Nozzle units and machine tools

Abstract

Reduce the installation space required for the nozzle unit. [Solution] A nozzle unit in one embodiment comprises a connecting pipe to which an external pipe connected to a coolant supply source is connected, a nozzle for discharging the supplied coolant, a movable pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the nozzle, a support mechanism for supporting the nozzle, and a drive unit for changing the direction of the nozzle by driving the support mechanism. The movable pipe is configured by connecting a plurality of pipe sections in series by one or more swivel joints, with one end connected to the connecting pipe via a swivel joint and the other end connected to the nozzle via a swivel joint. Each swivel joint moves in accordance with the driving of the support mechanism, maintaining the connection state while changing the relative positions of the plurality of pipe sections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle unit capable of discharging a coolant.

Background Art

[0002] When machining a workpiece in a machine tool, chips are generated. If a large amount of chips accumulate inside the machine, it becomes difficult to continue machining. For this reason, conventionally, an operator periodically stops the operation of the machine tool and takes measures such as removing chips using an air blow or the like. However, such manual removal of chips reduces the operating efficiency of the machine tool.

[0003] Therefore, in recent years, a system has been proposed in which a camera is installed inside the machine, the position of the chips is specified by analyzing the captured image, and the chips are automatically removed by discharging a coolant toward the specified position (see Patent Document 1). Nozzles for discharging a coolant are arranged on the ceiling and side walls of the machining chamber, and a mechanism for supporting and driving the nozzles is installed on the outer surface of the housing. Those mechanisms and nozzles constitute a nozzle unit. By changing the orientation of the nozzles, the discharge direction of the coolant can be controlled. A coolant tank for temporarily storing the coolant is provided in the coolant circulation path of the machine tool.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, there are limitations on the selection of hose material to ensure pressure resistance, and there is a minimum bending radius. To achieve this minimum bending radius, there are limits to how short the hose can be. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the hose's operating range extends outside the enclosure, which presents room for improvement in terms of installation space in machine tools. It should be noted that this type of problem can occur not only in machine tools but in any device where a nozzle unit is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a nozzle unit for discharging coolant toward a specific location. This nozzle unit comprises a connecting pipe to which an external pipe connected to a coolant supply source is connected, a nozzle for discharging the supplied coolant, a movable pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the nozzle, a support mechanism for supporting the nozzle, and a drive unit for changing the direction of the nozzle by driving the support mechanism. The movable pipe is configured by connecting a plurality of pipe sections in series by one or more swivel joints, with one end connected to the connecting pipe via a swivel joint and the other end connected to the nozzle via a swivel joint. Each swivel joint moves in accordance with the driving of the support mechanism, maintaining the connection state while changing the relative positions of the plurality of pipe sections. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the installation space required for the nozzle unit can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the machine tool according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of machine tool 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the layout of the processing room. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the schematic configuration of the nozzle unit's drive mechanism. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the nozzle unit. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the nozzle unit. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the movable piping. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically illustrates the operation of the nozzle unit. [Figure 9] This diagram schematically illustrates the operation of the nozzle unit. [Figure 10] This diagram schematically illustrates the operation of the nozzle unit. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically illustrates the operation of the nozzle unit. [Figure 12] This diagram schematically represents the structure for ensuring the operation of the nozzle. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the effects of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a machine tool according to this embodiment. Machine tool 1 is configured as a multi-tasking machine that processes a workpiece into a desired shape by changing tools as needed. Machine tool 1 has a processing chamber 2 inside its casing. Processing chamber 2 houses a processing device for processing the workpiece. An operation panel 4 for operating the processing device is provided on the side of the casing.

[0011] The machine tool 1 is provided with a coolant supply device 5 that supplies coolant to the machining chamber 2. A coolant tank 6 (coolant supply source) for temporarily storing the coolant discharged from the machining chamber 2 is provided in the coolant circulation path of the coolant supply device 5.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the machine tool 1. The machine tool 1 includes an information processing device 100, a machining control device 102, a machining device 104, a tool changer 106, a tool storage unit 108, and an imaging unit 110. The machining control device 102 functions as a numerical control unit and outputs a control signal to the machining device 104 according to a machining program (NC program). The machining device 104 moves the tool spindle according to an instruction from the machining control device 102 to machine the workpiece.

[0013] The machining device 104 includes, in addition to a mechanism for driving the spindle, a coolant supply device 5 that supplies coolant to the machining chamber 2. The coolant is used as cutting oil for removing heat and lubricating the tool and workpiece during machining, and is also used as a cleaning liquid for removing chips scattered in the machining chamber 2. The coolant supply device 5 is configured by arranging a coolant tank 6, a nozzle unit 8, a pump 116, a control valve 118, etc. in the coolant circulation path.

[0014] The nozzle unit 8 is a "coolant discharge unit" that includes a nozzle for discharging coolant into the machining chamber 2 and an actuator for driving the nozzle. The coolant circulates by driving the pump 116 and is supplied to the nozzle unit 8. The control valve 118 includes a plurality of on-off valves and switches the flow path of the coolant in the coolant circulation path.

[0015] The information processing apparatus 100 includes an operation panel 4 and outputs a control command to the machining control apparatus 102 based on an operator's operation input. The information processing apparatus 100 also controls the screen displayed on the monitor of the operation panel 4 in response to the operator's operation input. The tool storage unit 108 stores tools. The tool changer 106 corresponds to a so-called ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), and according to an exchange instruction from the machining control apparatus 102, takes out a tool from the tool storage unit 108 and exchanges it with the tool on the tool spindle.

[0016] The information processing apparatus 100 includes a coolant control unit 101. The coolant control unit 101 controls the nozzle unit 8, the pump 116, and the control valve 118. Thereby, the discharge direction and discharge amount of the coolant from the nozzle unit 8 are adjusted.

[0017] The imaging unit 110 is, for example, a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS, and images an imaging area set in the machining chamber 2. As the "imaging area", an area where the presence of chips generated by machining the workpiece is assumed is set in advance. The angle of view of the camera is set so that the distribution and accumulation status of chips can be grasped in a wide range within the machining chamber 2. The imaging unit 110 outputs the captured image to the information processing apparatus 100.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration inside the machining chamber 2. FIG. 3(A) shows the state seen from diagonally above, and FIG. 3(B) shows the state seen from diagonally below. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the machining chamber 2 is surrounded by four side surfaces, and on one of the side surfaces, the spindle unit 10 is provided so as to be movable vertically and horizontally. The spindle unit 10 has a horizontal rotation axis, and a tool T is coaxially attached to the tip. The side surface facing the spindle unit 10 in the axial direction has a swing door 12. A support plate 14 extends horizontally from the swing door 12. The swing door 12 is a door that can rotate about a vertical axis.

[0019] A table 16 is provided below the support plate 14. A pallet 18 is detachably attached to the table 16, and a workpiece is placed on and secured to the pallet 18. By preparing multiple pallets 18 with workpieces secured to them, the workpiece can be changed by replacing the pallet 18, thereby improving time efficiency.

[0020] The table 16 is movable in the axial direction of the spindle unit 10 and can also rotate in the horizontal plane. By rotating the table 16, the workpiece on the pallet 18 can be rotated. By linearly driving the table 16, the workpiece moves closer to or further away from the tool T. In other words, by controlling the rotation and movement of the table 16 and the movement of the spindle unit 10, the workpiece can be machined into a desired shape.

[0021] At the position where the table 16 is furthest from the spindle unit 10, the support plate 14 engages with the pallet 18. By rotating the swivel door 12 in this state, the support plate 14 separates the pallet 18 from the table 16 and rotates together with the pallet 18. This allows the pallet 18 with the completed workpiece to be removed from the machining chamber 2, and the pallet 18 with the next workpiece to be machined fixed to it to be brought into the machining chamber 2.

[0022] Below the table 16 and spindle unit 10, a chip conveyor 20 is provided for transporting chips out of the machining chamber 2. The table 16 moves above the chip conveyor 20. Below the table 16, a chute 22 is provided. The chute 22 guides the chips flowing from above due to the cleaning process onto the chip conveyor 20.

[0023] In the machining chamber 2, the bottom surfaces on both sides of the table 16 are sloped 24, and are inclined downward toward the chute 22 to facilitate the flow of chips scattered during machining toward the chute 22. Below the machining chamber 2, a chip conveyor 20 is located for collecting chips. After the chips have been flushed away, the coolant is returned to the coolant tank 6 through the coolant circulation path.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3(B), nozzle units 8 for supplying coolant are installed at predetermined locations on the ceiling and sides of the machining chamber 2. The nozzle units 8 are fixed to the outside of the ceiling and sides (outer surface of the device housing). The nozzles 28 of the nozzle units 8 are exposed through openings 29 formed in the ceiling and sides, allowing coolant to be discharged into the machining chamber 2. The nozzles 28 are connected to the coolant tank 6 via piping (not shown). The nozzles 28 are configured to rotate three-dimensionally. By rotating the nozzles 28, the direction of coolant discharge can be controlled. By specifying the orientation of the nozzles 28, coolant can be discharged towards a specific position (target position) within the machining chamber 2. Chips generated by machining the workpiece are washed away by the coolant and transported out of the machining chamber 2 by the chip conveyor 20.

[0025] Multiple cameras 30 are also installed above the processing chamber 2 to capture images of the inside of the processing chamber 2 from above. The cameras 30 constitute the imaging unit 110, capturing images of the workpiece processing status by the tool T, as well as images of the chips generated by the processing (see Figure 2). The imaging unit 110 outputs the captured images to the information processing device 100.

[0026] Each component of the information processing device 100 is realized by hardware including arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various computer processors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software stored in the storage devices that supplies processing instructions to the arithmetic units. The computer program may consist of device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at a higher layer, and libraries that provide common functions to these programs.

[0027] When the machine's internal cleaning is controlled by coolant, the information processing device 100 sets a target position for coolant discharge based on the image acquired from the imaging unit 110. It then outputs a coolant discharge command to the machining control device 102 for the coolant to be discharged towards the target position. This discharge command includes information that identifies the location where the coolant will be discharged (such as information that identifies the discharge path). The machining control device 102 receives this discharge command and drives the nozzle unit 8 to control the discharge of the coolant. Details of the nozzle unit 8 will be described later.

[0028] The spindle unit 10 is a so-called through-spindle coolant system and holds a tool T with an internal passage 32 formed therein for discharging coolant. The tip of the tool T is provided with a discharge port 34 that forms one end of the internal passage 32 and discharges the coolant. The spindle unit 10 has a connecting passage that connects the internal passage 32 of the tool T to the coolant circulation path. By discharging coolant from the tip of the tool T during machining, it is possible to improve machining accuracy, shorten machining time, extend tool life, and improve chip evacuation performance.

[0029] Next, we will describe the specific structure of the nozzle unit 8. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the drive mechanism of the nozzle unit 8. Figure 4(A) is a perspective view, and Figure 4(B) is a side cross-sectional view corresponding to the view in direction A of Figure 4(A). The following explanation will use the case where the nozzle unit 8 is mounted on the ceiling 50 as an example. For the sake of explanation, the directions of the three orthogonal axes (X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) are defined as shown in the figure. The X and Z directions are horizontal directions perpendicular to each other, and the Y direction is the vertical direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4(A), the nozzle unit 8 comprises a nozzle 28 for discharging coolant, a support mechanism 52 for supporting the nozzle 28, a drive unit 54 for driving the support mechanism 52, and a base member 56 to which the drive unit 54 is fixed and which is attached to the device housing. The base member 56 is installed on the upper surface (above the ceiling) of the ceiling 50. The drive unit 54 includes a first motor 53 and a second motor 55. For example, stepping motors can be used as the first motor 53 and the second motor 55. The orientation of the nozzle 28 changes when the support mechanism 52 is driven.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4(B), the nozzle 28 includes a nozzle body 58 in which a coolant flow path 76 is formed, and a guided portion 60 provided at the lower part of the nozzle body 58. The guided portion 60 is spherical, and its center O is the rotation center of the nozzle 28. An opening 62 corresponding to the opening 29 in the ceiling 50 is provided in the central part of the base member 56, and a circular boss-shaped support portion 64 is provided surrounding the opening 62. The nozzle 28 penetrates the base member 56.

[0032] The support portion 64 has a tapered shape that decreases in diameter towards the top, and has an annular guide portion 66 at its upper end. The guide portion 66 has an inner surface having the same curvature as the outer surface of the guided portion 60. This inner surface is in constant contact with the outer surface of the guided portion 60 and functions as a guide surface 68 that supports the guided portion 60 so that it can rotate freely. In other words, the nozzle 28 can rotate (tilt) around the center O as the center of rotation by being assembled so that the guided portion 60 fits into the guide portion 66.

[0033] The first motor 53 has a rotating shaft 53a (output shaft) extending in the Z direction, and a guide member 70 is connected to the tip of the rotating shaft 53a. The guide member 70 is an arch-shaped (semi-circular arc) member with a predetermined width and has a slit 71 along its longitudinal direction. The slit 71 has approximately the same width as the outer diameter of the nozzle body 58 and allows the nozzle body 58 to pass through. The rotating shaft 53a is fixed to one end (one end in the longitudinal direction) of the guide member 70. For the sake of explanation, Figure 4 shows the guide member 70 being cantilevered by the rotating shaft 53a, but in this embodiment it is supported in a double-supported manner (see Figure 6, etc.). With this configuration, by rotating the first motor 53, the guide member 70 can be rotated around the axis of the rotating shaft 53a (see dashed arrow).

[0034] The second motor 55 has a rotating shaft 55a (output shaft) extending in the X direction, and a guide member 72 is connected to the tip of the rotating shaft 55a. The guide member 72 has a structure almost identical to that of the guide member 70, but the radius of curvature of its arch shape is slightly larger than that of the guide member 70. The slit 73 of the guide member 72 also has a width almost the same as the outer diameter of the nozzle body 58, and the nozzle body 58 is inserted through it. The inner diameter of the guide member 72 is configured to be almost equal to the outer diameter of the guide member 70.

[0035] The rotating shaft 55a is fixed to one end (one end in the longitudinal direction) of the guide member 72. For the sake of explanation, Figure 4 shows the guide member 72 being cantilevered by the rotating shaft 55a, but in this embodiment it is supported in a double-supported manner (see Figure 6, etc.). With this configuration, the guide member 72 can be rotated around the axis of the rotating shaft 55a by rotating the second motor 55 (see the dashed arrow). The axes of the rotating shafts of each motor are perpendicular to each other at the center O. The guide members 70, 72 and the support part 64 constitute the support mechanism 52.

[0036] The nozzle body 58 passes through the slit 71 of the guide member 70 and the slit 73 of the guide member 72. A support frame 75, which is square in plan view and surrounded by the slits 71 and 73, guides the nozzle body 58 by fitting onto its side surface. As the guide members 70 and 72 rotate, the support frame 75 displaces in the longitudinal direction of each guide member, guiding the tilting of the nozzle 28. A pipe connection part 74 for connecting to a movable pipe, which will be described later, is provided on the upper part of the nozzle body 58. A flow path 76 for circulating the supplied coolant is formed inside the nozzle body 58.

[0037] By driving the first motor 53 and the second motor 55, respectively, the angle of the nozzle 28 can be changed within a range of ±θ in the X direction and ±θ in the Z direction, with the vertical downward direction as the reference (0 degrees). In this embodiment, θ = 45 degrees, but this angle is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate depending on the target of the coolant discharge. By adjusting the rotation angles in the X and Z directions, the discharge direction (injection direction) of the coolant by the nozzle 28 can be arbitrarily changed. Hereafter, the orientation of the nozzle 28 (i.e., the coolant discharge direction) may be expressed by the nozzle angle (Z direction angle, X direction angle).

[0038] Figures 5 and 6 show the overall configuration of the nozzle unit 8. Figure 5 is a perspective view, and Figure 6 is a plan view. The orientation of Figure 5 is 90 degrees different from that of Figure 4. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the movable piping. As shown in Figure 5, the base member 56 is provided with the drive unit 54 (first motor 53, second motor 55) and support mechanism 52 (guide member 70, guide member 72, support unit 64) described above, as well as a connecting pipe 78, a movable pipe 80, and a control valve 79.

[0039] The connecting pipe 78 is fixed to the base member 56 so as to extend in the X direction, and external piping (not shown) connected to the coolant tank 6 is connected to it. The movable pipe 80 is composed of multiple piping sections connected in series by a swivel joint. One end of the movable pipe 80 is connected to the connecting pipe 78 via a swivel joint, and the other end is connected to the nozzle 28 via a swivel joint. In other words, the movable pipe 80 connects the connecting pipe 78 and the nozzle 28. The control valve 79 is provided integrally with the connecting pipe 78, and the flow path of the connecting pipe 78 can be opened or closed by opening and closing its valve section. In this embodiment, a solenoid-driven electromagnetic valve is used as the control valve 79, but a motor-driven electric valve may also be used.

[0040] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the movable piping 80 is constructed by sequentially connecting a first piping section 81, a second piping section 82, a third piping section 83, and a fourth piping section 84. The first piping section 81 is connected to a connecting pipe 78, and the fourth piping section 84 is connected to a piping connection section 74 of the nozzle 28. These multiple piping sections constituting the movable piping 80 and the nozzle 28 are supported so as to be displaceable relative to the base member 56.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, each piping section is a rigid body made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or a composite material, and does not undergo elastic deformation like a hose. Here, "rigid body" refers to a material that has sufficient rigidity that deformation can be ignored during the operation of the nozzle unit 8. One end of the first piping section 81 is connected to the connecting pipe 78 via a swivel joint 91 (first swivel joint). One end of the second piping section 82 is connected to the other end of the first piping section 81 via a swivel joint 92 (second swivel joint), and one end of the third piping section 83 is connected to the other end of the second piping section 82 via a swivel joint 93 (third swivel joint). One end of the fourth piping section 84 is connected to the other end of the third piping section 83 via a swivel joint 94 (fourth swivel joint), and the other end of the fourth piping section 84 is connected to the piping connection section 74 of the nozzle 28 via a swivel joint 95 (fifth swivel joint).

[0042] Each piping section is configured as an L-shaped pipe, and each has two axes (see dashed line) perpendicular to each other along the flow path. The swivel joint 91 has a rotation axis 91a (first rotation axis) coaxial with the connecting pipe 78. The swivel joint 92 has a rotation axis 92a (second rotation axis) whose axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis 91a. The swivel joint 93 has a rotation axis 93a (third rotation axis) whose axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis 92a. The swivel joint 94 has a rotation axis 94a (fourth rotation axis) whose axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis 93a. The swivel joint 95 has a rotation axis 95a (fifth rotation axis) whose axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis 94a. Therefore, the movable piping 80 and nozzle 28 can perform five-axis motion by coordinating each rotation axis.

[0043] Figures 8 to 11 schematically illustrate the operation of the nozzle unit 8. Figure 8 shows the nozzle angle (0,0), Figure 9 shows the nozzle angle (30,30), Figure 10 shows the nozzle angle (30,-30), and Figure 11 shows the nozzle angle (-45,0). In each figure, (A) is a perspective view, (B) is a side view seen in the X direction, and (C) is a plan view. The orientation of the plan view is 180 degrees different from that of Figure 6.

[0044] As shown in these figures, the orientation (angle) of the nozzle 28, that is, the direction of coolant discharge, can be arbitrarily adjusted by driving the first motor 53 and the second motor 55. The coolant control unit 101 drives the first motor 53 and the second motor 55 and controls the operation of the support mechanism 52 to discharge the coolant toward a predetermined specific position (see Figure 2). At this time, each swivel joint follows the driving of the support mechanism 52 (autonomously linked), maintaining the connection state of each piping section while changing the relative positions of the multiple piping sections.

[0045] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the structure for ensuring the operation of the nozzle 28. Figure 12(A) shows the state with a nozzle angle of (θ, 0), and Figure 12(B) shows the state with a nozzle angle of (-θ, 0). In this embodiment, as described above, the angle of the nozzle 28 is varied within a range of ±θ in the X direction and ±θ in the Z direction, with the vertical downward direction as the reference (0 degrees) (θ = 45 degrees in the illustrated example).

[0046] In order for the support mechanism 52 to operate smoothly in the nozzle unit 8, it is necessary to avoid so-called singularities so that the movement of each swivel joint is not hindered during the driving process of the nozzle 28. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following settings were adopted to achieve this.

[0047] First, as a premise, the nozzle 28 is supported so as to be rotatable about a central axis L0 that passes through the center O and is parallel to the axis L1 of the swivel joint 91. Note that the axis L1 of the swivel joint 91, the axis L3 of the swivel joint 93, and the axis L5 of the swivel joint 95 are indicated in the figure.

[0048] Specifically, during the process in which the nozzle 28 rotates in one direction around the central axis L0 to reach one operating end, the nozzle body 58 and the third piping section 83 are not parallel (Figure 12(A)), and during the process in which the nozzle 28 rotates in the other direction around the central axis L0 to reach the other operating end, the first piping section 81 and the third piping section 83 are not parallel (Figure 12(B)). The lengths of each piping section are set in such a manner.

[0049] In other words, at one operating end, the angle α between the axis of the nozzle body 58 and the axis of the third piping section 83 and the angle β between the axis of the first piping section 81 and the axis of the third piping section 83 should not become too small (Figure 12(A)), and at the other operating end, the angle γ between the axis of the first piping section 81 and the axis of the third piping section 83 should not become too small (Figure 12(B)).

[0050] Further, the distance M between the axis L5 of the swivel joint 95 and the central axis L0 is set to be smaller than both the distance S between the axis L1 of the swivel joint 91 and the axis L3 of the swivel joint 93, and the distance L between the axis L3 of the swivel joint 93 and the axis L5 of the swivel joint 95 (M < S, L). With such a setting, the swing width of the nozzle 28 operating between one operating end and the other operating end can be reduced, and as a result, the lengths of the first pipe portion 81 and the third pipe portion 83 can be reduced. This contributes to the compactification of the nozzle unit 8.

[0051] With such a configuration, singularities can be avoided in the driving process of the nozzle 28, smooth movement of each swivel joint can be ensured, and the angle of the nozzle 28 can be arbitrarily controlled.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the effects of the embodiment. FIG. 13(A) shows the operating range of the movable pipe 80 in the nozzle unit 8 of the present embodiment. FIG. 13(B) shows the operating range of the hose 280 in the nozzle unit 208 of the comparative example. The comparative example adopts the configuration of Patent Document 1. In each figure, the operating range of the nozzle unit is indicated by a two-dot chain line region.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 13(A), according to the present embodiment, the movable pipe 80 is constituted by a plurality of pipe portions that are rigid bodies, and each pipe portion can operate smoothly by a plurality of swivel joints. Therefore, by setting each pipe portion to the minimum necessary length, the operating range of the movable pipe 80 in the nozzle unit 8 can be suppressed to be small.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(B), in the nozzle unit 208 of the comparative example, since it is necessary to ensure the minimum bending radius of the hose 280, there is a limit to shortening the hose 280. Therefore, the operating range of the hose 280 becomes significantly larger compared to the present embodiment. That is, according to the present embodiment, the operating range of the nozzle unit can be suppressed to be smaller than the configuration adopting the conventional hose. As a result, space saving can be realized when installing the nozzle unit on the machine tool.

[0055] The machine tool has been described above based on the embodiments. In this embodiment, the movable piping 80 connecting the connecting pipe 78 to which the external piping is connected and the nozzle 28 is composed of multiple piping sections 81 to 84. These piping sections 81 to 84 are connected in series by swivel joints 92 to 94. The first piping section 81 is connected to the connecting pipe 78 via swivel joint 91, and the fourth piping section 84 is connected to the nozzle 28 via swivel joint 95. Each swivel joint moves in accordance with the drive of the support mechanism 52. At that time, the multiple piping sections 81 to 84 maintain their connection state while changing their relative positions. This ensures the smooth operation of the nozzle 28. Furthermore, by setting each piping section to a sufficiently long length, the operating range of the entire nozzle unit 8 can be reduced, and its installation space can be reduced. In addition, by providing the control valve 79 as part of the nozzle unit 8 rather than as part of the external piping, space saving for the entire coolant supply device 5 can be achieved.

[0056] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the nozzle unit 8 is installed on the ceiling of the processing chamber 2. In a modified example, it may be installed on the side of the processing chamber 2. In that case, the base member 56 is fixed to the outer surface of the side wall of the processing chamber 2, and the nozzle 28 is exposed through an opening provided in the side wall.

[0057] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the connecting pipe 78 is arranged horizontally, that is, parallel to the bottom surface of the base member 56. In a modified example, the connecting pipe 78 may be arranged vertically, that is, perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base member 56. However, considering the routing of the external piping extending from the coolant tank, it is preferable to arrange the connecting pipe 78 horizontally as in the above embodiment from the viewpoint of saving space. Alternatively, space saving may be achieved by configuring the connecting pipe as an L-shaped pipe.

[0058] In the above embodiment, a configuration was illustrated in which coolant is discharged toward a specific position set in the processing chamber 2. In a modified example, a specific position may be set in the pallet exchange chamber or other part of the machine, and coolant may be discharged therefrom. In that case, the nozzle unit 8 is arranged in the device housing so that the nozzle 28 is exposed inside that part of the machine. The pallet exchange chamber is a space for exchanging pallets to which workpieces are attached.

[0059] In the above embodiment, a five-axis structure with five swivel joints is shown as the piping structure of the nozzle unit 8, but a three-axis structure, a four-axis structure, or other piping structures may be adopted. For example, a three-axis structure may be adopted when it is acceptable to limit the degree of freedom of the nozzle to some extent, such as limiting the tilting direction of the nozzle to either the X or Z direction. In that case, the movable piping may be composed of a first piping section and a second piping section, and these may be connected by a single swivel joint (second swivel joint). One end of the movable piping is connected to a connecting pipe via a swivel joint (first swivel joint), and the other end is connected to the nozzle via a swivel joint (third swivel joint). Alternatively, a structure with six or more axes (a structure with six or more swivel joints) may be adopted to realize more complex nozzle operation.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the machine tool 1 was described as a multi-tasking machine, but it may also be a turning center or a machining center. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a machine tool was used as an example of how the nozzle unit 8 can be applied, but it can be applied to other devices as long as the nozzle unit is installed on them.

[0061] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and the components can be modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments and modifications described above. In addition, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments and modifications described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 Machine tool, 2 Machining chamber, 5 Coolant supply device, 6 Coolant tank, 8 Nozzle unit, 10 Spindle unit, 28 Nozzle, 29 Opening, 30 Camera, 50 Ceiling, 52 Support mechanism, 53 First motor, 53a Rotating shaft, 54 Drive unit, 55 Second motor, 55a Rotating shaft, 56 Base member, 58 Nozzle body, 60 Guided part, 62 Opening, 64 Support part, 66 Guide part, 68 Guide surface, 70 Guide member, 71 Slit, 72 Guide member, 73 Slit, 74 Pipe connection part, 75 Support frame, 76 Flow path, 78 Connecting pipe, 79 Control valve, 80 Movable piping, 81 First piping section, 82 Second piping section, 83 Third piping section, 84 Fourth piping section, 91 Swivel joint, 91a Rotating shaft, 92 Swivel joint, 92a Rotating shaft, 93; Swivel joint, 93a; Rotating shaft, 94; Swivel joint, 94a; Rotating shaft, 95; Swivel joint, 95a; Rotating shaft, 100; Information processing device, 101; Coolant control unit, 102; Machining control device, 104; Machining device, T; Tool.

Claims

1. A nozzle unit for a machine tool that discharges coolant toward a specific position in the machining chamber of the machine tool, A connecting pipe to which external piping connected to the coolant supply source is connected, A nozzle that discharges the supplied coolant, A movable pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the nozzle, A support mechanism for supporting the nozzle, A drive unit that changes the orientation of the nozzle by driving the support mechanism, Equipped with, The movable piping is configured by connecting multiple piping sections in series by one or more swivel joints, with one end connected to the connecting pipe via a swivel joint and the other end connected to the nozzle via a swivel joint. The plurality of piping sections are connected to the nozzle, adjacent piping sections, or connecting pipes, respectively, in such a manner that the rotation axis of the swivel joint located at one end and the rotation axis of the swivel joint located at the other end are perpendicular to each other. A nozzle unit for a machine tool, wherein each swivel joint moves in accordance with the drive of the support mechanism, maintaining the connection state while changing the relative positions of the multiple piping sections.

2. The nozzle unit for a machine tool according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of piping sections is a rigid body.

3. comprising a base member that is attached to the housing of the machine tool, The connecting pipe, the support mechanism, and the drive unit are provided on the base member. The nozzle penetrates the base member, The nozzle unit for a machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of piping sections constituting the movable piping and the nozzle are supported so as to be displaceable relative to the base member.

4. The system further includes a control valve capable of opening or closing the flow path of the connecting pipe, The nozzle unit for a machine tool according to claim 3, wherein the control valve is provided on the base member.

5. A nozzle unit for discharging coolant toward a specific position, A connecting pipe to which external piping connected to the coolant supply source is connected, A nozzle that discharges the supplied coolant, A movable pipe connecting the connecting pipe and the nozzle, A support mechanism for supporting the nozzle, A drive unit that changes the orientation of the nozzle by driving the support mechanism, Equipped with, The movable piping is configured by connecting multiple piping sections in series by one or more swivel joints, with one end connected to the connecting pipe via a swivel joint and the other end connected to the nozzle via a swivel joint. As the support mechanism is driven, each swivel joint moves in response, maintaining the connection state while changing the relative positions of the multiple piping sections. The aforementioned movable piping is The first piping section is connected to the aforementioned connecting pipe via a first swivel joint, The first piping section and the second piping section connected via a second swivel joint, The third piping section is connected to the second piping section via a third swivel joint, The third piping section and the fourth piping section connected via the fourth swivel joint, Includes, The fourth piping section is connected to the nozzle via a fifth swivel joint. The first swivel joint has a first rotation axis that is coaxial with the connecting pipe, The second swivel joint has a second rotation axis whose axis is perpendicular to the first rotation axis. The third swivel joint has a third rotation axis whose axis is perpendicular to the second rotation axis. The fourth swivel joint has a fourth rotation axis whose axis is perpendicular to the third rotation axis. The nozzle unit has a fifth swivel joint whose axis is perpendicular to the fourth rotation axis.

6. The nozzle is supported so as to be rotatable around a central axis passing through the center of rotation, The nozzle unit according to claim 5, wherein the length of each piping section is set such that the nozzle and the third piping section are not parallel during the process in which the nozzle rotates in one direction about the central axis to reach one operating end, and the length of each piping section is set such that the first piping section and the third piping section are not parallel during the process in which the nozzle rotates in the other direction about the central axis to reach the other operating end.

7. The nozzle unit according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the axis of the fifth swivel joint and the central axis is smaller than the distance between the axis of the first swivel joint and the axis of the third swivel joint, and the distance between the axis of the third swivel joint and the axis of the fifth swivel joint.

8. A machine tool comprising the nozzle unit described in claim 1.

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