotor 3 in a first direction DR1 in plan view.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the scraper 46 (more specifically, the edge portion 46e of the scraper 46) scrapes off the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregate FA of the foreign matter F) from the first portion 3-1 of the rotating body 3.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the direction from the outlet 210e toward the foreign matter collection chamber 48 in a plan view coincides with the first direction DR1. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the foreign matter F flowing out from the outlet 210e is consistently transported in the first direction DR1 in a plan view to the foreign matter collection chamber 48. In this case, the transport of the foreign matter F is carried out smoothly. Also, the transport path of the foreign matter F can be made compact.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 2, an inclined surface 510, which will be described later, is disposed in the first direction DR1 further than the outlet 210e in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a first axis AX1, which is the rotation axis of the rotating body 3, is disposed in the first direction DR1 further than the inclined surface 510 in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the scraper 46 is disposed in the first direction DR1 further than the first axis AX1 in a plan view. Furthermore, the foreign matter collection chamber 48 is disposed in the first direction DR1 further than the edge portion 46e of the scraper 46 in a plan view.

[0062] (Slope 510) As illustrated in FIG. 5, the foreign matter removal device 1A may include an inclined surface 510 that guides the foreign matter F (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F) to the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3. When the foreign matter F is guided by the inclined surface 510, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F are less likely to break apart. Furthermore, since the foreign matter F is transferred to the rotating body 3 without impact, the foreign matter F is less likely to fall off the rotating body 3. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the gap GP (see FIG. 6) between the lower end 510w of the inclined surface 510 and the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter F from falling through the gap GP.

[0063] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the inclined surface 510 is disposed between the outlet 210e and the rotating body 3. The inclined surface 510 is an inclined surface that decreases in height from the outlet 210e toward the rotating body 3. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the inclined surface 510 is formed by the upper surface of the inclined plate 51. Alternatively, the inclined surface 510 may be formed by the upper surface of a block.

[0064] 5, an upper end 510u of the inclined surface 510 is connected to the outlet 210e. A lower end 510w of the inclined surface 510 is disposed near the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3 or is disposed in contact with the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3.

[0065] The aggregates FA containing bubbles may flow down the inclined surface 510 at a slower rate than the pure liquid L. The difference in flow rate may promote separation of the liquid component from the aggregates FA on the inclined surface 510.

[0066] The inclined surface 510 guides the foreign matter F (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) flowing out from the outlet 210e in a first direction DR1 in plan view.

[0067] The inclination angle α of the inclined surface 510 with respect to the horizontal plane (more specifically, the angle between the horizontal plane and a line connecting the upper end 510u of the inclined surface 510 and the lower end 510w of the inclined surface 510 in a side view) is, for example, 45 degrees or more, 55 degrees or more, or 65 degrees or more. When the inclination angle α is sufficiently large, foreign matter F is prevented from remaining on the inclined surface 510.

[0068] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the inclined plate 51 may have a flat plate shape. Alternatively, the inclined plate 51 may have a gutter shape. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the inclined plate may be omitted. In the example illustrated in Fig. 7, the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F falls directly from the outlet 210e onto the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 5, in this specification, the portion of the rotating body 3 above the first axis AX1 is defined as the third portion 3-3, and the portion of the rotating body 3 below the first axis AX1 is defined as the fourth portion 3-4.

[0070] 5, the foreign matter F (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F) flowing downward from the outlet 210e is received by the third portion 3-3 of the rotating body 3, and the foreign matter F adheres to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3. In other words, the foreign matter F is configured to adhere to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 above the first axis AX1. The foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) adhering to the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 is transferred to the scraper 46 by the rotating body 3.

[0071] 8, the foreign matter F (more specifically, the second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F) flowing downward from the outlet 210e may be received by the foreign matter receiving tank 56 below the rotating body 3. In this case, the rotating body 3 may be configured so that a part of the rotating body 3 comes into contact with the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) contained in the foreign matter receiving tank 56, causing the foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) to adhere to the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3. The foreign matter F (more specifically, the aggregates FA of the foreign matter F) adhering to the outer circumferential surface 310 of the rotating body 3 is transferred to the scraper 46 by the rotating body 3.

[0072] (Scraper 46) In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the scraper 46 (more specifically, the edge portion 46e of the scraper 46) scrapes the foreign matter F from the third portion 3-3 of the rotating body 3. In other words, the scraper 46 (more specifically, the edge portion 46e of the scraper 46) scrapes the foreign matter F from the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 above the first axis AX1. When the foreign matter F is scraped from the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotating body 3 above the first axis AX1, the potential energy of the foreign matter F at the scraping position is greater than when the foreign matter is scraped from a lower portion of the rotating body 3. Therefore, the scraper 46 can easily guide the foreign matter F downward. However, in other embodiments, the scraper 46 may scrape the foreign matter F from the lower portion of the rotating body 3 (in other words, the fourth portion 3-4 of the rotating body 3).

[0073] As illustrated in Figure 1, the scraper 46 may have a flat plate shape. Alternatively, the scraper 46 may have a trough shape. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the scraper 46 has an upper surface 460 along which the foreign matter F moves.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46 is an inclined surface. More specifically, the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46 is an inclined surface that decreases in height as it moves away from the edge portion 46e that scrapes off the foreign matter F. In this case, the foreign matter F scraped off by the scraper 46 flows downward along the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46. Therefore, the foreign matter F is less likely to accumulate on the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46. Furthermore, there is no need to provide an additional driving source to transfer the foreign matter F from the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46 to the foreign matter collection chamber 48, which will be described later.

[0075] 5, the upper end of the scraper 46 is disposed near the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3 or in contact with the outer peripheral surface 310 of the rotor 3. The upper end of the scraper 46 is an edge portion 46e that scrapes off foreign matter F. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the lower end 46w of the scraper 46 is disposed vertically above the foreign matter collection chamber 48.

[0076] The inclination angle β of the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46 with respect to the horizontal plane is, for example, 15 degrees to 75 degrees, 15 degrees to 60 degrees, or 15 degrees to 45 degrees. The inclination angle β of the upper surface 460 of the scraper 46 with respect to the horizontal plane may be smaller than the inclination angle α of the inclined surface 510 with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0077] (Foreign Object Collection Room 48) In the example shown in Fig. 5, the foreign matter removal device 1A includes a foreign matter collection chamber 48 that receives foreign matter F from the scraper 46. The foreign matter F received by the scraper 46 flows down along the inclined surface of the scraper 46 and moves from the lower end 46w of the scraper 46 into the foreign matter collection chamber 48. The foreign matter collection chamber 48 may be formed by a foreign matter collection container.

[0078] (Power source of Impeller 41) 9 is configured so that the potential energy of the third fluid E3 decreases when the third fluid E3 flows from the storage tank 2 toward the impeller 41. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the power source of the impeller 41 is the flow of the third fluid E3 that occurs as the potential energy decreases and the potential energy that occurs when the third fluid E3 rides on the impeller 41.

[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the impeller 41 is driven by a third fluid E3 that is supplied to the impeller 41 from the reservoir 2, bypassing the rotor 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0080] (Impeller 41) 9, the impeller 41 includes a plurality of blades 42. When the third fluid E3 collides with the plurality of blades 42 and the third fluid E3 rides on the impeller 41, potential energy is generated, causing the impeller 41, including the plurality of blades 42, to rotate about the second axis AX2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the impeller 41 and the rotor 3 are connected via a shaft 45. Therefore, when the impeller 41 rotates about the second axis AX2, the rotor 3 rotates about the first axis AX1, which is coaxial with the second axis AX2.

[0081] 9, the impeller 41 is driven by the collision of the third fluid E3 falling freely through the air. More specifically, the impeller 41 is driven by the third fluid E3 falling freely from the outlet of the discharge member 71 (described later). The impeller 41 is driven not only by the collision of the third fluid E3 but also by potential energy generated when the third fluid E3 rides on the impeller 41.

[0082] 10 and 11, the impeller 41 may be driven by a third fluid E3 flowing along an inclined surface 72. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 flows along the inclined surface 72. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the third fluid E3 flowing along the inclined surface 72 rotates the impeller 41 disposed vertically above the inclined surface 72.

[0083] (Discharge member 71) 9, the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A includes a discharge member 71 that discharges the third fluid E3 from the storage tank 2. At least a portion of the discharge member 71 may be formed by a pipe 71a through which the third fluid E3 flows. Alternatively, or additionally, at least a portion of the discharge member 71 may be formed by a gutter through which the third fluid E3 flows.

[0084] 9, the discharge member 71 has an inlet 711 (more specifically, an overflow opening 711a) through which the third fluid E3 flows in from the storage tank 2. The discharge member 71 also has an outlet through which the third fluid E3 flows out (hereinafter referred to as a "second outlet 712" to distinguish it from the outlet 210e through which the second fluid E2 flows out).

[0085] 9, the inlet 711 is an overflow opening 711a. The overflow opening 711a prevents the liquid L from being stored in the reservoir 2 beyond the overflow opening 711a. In other words, the overflow opening 711a controls the height of the liquid level LS in the reservoir 2.

[0086] 1 or 7, the inlet 711 is an overflow opening 711a that controls the liquid level at the outlet 210e. More specifically, the liquid level at the outlet 210e is substantially the same as the height of the overflow opening 711a.

[0087] When the inlet 711 is an overflow opening 711a that controls the liquid level at the outlet 210e, the second fluid E2 is prevented from flowing out excessively from the outlet 210e. In other words, by appropriately controlling the liquid level at the outlet 210e, the liquid L is prevented from flowing out excessively from the outlet 210e. As a result, the liquid L is prevented from flowing into the foreign matter collection chamber 48 excessively.

[0088] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the overflow opening 711a is disposed at a position away from the side wall 210 of the reservoir 2 in a plan view. Alternatively, the overflow opening 711a may be formed in the side wall 210 of the reservoir 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the overflow opening 711a is an opening facing upward. The overflow opening 711a may be constituted by the inlet of the pipe 71a.

[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2 may be adjustable.

[0090] 12 and 13, the foreign matter removal device 1A includes an adjustment member 74 that adjusts the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2. The adjustment member 74 may include a screw member 74a (e.g., a nut) that adjusts the height of the overflow opening 711a. Alternatively, or additionally, the adjustment member 74 may have an elongated hole for adjusting the attachment position of the discharge member 71 with respect to the reservoir 2.

[0091] 12 and 13, the adjustment member 74 can continuously adjust the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2. Alternatively, the adjustment member 74 may be able to adjust the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2 in steps. In the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2 can be manually adjusted. Alternatively, the foreign matter removal apparatus 1A may have a motor that adjusts the relative height of the overflow opening 711a with respect to the reservoir 2.

[0092] If the height of the overflow opening 711a is adjustable, the liquid level at the outlet 210e can be changed depending on the type of foreign matter F, the type of liquid L, the concentration of the foreign matter F contained in the liquid L, etc. Furthermore, the height of the overflow opening 711a can be changed depending on the purpose, such as whether only the supernatant foreign matter F or the liquid L is to be allowed to flow into the outlet 210e.

[0093] 9, the discharge member 71 supplies the third fluid E3 to the impeller 41. More specifically, the discharge member 71 receives the third fluid E3 from the storage tank 2. In addition, the discharge member 71 supplies the third fluid E3 to the impeller 41, bypassing the rotating body 3.

[0094] 2, the second outlet 712 of the discharge member 71 is disposed vertically above the impeller 41. In this case, the impeller 41 is driven by the third fluid E3 flowing vertically downward from the second outlet 712.

[0095] (Storage tank 2) 14, the storage tank 2 forms the second fluid E2 and the third fluid E3 from the first fluid E1 by floating and separating the foreign matter F. The concentration of the foreign matter F in the third fluid E3 is preferably lower than the concentration of the foreign matter F in the second fluid E2. More specifically, the weight ratio of the foreign matter F in the third fluid E3 is preferably smaller than the weight ratio of the foreign matter F in the second fluid E2 flowing out from the outlet 210e. In this case, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of the foreign matter F recovered by the foreign matter recovery chamber 48 while suppressing adhesion of the foreign matter F to the discharge member 71 and the impeller 41.

[0096] 14, from the viewpoint of reducing the concentration of foreign matter F in the third fluid E3, a partition 78 may be arranged in the storage tank 2 to separate the liquid level of the second fluid E2 toward the outlet 210e (hereinafter referred to as the "first liquid level LS1") from the liquid level of the third fluid E3 toward the inlet 711 (more specifically, the overflow opening 711a) (hereinafter referred to as the "second liquid level LS2"). In other words, the foreign matter removal device 1A may be provided with a partition 78 that separates the first liquid level LS1 of the second fluid E2 toward the outlet 210e from the second liquid level LS2 of the third fluid E3 toward the inlet 711 (more specifically, the overflow opening 711a).

[0097] As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the partition 78 may be constituted by a partition wall 780 that separates the first storage chamber 2-1 in which the outlet 210e is located and the second storage chamber 2-2 in which the inlet 711 (more specifically, the overflow opening 711a) is located.

[0098] In the example shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the storage tank 2 includes a first storage chamber 2-1 in which the outlet 210e is disposed, and a second storage chamber 2-2 in which the inlet 711 (more specifically, the overflow opening 711a) is disposed. The first storage chamber 2-1 is a flotation separation chamber in which the flotation separation of the foreign matter F is performed. The second storage chamber 2-2 stores a fluid in which the concentration of the foreign matter F has been reduced by the flotation separation of the foreign matter F. In this specification, the fluid in which the concentration of the foreign matter F has been reduced by the flotation separation of the foreign matter F is referred to as the "treated fluid Ea." In the example shown in FIG. 15, the impeller 41 is driven by the treated fluid Ea. More specifically, the third fluid E3 that drives the impeller 41 is the treated fluid Ea.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the storage tank 2 has a flotation separation chamber (more specifically, a first storage chamber 2-1) in which the flotation separation of the foreign matter F occurs, and a second storage chamber 2-2 that contains a third fluid E3. The flotation separation chamber (more specifically, the first storage chamber 2-1) and the second storage chamber 2-2 are connected to each other at their lower portions. More specifically, the first storage chamber 2-1 and the second storage chamber 2-2 are connected to each other via a lower opening OP2 formed in the lower portion of the partition wall 780. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the treated fluid Ea, in which the concentration of the foreign matter F has been reduced by the flotation separation of the foreign matter F, is configured to flow from the flotation separation chamber (more specifically, the first storage chamber 2-1) into the second storage chamber 2-2 via the lower opening OP2. In the example shown in Figure 17, the upper part of the first storage chamber 2-1 contains a second fluid E2 containing a high concentration of floating and separated foreign matter F, and near the lower opening OP2 of the first storage chamber 2-1, there is a treated fluid Ea in which the concentration of foreign matter F has been reduced by the floating and separation of the foreign matter F.

[0100] 2, 4, 10, or 16, the bubble generator 60 (more specifically, the microbubble generator 60a) releases bubbles into the first storage chamber 2-1. In this case, floating and separation of the foreign matter F is promoted in the first storage chamber 2-1.

[0101] As illustrated in Fig. 18, the storage tank 2 may include a first storage chamber 2-1 in which the outlet 210e is disposed, and a third storage chamber 2-3 in which bubbles are released from a bubble generator (more specifically, a microbubble generator). In the example illustrated in Fig. 18, a second partition 79 (more specifically, a second partition wall 790) is disposed between the third storage chamber 2-3 and the first storage chamber 2-1. In the example illustrated in Fig. 18, each of the third storage chamber 2-3 and the first storage chamber 2-1 is a flotation separation chamber in which flotation separation of foreign matter F is performed.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 18, aggregates FA containing bubbles and foreign matter F and liquid L overflow from the third storage chamber 2-3 to the first storage chamber 2-1. Relatively large bubbles are present on the liquid surface of the third storage chamber 2-3. The relatively large bubbles disappear over time.

[0103] Foreign matter F adhering to small-sized bubbles takes time to rise to the liquid surface. In the example shown in FIG. 18, small-sized bubbles are temporarily blocked by the second partition wall 790. This ensures sufficient time for foreign matter F adhering to small-sized bubbles in the third storage chamber 2-3 to rise to the liquid surface. The foreign matter F and bubbles that have risen to the liquid surface in the third storage chamber 2-3 overflow from the third storage chamber 2-3 to the first storage chamber 2-1. Relatively small-sized bubbles and foreign matter F that aggregate with the bubbles are present on the liquid surface in the first storage chamber 2-1.

[0104] In this way, by providing multiple partitions (78, 79) in the storage tank 2, the bubbles that rise to the liquid surface do not flow directly toward the outlet 210e, but instead become smaller over time. The smaller bubbles gather together and burst as they flow toward the outlet 210e. In this way, the amount of bubbles that flow into the foreign matter collection chamber 48 can be reduced. Furthermore, because it takes time for the bubbles in the storage tank 2 to reach the outlet 210e, there is sufficient time for the foreign matter F attached to the bubbles to rise to the liquid surface.

[0105] (First receiving chamber 80) In the example shown in FIG. 5, the foreign matter removal device 1A includes a first receiving chamber 80 that receives a portion of the second fluid E2 (more specifically, a liquid component E2-1 of the second fluid E2). In the example shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the liquid component E2-1 of the second fluid E2 flows down into the first receiving chamber 80 without being scraped off by the scraper 46. Another portion of the liquid component E2-1 of the second fluid E2 is scraped off by the scraper 46 and stored in the foreign matter collection chamber 48. It is preferable that the amount of the liquid component of the second fluid E2 that flows down into the first receiving chamber 80 is greater than the amount of the liquid component of the second fluid E2 that is stored in the foreign matter collection chamber 48. In this case, by reducing the amount of the liquid component stored in the foreign matter collection chamber 48, the time until the foreign matter collection chamber 48 becomes full can be extended.

[0106] 6, some of the multiple foreign matters F contained in the second fluid E2 fall into the first receiving chamber 80 together with the liquid component E2-1 of the second fluid E2 without being scraped off by the scraper 46. In other words, some of the multiple foreign matters F fall into the first receiving chamber 80 without being scraped off by the scraper 46.

[0107] 5, an outlet 81 is formed in the first receiving chamber 80. The outlet 81 discharges a portion of the second fluid E2 to the outside of the first receiving chamber 80, and also discharges foreign matter F that has not been scraped off by the scraper 46 to the outside of the first receiving chamber 80.

[0108] 5, the first receiving chamber 80 may receive the third fluid E3. More specifically, the first receiving chamber 80 may receive the third fluid E3 that has driven the impeller 41.

[0109] 5, the first receiving chamber 80 receives the liquid components of the second fluid E2, the foreign matter F, and the third fluid E3. In this case, the liquid components of the second fluid E2, the foreign matter F, and the third fluid E3 are mixed in the first receiving chamber 80. The third fluid E3 has a lower concentration of the foreign matter F than the second fluid E2. Therefore, the third fluid E3 prevents the foreign matter F from adhering to the inner surface of the first receiving chamber 80.

[0110] 5, a fourth fluid E4 is formed by mixing a part of the second fluid E2 with the third fluid E3 in the first receiving chamber 80. The fourth fluid E4 is discharged to the outside of the first receiving chamber 80 via the outlet 81.

[0111] (Bypass member 75) 19 and 20, the foreign matter removal device 1A may include a bypass member 75. The bypass member 75 guides a portion of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 so that the portion bypasses both the rotor 3 and the impeller 41. A portion of the bypass member 75 may be formed by a portion of the discharge member 71. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a base end 71b of the discharge member 71 also serves as the base end of the bypass member 75. A tip end 75d of the bypass member 75 branches off from the discharge member 71.

[0112] 19 and 20, a portion of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 drives the impeller 41, and another portion of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 bypasses the impeller 41. In this specification, the fluid of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 that drives the impeller 41 is defined as a "driving fluid E3-1," and the fluid of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 that bypasses the impeller 41 is defined as a "bypass fluid E3-2."

[0113] When the impeller 41 is driven by only a portion of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2, and another portion of the third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2 bypasses the impeller 41, the rotational speed of the impeller 41 is prevented from becoming excessive.

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the foreign matter removal device 1A may include an adjustment member 77 (for example, an adjustment handle 77a) that adjusts the proportion of the driving fluid E3-1 in the entire third fluid E3 discharged from the storage tank 2.

[0115] 19, the first receiving chamber 80 receives both the driving fluid E3-1 and the bypass fluid E3-2. In the example shown in Fig. 19, a part of the second fluid E2 is mixed with the third fluid E3 (more specifically, the driving fluid E3-1 and the bypass fluid E3-2) in the first receiving chamber 80 to form a fourth fluid E4. The fourth fluid E4 is discharged to the outside of the first receiving chamber 80 via the outlet 81.

[0116] (Foreign matter F removed by foreign matter removal device 1A) The foreign matter F removed by the foreign matter removal device 1A includes fine particles. The foreign matter F removed by the foreign matter removal device 1A may include carbon powder, silicon powder, or metal powder.

[0117] (Second embodiment) A coolant system 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 24. Figure 21 is a diagram schematically showing how the coolant system 10A according to the second embodiment can supply coolant liquid to a machine tool 101. Figure 22 is a diagram schematically showing how the coolant system 10A according to a first modified example of the second embodiment can supply coolant liquid to a machine tool 101. Figure 23 is a diagram schematically showing how the coolant system 10A according to a second modified example of the second embodiment can supply coolant liquid to a machine tool 101. Figure 24 is a diagram schematically showing a first removal device 14.

[0118] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment even if they are not explicitly described in the second embodiment.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the coolant system 10A in the second embodiment includes a main tank 11 that stores coolant liquid L1, a supply device 18 that supplies the coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101, a foreign matter removal device 1, a first pump P1, and a first return flow path R1.

[0120] 21, the foreign matter removal device 1 includes: (1) a storage tank 2 to which a first fluid E1 containing coolant liquid L1 and foreign matter F is supplied, causing the foreign matter F to float to a liquid surface LS of the coolant liquid L1; (2) an outlet 210e through which a second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F that has floated to the liquid surface LS flows out of the storage tank 2; (3) a rotor 3 having an outer circumferential surface 310 to which the foreign matter F moving from the outlet 210e adheres; and (4) a scraper 46 that scrapes off the foreign matter F adhered to the outer circumferential surface 310 by rotation of the rotor 3. Additionally, the foreign matter removal device 1 may include an impeller 41 that is driven by a third fluid E3 containing coolant liquid L1 to rotate the rotor 3.

[0121] The foreign matter removal device 1 may be the foreign matter removal device 1A in the first embodiment or another foreign matter removal device. Since the foreign matter removal device 1A has already been described in the first embodiment, repeated description of the foreign matter removal device 1A will be omitted.

[0122] The first pump P1 sends a first fluid E1 containing a coolant liquid L1 and foreign matter F from the main tank 11 to the foreign matter removal device 1.

[0123] The first return flow path R1 returns the fluid containing the coolant liquid L1 from the foreign matter removal device 1 to the main tank 11.

[0124] The coolant system 10A in the second embodiment has the same effects as the foreign matter removal device 1A in the first embodiment.

[0125] In addition, in the coolant system 10A of the second embodiment, the fluid containing the coolant liquid L1 circulates through the main tank 11, the storage tank 2, and the first return flow path R1, thereby gradually removing foreign matter F from the fluid containing the coolant liquid L1.

[0126] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the coolant system 10A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0127] (Chiller 13) 22 or 23, the coolant system 10A may include a chiller 13 that cools the coolant liquid L1. In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, the chiller 13 receives a first fluid E1 containing the coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 and cools the first fluid E1. The cooled first fluid E1 is returned to the main tank 11.

[0128] (First supply flow path K1) 21, the coolant system 10A includes a first supply flow path K1 that connects the main tank 11 and the storage tank 2. A first pump P1 supplies a first fluid E1 from the main tank 11 to the storage tank 2 through the first supply flow path K1. A bubble generator 60 (more specifically, a microbubble generator 60a) may be provided in a first pipe 6 that defines a part of the first supply flow path K1.

[0129] (First pump P1) 22, the first pump P1 may supply the first fluid E1 to both the machine tool 101 and the foreign matter removal device 1. In this case, there is no need to add a pump dedicated to the foreign matter removal device. In other words, the first pump P1 that supplies the coolant liquid L1 to the machine tool 101 can be used to supply the first fluid E1 to the foreign matter removal device 1.

[0130] 22, the coolant system 10A includes a second supply flow path M2 that connects the main tank 11 and the machine tool 101, and a branch flow path CK that branches off from the second supply flow path M2. Also, a first supply flow path K1 that connects the main tank 11 and the storage tank 2 is formed by a part of the second supply flow path M2 and the branch flow path CK.

[0131] 23, the first pump P1 may supply the first fluid E1 to both the chiller 13 and the foreign matter removal apparatus 1. In this case, the first pump P1 that supplies the first fluid E1 to the chiller 13 can be used to supply the first fluid E1 to the foreign matter removal apparatus 1.

[0132] 23, the coolant system 10A includes a chiller 13, a first circulation flow path C1 that runs from the main tank 11 through the chiller 13 and returns to the main tank 11, and a branch flow path CK that branches off from the first circulation flow path C1. Also, a first supply flow path K1 that connects the main tank 11 and the storage tank 2 is formed by a part of the first circulation flow path C1 and the branch flow path CK.

[0133] (Second return flow path R2) In this specification, the coolant liquid used to cool a tool or workpiece is defined as "used coolant liquid L2." Furthermore, in this specification, a fluid containing used coolant liquid L2 and sludge D2 generated from the workpiece is defined as "dirty fluid J2." In the example shown in FIG. 21, FIG. 22, or FIG. 23, the coolant system 10A includes a second return flow path R2 through which the dirty fluid J2 flows from the machine tool 101 toward the main tank 11. The second return flow path R2 connects the machine tool 101 and the main tank 11. In the example shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23, the second return flow path R2 returns the used coolant liquid L2 (more specifically, the dirty fluid J2) from the machine tool 101 to the first region RG1 of the main tank 11.

[0134] 22 or 23, the contaminated fluid J2 is collected into the main tank 11 via the second return passage R2. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the contaminated fluid J2 contains chips D1. The contaminated fluid J2 may also contain oil.

[0135] (1st removal device 14) 21, 22, or 23, the coolant system 10A may include a first removal device 14 that removes large foreign matter (more specifically, chips D1) from the contaminated fluid J2 containing used coolant liquid L2. In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, the first removal device 14 removes large foreign matter (more specifically, chips D1) from the contaminated fluid J2 flowing through the second return flow path R2.

[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the first removal device 14 may include a chip conveyor 14a that removes large foreign objects (more specifically, chips D1) from the contaminated fluid J2 containing the used coolant liquid L2. The first removal device 14 may include a drum filter 14b that removes the chips D1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 24, the drum filter 14b is disposed inside the chip conveyor 14a. The chips D1 are removed by both the chip conveyor 14a and the drum filter 14b.

[0137] (Second removal device 15) 22 or 23, the coolant system 10A may include a second removal device 15 that removes small foreign matter (more specifically, sludge D2) from the contaminated fluid J2, and a circulation flow path (hereinafter referred to as the "second circulation flow path C2") that runs from the main tank 11 through the second removal device 15 and back to the main tank 11. The coolant system 10A may also include a second pump P2 that sends the contaminated fluid J2 containing used coolant liquid L2 from the main tank 11 to the second removal device 15.

[0138] In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, the second pump P2 pumps up the contaminated fluid J2 from the first region RG1 of the main tank 11.

[0139] The second removal device 15 removes small foreign matter (more specifically, sludge D2) from the dirty fluid J2 pumped up by the second pump P2. As illustrated in Figure 22 or 23, the second removal device 15 may include a cyclone filter 15a that removes small foreign matter (more specifically, sludge D2) from the dirty fluid J2 flowing through the second circulation flow path C2.

[0140] In this specification, the fluid obtained after small foreign matter (more specifically, sludge D2) has been removed from the dirty fluid J2 by ​​the second removal device 15 is defined as the "treated fluid J1." In the example shown in Figure 22 or 23, the fluid returned to the main tank 11 from the second circulation flow path C2 is the treated fluid J1.

[0141] In the example shown in Figure 22 or Figure 23, the second circulation flow path C2 receives dirty fluid J2 containing used coolant liquid L2 from the first region RG1 of the main tank 11 and returns coolant liquid L1 (more specifically, treated fluid J1) to the second region RG2 of the main tank 11.

[0142] 22 or 23, the first region RG1 is closer to the first removal device 14 than the second region RG2. Therefore, the contaminated fluid J2 discharged from the first removal device 14 is smoothly pumped up by the second pump P2.

[0143] 22 or 23, the second region RG2 is closer to the liquid intake port Ka of the first supply flow path K1 than the first region RG1, so that the treated fluid J1 discharged from the second circulation flow path C2 can be smoothly pumped up by the first pump P1.

[0144] 22 or 23, the first pump P1 supplies the treated fluid J1 discharged from the second circulation flow path C2 as the first fluid E1 to the foreign matter removal apparatus 1. When the first fluid E1 supplied to the foreign matter removal apparatus 1 is the treated fluid J1, the rate at which sludge D2 accumulates in the storage tank 2 of the foreign matter removal apparatus 1 slows down.

[0145] In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, a contaminated fluid J2 containing used coolant L2 is subjected to primary treatment by a first removal device 14, secondary treatment by a second removal device 15, and tertiary treatment by a foreign matter removal device 1. The first removal device 14 removes chips D1 from the contaminated fluid J2. The second removal device 15 removes sludge D2 from the contaminated fluid J2. The foreign matter removal device 1 separates fine particles (e.g., carbon powder) dispersed in the coolant L1 from the coolant L1.

[0146] (Magnetic separator 16) 22 or 23, the cyclone filter 15a may be connected to a magnetic separator 16 that attracts the sludge D2 with a magnet. The contaminated fluid J2 separated from the sludge D2 by the cyclone filter 15a is discharged into the first region RG1 of the main tank 11.

[0147] (Agitator 17) 22 or 23, the coolant system 10A may include an agitator 17. The agitator 17 agitates the coolant L1 in the main tank 11. In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, the agitator 17 includes an agitator nozzle 17a that discharges the coolant L1, a third circulation flow path C3 that returns the coolant L1 from the main tank 11 through the agitator nozzle 17a, and a third pump P3 that sends the coolant L1 from the main tank 11 to the agitator nozzle 17a.

[0148] 22 or 23, the third pump P3 may supply the coolant L1 to both the machine tool 101 and the agitator 17. In the example shown in FIG. 22 or 23, the third pump P3 supplies the coolant L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101 via a third supply flow path M3.

[0149] When the coolant system 10A is equipped with the agitator 17, the fine particles are dispersed in the coolant L1, and the accumulation of the fine particles on the bottom of the main tank 11 is suppressed. The fine particles dispersed in the coolant L1 are removed by the foreign matter removal device 1.

[0150] 22 or 23, the agitation nozzle 17a may discharge the coolant L1 in a direction from the second region RG2 toward the first region RG1. In this case, the sludge D2 in the first region RG1 is prevented from moving toward the second region RG2.

[0151] 22 and 23, the first region RG1 and the second region RG2 are not isolated from each other. Alternatively, a partition may be disposed between the first region RG1 and the second region RG2. Furthermore, the main tank 11 may be divided into multiple compartments.

[0152] (Feeding device 18) 22 or 23, the coolant system 10A includes a supply device 18 that supplies coolant liquid L1 to the machine tool 101. The supply device 18 includes at least one supply passage M that connects the main tank 11 and the machine tool 101, and at least one pump P that supplies coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101 via the at least one supply passage M.

[0153] 22 or 23, at least one supply passage M connecting the main tank 11 and the machine tool 101 may include the above-mentioned second supply passage M2 and / or the above-mentioned third supply passage M3. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one supply passage M connecting the main tank 11 and the machine tool 101 may include a fourth supply passage M4.

[0154] 22 or 23, the at least one pump P that supplies the coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101 via at least one supply flow path M may include a first pump P1 and / or a third pump P3. Alternatively, or additionally, the coolant system 10A may include a fourth pump P4 that supplies the coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101 via a fourth supply flow path M4.

[0155] (Coolant liquid L1) The coolant L1 is, for example, a water-soluble coolant. The main component of the water-soluble coolant is, for example, water. The water-soluble coolant may contain a water-soluble oil (for example, a water-soluble cutting oil or a water-soluble grinding oil) and / or a surfactant.

[0156] (Foreign object F) The foreign matter F removed from the first fluid E1 by the foreign matter removal device 1 includes, for example, fine particles that are difficult to remove by the second removal device 15 (more specifically, the cyclone filter 15a). When the fine particles are removed by the foreign matter removal device 1, a large amount of fine particles is prevented from floating in the coolant liquid L1 in the main tank 11 for a long period of time.

[0157] The foreign matter F removed from the first fluid E1 by the foreign matter removal device 1 may include carbon powder generated by cutting or grinding a casting (e.g., an FC material containing iron as the main component and 2.1 weight percent or more of carbon). Fine carbon powder is difficult to remove using the cyclone filter 15a. Furthermore, carbon powder cannot be removed using the magnetic separator 16.

[0158] If a large amount of fine particles (for example, fine carbon powder) remain in the main tank 11, the filter disposed in the supply flow path M or the like may become clogged. Furthermore, due to the clogged filter or the like, maintenance of the coolant system 10A becomes necessary. This may hinder operation of the coolant system 10A. In contrast, in the coolant system 10A of the second embodiment, the fine particles are gradually removed by the foreign matter removal device 1, so that the frequency of maintenance of the coolant system 10A can be reduced. Furthermore, the reduced maintenance frequency reduces the workload of the operator.

[0159] If the coolant L1 discharged into the machine tool 101 contains a large amount of fine particles (for example, fine carbon powder), the cooling or lubricating properties of the coolant L1 may be reduced. While frequent replacement of the coolant L1 would solve the problem, doing so would incur replacement costs. Furthermore, if the coolant L1 discharged into the machine tool 101 contains a large amount of fine particles (for example, fine carbon powder), the tool life may be reduced. Furthermore, if the fine particles include carbon powder, the machine tool 101 will become contaminated by the carbon powder. In the coolant system 10A of the second embodiment, the fine particles are removed by the foreign matter removal device 1, thereby reducing the amount of fine particles contained in the coolant L1 discharged into the machine tool 101.

[0160] The foreign matter F removed from the first fluid E1 by the foreign matter removal device 1 may be foreign matter other than carbon powder.

[0161] (Third embodiment) A machine tool system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 28. Figure 21 is a diagram schematically showing a machine tool system 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 22 is a diagram schematically showing a machine tool system 100 according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. Figure 23 is a diagram schematically showing a machine tool system 100 according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a machine tool 101. Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing another example of the machine tool 101. Figure 27 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing yet another example of the machine tool 101. Figure 28 is a diagram schematically showing how the coolant system 10 can supply coolant to a plurality of machine tools.

[0162] In the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, repeated descriptions of matters already described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, it goes without saying that matters already described in the first or second embodiment can be applied to the third embodiment, even if they are not explicitly described in the third embodiment.

[0163] As illustrated in FIG. 22, a machine tool system 100 in the third embodiment includes a machine tool 101 and a coolant system 10 that supplies coolant to the machine tool.

[0164] As illustrated in Figure 25, the machine tool 101 includes a work support device 102 that supports the workpiece W, a machining head 103 that holds the tool T, a moving device 104 that moves the machining head 103 relative to the work support device 102, and an ejection device 105 (more specifically, an ejection nozzle 1050) that ejects coolant liquid.

[0165] As illustrated in Fig. 25, the machine tool 101 may be a machining center 101a. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 26, the machine tool 101 may be a lathe 101b. Still alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 27, the machine tool 101 may be a grinding device 101c.

[0166] As illustrated in Figures 21, 22, and 23, the coolant system 10 includes: (1) a main tank 11 that stores coolant liquid L1; (2) a supply device 18 that supplies coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the machine tool 101; (3) a foreign matter removal device 1; (4) a first pump P1 that sends a first fluid E1 containing coolant liquid L1 and foreign matter F from the main tank 11 to the foreign matter removal device 1; and (5) a first return flow path R1 that returns the fluid containing coolant liquid L1 from the foreign matter removal device 1 to the main tank 11.

[0167] The coolant system 10 may be the coolant system 10A in the second embodiment or another coolant system. Since the coolant system 10A has already been described in the second embodiment, repeated description of the coolant system 10A will be omitted.

[0168] 1, the foreign matter removal device 1 includes: (1) a storage tank 2 to which a first fluid E1 containing a coolant liquid L1 and foreign matter F is supplied, causing the foreign matter F to float to a liquid surface LS of the coolant liquid L1; (2) an outlet 210e through which a second fluid E2 containing the foreign matter F that has floated to the liquid surface LS flows out of the storage tank 2; (3) a rotor 3 having an outer circumferential surface 310 to which the foreign matter F moving from the outlet 210e adheres; and (4) a scraper 46 that scrapes off the foreign matter F that has adhered to the outer circumferential surface 310 by the rotation of the rotor 3. Additionally, the foreign matter removal device 1 may include an impeller 41 that is driven by a third fluid E3 containing the coolant liquid L1 to rotate the rotor 3.

[0169] The foreign matter removal device 1 may be the foreign matter removal device 1A in the first embodiment or another foreign matter removal device. Since the foreign matter removal device 1A has already been described in the first embodiment, repeated description of the foreign matter removal device 1A will be omitted.

[0170] The machine tool system 100 in the third embodiment has the same effects as the foreign matter removal device 1A in the first embodiment or the coolant system 10A in the second embodiment.

[0171] (Optional configuration) Next, optional additional configurations that can be employed in the machine tool system 100 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0172] (Discharge device 105) As illustrated in FIG. 25 or 26, the discharge device 105 may include a first discharge device 105a that discharges coolant liquid toward the workpiece W. In the example illustrated in FIG. 22 or 23, the fourth pump P4 may be configured to supply the coolant liquid L1 to the first discharge device 105a via the fourth supply flow path M4. Alternatively, in the example illustrated in FIG. 22, the first pump P1 may be configured to supply the coolant liquid L1 to the first discharge device 105a via the second supply flow path M2. Further alternatively, in the example illustrated in FIG. 22 or 23, the third pump P3 may be configured to supply the coolant liquid L1 to the first discharge device 105a via the third supply flow path M3, or another pump may be configured to supply the coolant liquid L1 to the first discharge device 105a via another supply flow path.

[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 25 , the discharge device 105 may include a second discharge device 105b that discharges the coolant to the tool T so that the coolant passes through the inside of the tool T. In the example illustrated in FIG. 22 or 23 , the fourth pump P4 may be configured to supply the coolant L1 to the second discharge device 105b via the fourth supply passage M4. Alternatively, in the example illustrated in FIG. 22 , the first pump P1 may be configured to supply the coolant L1 to the second discharge device 105b via the second supply passage M2. Further alternatively, in the example illustrated in FIG. 22 or 23 , the third pump P3 may be configured to supply the coolant L1 to the second discharge device 105b via the third supply passage M3, or another pump may be configured to supply the coolant L1 to the second discharge device 105b via another supply passage.

[0174] A supply flow path that supplies the coolant liquid L1 from the main tank 11 to the discharge device 105 may be provided with an optional filter.

[0175] (Work W) The workpiece W may be a casting Wa or a workpiece other than a casting. The casting Wa may be made of an FC material. The FC material is primarily composed of iron and contains 2.1 weight percent or more of carbon.

[0176] (Second return flow path R2) 22 or 23, the second return flow path R2 returns a dirty fluid J2 containing used coolant L2 (more specifically, the coolant discharged from the discharge device 105 and contacted with the workpiece W) and sludge D2 generated from the workpiece W to the main tank 11. The second return flow path R2 may return the dirty fluid J2 containing the coolant discharged from the first discharge device 105a, the coolant discharged from the second discharge device 105b, and the sludge D2 generated from the workpiece W to the main tank 11.

[0177] (multiple machine tools) As illustrated in Fig. 28, the machine tool system 100 may include, in addition to the machine tool 101, a second machine tool 108. In the example illustrated in Fig. 28, the coolant system 10 supplies coolant liquid to multiple machine tools (101, 108).

[0178] In the example shown in Figure 28, the coolant system 10 has a second return flow path R2 that returns used coolant liquid L2 (more specifically, dirty fluid J2) from the machine tool 101 to the main tank 11, as well as a third return flow path R3 that returns used coolant liquid L2 (more specifically, dirty fluid J2) from the second machine tool 108 to the main tank 11.

[0179] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and it is clear that each embodiment or modification can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, optional additional configurations in each embodiment or modification can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1, 1A...foreign matter removal device, 2...storage tank, 2-1...first storage chamber, 2-2...second storage chamber, 2-3...third storage chamber, 3...rotating body, 3-1...first part, 3-2...second part, 3-3...third part, 3-4...fourth part, 3a...one end, 3b...other end, 6...first pipe, 10, 10A...coolant system, 11...main tank, 13...chiller, 14...first removal device, 14a...chip conveyor, 14b...drum filter, 15...second removal device, 15a...cyclone filter, 16...magnetic separator, 17...agitator, 17a...agitator nozzle, 18...supply device, 31a...horizontal bar, 41...impeller, 42...blade, 45...shaft, 46...scraper, 46e...edge portion, 46w...lower end portion, 48...foreign matter collection chamber, 51...inclined plate, 56...foreign matter receiving tank, 60...bubble generator, 60a...microbubble generator, 71...discharge member, 71a...pipe, 71b...base end portion, 72...inclined surface, 74...adjustment member, 74a...screw member, 75...bypass member, 75d...tip portion, 77...adjustment member, 77a...adjustment handle, 78...partition, 79...second partition, 80...first receiving chamber, 81...discharge port, 100...machine tool system, 101...machine tool, 101a...machining center, 101b...lathe, 101c...grinding device, 102...workpiece support device, 103...machining head, 104...moving device, 105...discharge device, 105a...first discharge device, 105b...second discharge device, 108...second machine tool, 210...side wall, 210e...outlet, 310...outer peripheral surface, 310a...outer surface, 460...upper surface, 510...inclined surface, 510u...upper end, 510w...lower end, 711...inlet, 711a...overflow opening, 712...second outlet, 780...partition wall, 790...second partition wall, 1050...discharge nozzle, AX1...first axis, AX2...second axis, BK...bypass supply flow path, C1...second 1 circulation flow path, C2...2nd circulation flow path, C3...3rd circulation flow path, CK...branch flow path, D1...chips, D2...sludge, DR1...1st direction, DR2...2nd direction, E1...1st fluid, E2...2nd fluid, E2-1...liquid components, E3...3rd fluid, E3-1...driving fluid, E3-2...bypass fluid, E4...4th fluid, Ea...treated fluid, F...foreign matter, FA...aggregates, GP...gap, J1...treated fluid, J2...dirty fluid, K1...1st supply flow path, Ka...liquid intake port, L...liquid, L1...coolant liquid, L2...used coolant liquid, LS...liquid level, LS1...1st liquid level, LS2...2nd liquid level, M...supply flow path,M2...second supply flow path, M3...third supply flow path, M4...fourth supply flow path, OP1...opening, OP2...lower opening, P...pump, P1...first pump, P2...second pump, P3...third pump, P4...fourth pump, Q...opening, Q1...slit, R1...first return flow path, R2...second return flow path, R3...third return flow path, RG1...first region, RG2...second region, S...suspension, T...tool, W...workpiece, Wa...casting,

Claims

1. a reservoir tank to which a first fluid containing a liquid and foreign matter is supplied, and which causes the foreign matter to float on the surface of the liquid; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating to the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; an impeller driven by a third fluid including the liquid to rotate the rotor; Equipped with Foreign matter removal device.

2. further comprising a bubble generator for generating bubbles in the liquid; The bubbles generated by the bubble generator cause the foreign matter to float to the surface of the liquid in the storage tank. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 .

3. The outlet is an overflow outlet through which the second fluid overflows.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A reservoir tank to which a first fluid containing a liquid and foreign matter is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float on the surface of the liquid; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating to the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; an inclined surface disposed between the outlet and the rotor, the inclined surface guiding the foreign matter to the outer circumferential surface of the rotor; Equipped with Foreign matter removal device.

5. further comprising a foreign matter collection chamber that receives the foreign matter from the scraper; When a direction from the outlet toward the foreign matter collection chamber in a plan view is defined as a first direction, the foreign matter flowing out from the outlet is transported consistently in the first direction in a plan view to the foreign matter collection chamber. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 4.

6. the rotor is rotatable about a first axis; the foreign matter adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body above the first shaft, the scraper is configured to scrape the foreign matter from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body above the first shaft, The scraper has an upper surface on which the foreign matter moves.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The third fluid is supplied from the reservoir to the impeller, bypassing the outlet.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a discharge member configured to discharge the third fluid from the storage tank; the discharge member has an inlet through which the third fluid flows from the storage tank; The inlet is an overflow opening that controls the liquid level at the outlet 3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The apparatus further includes an adjustment member for adjusting the relative height of the overflow opening with respect to the storage tank. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 8.

10. a first receiving chamber in which a portion of the second fluid and the third fluid are mixed; The first receiving chamber is formed with a discharge port for discharging a fourth fluid formed by mixing a part of the second fluid with the third fluid.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the storage tank forms the second fluid and the third fluid from the first fluid by floating and separating the foreign matter; The concentration of the foreign matter in the third fluid is lower than the concentration of the foreign matter in the second fluid.

3. The foreign matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A main tank for storing coolant; a supply device for supplying the coolant from the main tank to a machine tool; A foreign matter removal device; a first pump that sends a first fluid containing the coolant liquid and foreign matter from the main tank to the foreign matter removal device; a first return flow path that returns the fluid containing the coolant from the foreign matter removal device to the main tank; Equipped with The foreign matter removal device is a reservoir tank to which the first fluid is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float to the surface of the coolant; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating to the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; an impeller driven by a third fluid including the coolant liquid to rotate the rotating body; Equipped with Coolant system.

13. A main tank for storing coolant liquid; a supply device for supplying the coolant from the main tank to a machine tool; A foreign matter removal device; a first pump that sends a first fluid containing the coolant liquid and foreign matter from the main tank to the foreign matter removal device; a first return flow path that returns the fluid containing the coolant from the foreign matter removal device to the main tank; a second return flow path through which the dirty fluid flows from the machine tool toward the main tank, when a fluid containing used coolant and sludge generated from a workpiece is defined as dirty fluid; a first removal device for removing chips from the contaminated fluid; a second removal device for removing the sludge from the contaminated fluid; a circulation flow path from the main tank through the second removal device and returning to the main tank; Equipped with The foreign matter removal device is a reservoir tank to which the first fluid is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float to the surface of the coolant; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating to the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; Equipped with Coolant system.

14. Machine tools and a coolant system for supplying coolant to the machine tool; Equipped with The machine tool comprises: a workpiece support device that supports the workpiece; a machining head for holding a tool; a moving device that moves the machining head relative to the workpiece supporting device; a discharge device that discharges the coolant liquid; Equipped with The coolant system comprises: a main tank for storing the coolant; a supply device for supplying the coolant from the main tank to the machine tool; A foreign matter removal device; a first pump that sends a first fluid containing the coolant liquid and foreign matter from the main tank to the foreign matter removal device; a first return flow path that returns the fluid containing the coolant from the foreign matter removal device to the main tank; Equipped with The foreign matter removal device is a reservoir tank to which the first fluid is supplied and which causes the foreign matter to float to the surface of the coolant; an outlet through which the second fluid containing the foreign matter floating to the liquid surface flows out of the storage tank; a rotating body having an outer circumferential surface to which the foreign matter moving from the outlet adheres; a scraper that scrapes off the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral surface by the rotation of the rotating body; an impeller driven by a third fluid including the coolant liquid to rotate the rotating body; Equipped with Machine tool systems.

Images