Flow path unit and coolant system

Abstract

In this flow path unit, a main flow path connecting an input port and a main output port, and a sub-output port are formed. The flow path unit includes a guide part which is connected to a main flow path wall surface forming the main flow path. When the flow rate of a liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount, the guide part guides the liquid in the main flow path to a sub output port different from the main output port.

Description

Flow path unit and coolant system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path unit and a coolant system.

[0002] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3189601 discloses a system including a secondary tank, a cyclone filter, and a tertiary tank. The secondary tank stores coolant containing chips. The cyclone filter separates the chips from the coolant sent from the secondary tank. The tertiary tank stores the coolant from which the chips have been separated by the cyclone filter.

[0003] However, if the cyclone filter does not separate the chips sufficiently, the chips will end up in the tertiary tank.

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure is a flow path unit having an input port, a main output port, and a main flow path connecting the input port and the main output port, wherein a sub-output port is formed in the flow path unit, and the flow path unit includes a guide portion connected to a main flow path wall surface that forms the main flow path, and when a flow rate of liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount, the guide portion guides the liquid in the main flow path to the sub-output port that is different from the main output port.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a coolant system including the above-described passage unit and a separation device that separates machining chips contained in the coolant of a machine tool.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coolant system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flow path unit of a first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the first embodiment is low, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the first embodiment is high. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow path unit of a second embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the second embodiment is low, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the second embodiment is high. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow path unit of a third embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the third embodiment is low, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the third embodiment is high. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow path unit of a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the fourth embodiment is low, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a liquid flow when the flow rate in the flow path unit of the fourth embodiment is high.

[0007] Separation devices such as cyclone filters tend to insufficiently separate machining debris when starting up or shutting down their operation. As a result, the coolant discharged from the separation device contains machining debris. This results in the coolant being mixed into the storage tank (or the tertiary tank in the case of Utility Model Registration No. 3189601) that stores the coolant discharged from the separation device.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment for reducing the inclusion of processing waste in the storage tank will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coolant system 10. The coolant system 10 separates machining debris generated by machining on a machine tool 12 from coolant containing the machining debris, and supplies the coolant from which the machining debris has been separated to the machine tool 12. Examples of machine tools 12 include cutting machines, lathes, and grinding machines. The coolant is a liquid. Generally, a liquid in which a water-soluble agent is dissolved in water is used as the coolant. The coolant is used to improve machining performance when machining is performed by the machine tool 12, to cool down machining heat, or to discharge machining debris generated during machining outside the machine.

[0010] The coolant system 10 includes a first liquid tank 14 , a second liquid tank 16 , a coolant receiving member 18 , a first liquid pressure feed pump 20 , a second liquid pressure feed pump 22 , a feed pump 24 , and a separator 26 .

[0011] The first liquid tank 14 is a tank that stores coolant containing machining debris. The first liquid tank 14 is divided into a dirty tank 14_1 and a primary clean tank 14_2 by a porous filter member 28. The dirty tank 14_1 and the primary clean tank 14_2 are connected via the porous filter member 28. The porous filter member 28 divides the first liquid tank 14 into the dirty tank 14_1 and the primary clean tank 14_2. The porous filter member 28 captures machining debris contained in the coolant stored in the dirty tank 14_1. As a result, the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 is coolant from which machining debris has been removed. However, the porous filter member 28 cannot completely capture machining debris. Therefore, the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 contains machining debris. However, the amount of machining debris contained in the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 is smaller than the amount of machining debris contained in the coolant stored in the dirty tank 14_1.

[0012] The second liquid tank 16 is a storage tank (secondary clean tank) that stores the coolant discharged from the separator 26. The coolant stored in the second liquid tank 16 contains almost no machining debris, and the amount of machining debris is far less than the amount of machining debris contained in the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2.

[0013] The coolant receiving member 18 is a member for receiving the coolant discharged from the machine tool 12 and sending the coolant to the dirty tank 14_1. The coolant discharged from the machine tool 12 contains machining debris. The coolant receiving member 18 is installed, for example, on the top plate of the first liquid tank 14.

[0014] The first fluid pressure feed pump 20 is a pump that pressure-feeds the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 to the machine tool 12. The first fluid pressure feed pump 20 is installed, for example, on the top plate of the first fluid tank 14. Although the number of first fluid pressure feed pumps 20 is two in FIG. 1 , the number may be one, or three or more. The coolant pressure-feeded to the machine tool 12 by the first fluid pressure feed pump 20 is discharged, for example, to a splash guard of the machine tool 12.

[0015] The second hydraulic pressure feed pump 22 is a pump that pressure-feeds the coolant stored in the second hydraulic tank 16 to the machine tool 12. The second hydraulic pressure feed pump 22 is installed, for example, on the top plate of the second hydraulic tank 16. Although the number of second hydraulic pressure feed pumps 22 is one in FIG. 1 , two or more second hydraulic pressure feed pumps 22 may be installed. The coolant pressure-feeded to the machine tool 12 by the second hydraulic pressure feed pump 22 is discharged, for example, to the machining portion of the workpiece. In this case, the coolant flows, for example, through a through-hole in a tool attached to the spindle, and is discharged to the machining portion.

[0016] The feed pump 24 is a pump that pressure-feeds the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 to the separator 26. The feed pump 24 is installed, for example, on the top plate of the first liquid tank 14. The feed pump 24 supplies the coolant stored in the primary clean tank 14_2 to the separator 26 via an input pipe 40.

[0017] The first hydraulic pump 20, the second hydraulic pump 22 and the feed pump 24 may be of a positive displacement or non-positive displacement construction.

[0018] The separator 26 is a separator that separates machining debris contained in the coolant. The separator 26 may be a cyclone filter. The separator 26 separates machining debris contained in the coolant supplied from the primary clean tank 14_2 via an input pipeline 40, and supplies the coolant from which the machining debris has been separated to an output pipeline 42.

[0019] When the supply of coolant from the primary clean tank 14_2 begins, the separator 26 starts operating, and its ability to separate machining debris gradually increases. When the supply of coolant from the primary clean tank 14_2 stops, its ability to separate machining debris gradually decreases, and eventually the separator 26 stops operating. The separator 26 has an input section 30, a clean output section 32, a dirty output section 34, a main body section 36, and a dust section 38.

[0020] The input unit 30 is provided, for example, on the upper side of the main body 36. The input unit 30 is connected to an input pipe 40 and communicates with the feed pump 24. The clean output unit 32 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the main body 36 and connected to an output pipe 42. The dirty output unit 34 is provided, for example, on the lower part of the main body 36 and communicates with the dust unit 38.

[0021] The main body 36 is a part that performs the process of separating the machining debris from the coolant. When coolant begins to flow in from the input unit 30, the main body 36 begins the process of separating the machining debris from the coolant. In this case, the amount of coolant supplied from the clean output unit 32 to the output pipe 42 gradually increases. When the coolant flowing in from the input unit 30 stops, the main body 36 ends the process of separating the machining debris from the coolant. In this case, the amount of coolant supplied to the output pipe 42 gradually decreases, and then the supply of coolant to the output pipe 42 stops.

[0022] When the separator 26 is a cyclone filter, the main body 36 separates the machining debris from the coolant by centrifugal force. In this case, the coolant flowing in from the input portion 30 rotates in the main body 36. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the machining debris contained in the coolant to settle downward while agglomerating near the outer wall of the cyclone filter, and then flows out into the dust portion 38 together with some of the coolant via the dirty output portion 34. As a result, the center of the cyclone filter is almost free of machining debris, and clean coolant is supplied from the clean output portion 32 to the output line 42.

[0023] The output pipe 42 or the clean output section 32 is provided with a flow path unit 50. Fig. 1 shows a case where the flow path unit 50 is provided in the output pipe 42. An embodiment of the flow path unit 50 will be described below.

[0024] [First embodiment] The flow path unit 50 is a fixed, immovable structure that does not deform in response to the coolant. The flow path unit 50 does not include a valve body. In the following description, an upward direction and a downward direction are defined. The upward direction is the direction opposite to the direction in which gravity acts. The downward direction is the direction in which gravity acts. As shown in FIG. 2 , the flow path unit 50 includes a flow path forming block 52 and a guide portion 54.

[0025] The flow passage forming block 52 is a member having a flow passage 56 formed therein. The flow passage forming block 52 is attached to a portion of the output pipe 42 where the coolant is guided from the upper side to the lower side.

[0026] The flow path 56 has a main flow path 58 and a sub-flow path 60. The main flow path 58 communicates between an input port 62 and a main output port 64. The input port 62 is located on the upper surface of the flow path forming block 52. The input port 62 is connected to the output pipe 42. The coolant supplied from the separation device 26 flows into the input port 62.

[0027] The main output port 64 is disposed below the input port 62. The main output port 64 is located on the upper surface of the flow passage forming block 52. The main flow passage 58 extends in one direction from the input port 62 to the main output port 64.

[0028] The sub-flow passage 60 communicates between the main flow passage 58 and the sub-output port 66. The sub-flow passage 60 is formed so as to surround the main flow passage 58. The sub-output port 66 is located in a part of the side surface of the flow passage forming block 52 between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0029] In this embodiment, the flow path 56 has a first flow path 68, a second flow path 70, and a third flow path 72. The first flow path 68 communicates with the input port 62. The second flow path 70 is spaced apart from the first flow path 68. The second flow path 70 communicates with the main output port 64. The outer shapes of the first flow path 68 and the second flow path 70 are, for example, cylindrical.

[0030] The third flow path 72 connects the first flow path 68 and the second flow path 70. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 72 increases from the first flow path 68 toward the second flow path 70. The external shape of the third flow path 72 is, for example, a truncated cone shape.

[0031] The upper end (upstream end) of the third flow path 72 is located at the lower end (downstream end) of the first flow path 68. The lower end (downstream end) of the third flow path 72 is located between the upper end (upstream end) of the second flow path 70 and the lower end (downstream end) of the second flow path 70. The upper end of the second flow path 70 is inserted into the third flow path 72, and a partition 73 is provided around the upper end. Because the upper end of the second flow path 70 is inserted into the third flow path 72, the third flow path 72 is wider than the second flow path 70. In other words, the second flow path 70 is included within the range of the downstream end of the third flow path 72.

[0032] The main flow path 58 includes a first flow path 68, a second flow path 70, and a central region AR1 of a third flow path 72. On the other hand, the sub-flow path 60 includes an outer peripheral region AR2 of the third flow path 72.

[0033] The guide portion 54 is connected to a main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the main flow path 58. A connection portion PT between the guide portion 54 and the main flow path wall surface 58F is located above the sub-output port 66.

[0034] In this embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a sub-channel wall surface 60F that forms the sub-channel 60. The sub-channel wall surface 60F is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0035] As described above, when the separation device 26 starts up or stops operating, the flow rate of the coolant supplied from the separation device 26 to the output pipe 42 is smaller than that during the operating period of the separation device 26. The operating period is the period from when the start-up process of the separation device 26 is completed to when the stop process of the separation device 26 is initiated.

[0036] When the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 via the output pipe 42 is less than a predetermined amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant is dominant. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A , the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the first flow path 68 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub-flow path 60 to a sub-output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out from the sub-output port 66 is supplied to the primary clean tank 14_2. The coolant flowing out from the sub-output port 66 may also be supplied to the coolant receiving member 18 or the dirty tank 14_1.

[0037] On the other hand, when the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds a predetermined amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant no longer acts dominantly. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3B, the coolant does not flow from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the first flow path 68 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) due to the coolant's own surface tension, but instead flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out from the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16.

[0038] In this way, in the passage unit 50, when the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port 62 is less than a predetermined amount, the guide portion 54 can guide the coolant in the main passage 58 to a sub-output port 66 different from the main output port 64.

[0039] Second Embodiment Next, a flow path unit 50 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, components equivalent to those described above will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0040] In this embodiment, the flow passage forming block 52 is attached to a portion of the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant from the lower side to the upper side. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the relationship between the input port 62 and the main output port 64 is opposite to that in the first embodiment. That is, the main output port 64 is located above the input port 62. The input port 62 is located on the lower surface of the flow passage forming block 52 and is connected to the upstream portion of the output pipe 42. The main output port 64 is located on the upper surface of the flow passage forming block 52 and is connected to the downstream portion of the output pipe 42.

[0041] The flow path forming block 52 may be provided in the separation device 26 as a component of the separation device 26, instead of the output pipe 42. In this case, for example, the input port 62 is connected to the downstream end of the clean output section 32, and the main output port 64 is connected to the upstream end of the output pipe 42.

[0042] In this embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a sub-channel wall surface 60F, as in the first embodiment. The sub-channel wall surface 60F extends from the main channel 58 in a direction generally perpendicular to the extension direction of the main channel 58 and is not inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. However, the sub-channel wall surface 60F may be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, as in the first embodiment.

[0043] When the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 through the output pipe 42 is less than a predetermined amount, surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant prevails, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A , the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub-flow path 60 to a sub-output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out from the sub-output port 66 is supplied to the primary clean tank 14_2. The coolant flowing out from the sub-output port 66 may be supplied to the coolant receiving member 18 or the dirty tank 14_1. Even if the amount of coolant supplied from the input port 62 is greater than a predetermined amount, if the amount of coolant supplied from the input port 62 is less than the amount of coolant discharged from the sub-output port 66, the coolant flows to the sub-output port 66.

[0044] On the other hand, when the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds a predetermined amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant does not act dominantly. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5B, the coolant flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64 due to its own surface tension, without flowing from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54). The coolant flowing out from the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16.

[0045] In this way, in the passage unit 50 , even if the coolant flows in an upward direction, the guide portion 54 can guide the coolant in the main passage 58 to the sub-output port 66 .

[0046] The flow path unit 50 of this embodiment may be attached to a portion of the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant horizontally. In this case, the arrangement of the flow path unit 50 is rotated by 90 degrees from that shown in FIG. 4. The flow path unit 50 of this embodiment may also be disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0047] Third Embodiment Next, a flow path unit 50 according to a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, components equivalent to those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0048] The flow passage forming block 52 is attached to a portion of the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant horizontally. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the extension direction of the main flow passage 58 is horizontal. The input port 62 is located on a first side surface between the upper and lower surfaces of the flow passage forming block 52, and is connected to an upstream portion of the output pipe 42. The main output port 64 is located on a second side surface of the flow passage forming block 52 opposite the first side surface, and is connected to a downstream portion of the output pipe 42. The sub-flow passage 60 extends downward from the main flow passage 58.

[0049] In this embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a sub-passage wall surface 60F, similar to the first embodiment. The sub-passage wall surface 60F is inclined so as to be positioned lower as it goes downstream.

[0050] When the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 through the output pipe 42 is less than a predetermined amount, surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant prevails, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A , the coolant flows from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54) of the sub-flow path 60 to a sub-output port 66 different from the main output port 64. The coolant flowing out from the sub-output port 66 is supplied to the primary clean tank 14_2. Even if the amount of coolant supplied from the input port 62 is greater than a predetermined amount, if the amount of coolant supplied from the input port 62 is less than the amount of coolant discharged from the sub-output port 66, the coolant flows to the sub-output port 66.

[0051] On the other hand, when the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds a predetermined amount, the surface tension between the flow path wall surface and the coolant does not dominate. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7B, the coolant flows along the main flow path 58 to the main output port 64 due to its own surface tension, without flowing from the main flow path wall surface 58F of the main flow path 58 along the sub-flow path wall surface 60F (guide portion 54). The coolant flowing out from the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16.

[0052] In this way, in the passage unit 50, even if the coolant flows in the horizontal direction, the guide portion 54 can guide the coolant in the main passage 58 to the sub-output port 66.

[0053] The flow path unit 50 of this embodiment may be attached to a portion of the output pipe 42 that guides the coolant from the upper side to the lower side. In this case, the arrangement of the flow path unit 50 is rotated by 90 degrees from that shown in FIG. 6. The flow path unit 50 of this embodiment may also be arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0054] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a flow path unit 50 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, components equivalent to those described above will be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 8 , in this embodiment, the main flow path 58 has a first flow path 68A, a second flow path 70A, and a third flow path 72A. The first flow path 68A communicates with the input port 62. The second flow path 70A is separated from the first flow path 68A. The second flow path 70A communicates with the main output port 64. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 70A is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 68A. Note that Fig. 8 shows an example in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 70A is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path 68A.

[0056] The third flow path 72A connects the first flow path 68A and the second flow path 70A. The upper end (upstream end) of the third flow path 72A is connected to the lower end (downstream end) of the first flow path 68A. The lower end (downstream end) of the third flow path 72A is connected to the upper end (upstream end) of the second flow path 70A. The third flow path 72A communicates with the sub-output port 66. The sub-output port 66 is located below the guide portion 54. The sub-output port 66 is located on a side surface between the upper and lower surfaces of the flow path forming block 52. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 72A is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path 70A. In other words, the third flow path 72A is formed wider than the first flow path 68A and the second flow path 70A.

[0057] In this embodiment, the guide portion 54 is a rod-shaped member 74. The rod-shaped member 74 is disposed in the third flow path 72A in a state inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. The upper end of the rod-shaped member 74 is connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F that forms the third flow path 72A. The lower end of the rod-shaped member 74 is not connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F and is located within the third flow path 72A.

[0058] The rod-shaped member 74 extends toward the sub-output port 66. The sub-output port 66 is disposed below the lower end of the rod-shaped member 74. The rod-shaped member 74 passes through a virtual flow path VC that extends downward along the first flow path 68A.

[0059] In this embodiment, the flow path unit 50 includes a liquid receiving portion 76 and a flow stopper portion 78 in addition to the rod-shaped member 74 (see FIG. 8 ). The liquid receiving portion 76 is a portion that receives the coolant guided to the rod-shaped member 74. The liquid receiving portion 76 is located below the lower end of the rod-shaped member 74 and is connected to the sub-output port 66.

[0060] The liquid receiving portion 76 is a wall surface area AR of the main flow path wall surface 58F that defines the third flow path 72A. The wall surface area AR extends in a generally horizontal direction from the sub-flow path 60 toward the third flow path 72A. The wall surface area AR may be inclined downward as it approaches the sub-flow path 60.

[0061] The flow stopper 78 is a portion that stops the flow of the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion 76 toward the main output port 64. The flow stopper 78 is located at the edge of the wall area AR, and protrudes upward from the wall area AR.

[0062] In this embodiment, the coolant supplied to the input port 62 via the output pipe 42 passes through the first flow path 68A and comes into contact with the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54). When the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 is less than a predetermined amount, surface tension prevails between the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54) and the coolant, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A , the coolant received by the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54) flows along the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54) and falls into the liquid receiving portion 76 (wall surface area AR). The coolant received by the liquid receiving portion 76 (wall surface area AR) flows out of the sub-output port 66. The coolant flowing out of the sub-output port 66 is supplied to the primary clean tank 14_2.

[0063] On the other hand, when the flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 exceeds a predetermined amount, surface tension no longer acts dominantly between the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54) and the coolant. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B , the coolant received by the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54) flows toward the second flow path 70A without flowing along the rod-shaped member 74 (guide portion 54). The coolant that flows into the second flow path 70A flows out from the main output port 64. The coolant that flows out from the main output port 64 is supplied to the second liquid tank 16.

[0064] In this way, in the passage unit 50, even if the sub-passage 60 is not formed, the guide portion 54 can guide the coolant in the main passage 58 to the sub-output port 66. Note that in the present embodiment, the sub-passage 60 may be formed. For example, the sub-passage 60 is formed between the liquid receiving portion 76 and the sub-output port 66.

[0065] As described above, the flow path unit 50 of the first to fourth embodiments includes the guide portion 54 connected to the main flow path wall surface 58F. When the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port 62 is less than a predetermined amount, the guide portion 54 guides the coolant in the main flow path 58 to the sub-output port 66, which is different from the main output port 64.

[0066] This allows the destination of the coolant discharged from the flow path unit 50 to be automatically switched, even without a valve, when the separator 26 is operating and when the separator 26 starts or stops operating. Therefore, clean coolant from which machining debris has been sufficiently separated by the separator 26 can be discharged from the flow path unit 50 to a specific destination.

[0067] The connection portion PT between the guide portion 54 and the main flow path wall surface 58F may be located upstream of the sub-output port 66. This makes it easier to guide the coolant, the liquid flow rate of which is less than a predetermined amount, supplied to the input port 62 to the sub-output port 66 due to surface tension.

[0068] The guide portion 54 may be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, so that coolant supplied to the input port 62 at a flow rate less than a predetermined amount can be easily guided to the sub-output port 66 by surface tension.

[0069] The passage unit 50 is formed with a sub-passage 60 that connects the main passage 58 and the sub-output port 66, and the guide portion 54 may be a sub-passage wall surface 60F that forms the sub-passage 60. This allows the structure of the passage unit 50 to be simple while still allowing the coolant discharge destination to be switched.

[0070] The main flow path 58 includes a first flow path 68, a second flow path 70, and a central region AR1 of a third flow path 72, and the sub-flow path 60 may include an outer peripheral region AR2 other than the central region AR1 of the third flow path 72. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 72 increases toward the second flow path 70, and the second flow path 70 is included within the range of the downstream end of the third flow path 72. The sub-flow path wall surface 60F is a wall surface that forms the third flow path 72. This allows the coolant discharge destination to be switched depending on the flow path 56 formed inside the flow path unit 50.

[0071] The guide portion 54 may be a rod-shaped member 74 that is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. This makes it possible to switch the discharge destination of the coolant even if the sub-flow passage 60 is not formed.

[0072] The passage unit 50 may include a liquid receiving portion 76 located below the lower end of the rod-shaped member 74, connected to the sub-output port 66, and configured to receive the coolant guided to the rod-shaped member 74, and a flow stopper 78 configured to stop the coolant received by the liquid receiving portion 76 from flowing toward the main output port 64. This makes it easier to guide the coolant, when the liquid flow rate of the coolant supplied to the input port 62 is less than a predetermined amount, to the sub-output port 66 due to surface tension.

[0073] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 1) The present disclosure provides a flow path unit (50) having an input port (62), a main output port (64), and a main flow path (58) connecting the input port and the main output port, wherein a sub-output port (66) is formed in the flow path unit, and the flow path unit includes a guide portion (54) connected to a main flow path wall surface (58F) that forms the main flow path, and wherein the guide portion guides the liquid in the main flow path to the sub-output port, which is different from the main output port, when the flow rate of liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount.

[0075] (Supplementary Note 2) In the flow path unit according to Supplementary Note 1, a connection portion (PT) between the guide portion and the main flow path wall surface may be located in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity relative to the sub-output port.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 3) In the flow path unit according to Supplementary Note 2, the guide portion may be inclined with respect to a direction of gravity.

[0077] (Appendix 4) In the flow path unit described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, a sub-flow path (60) that connects the main flow path and the sub-output port is formed in the flow path unit, and the guide portion may be a sub-flow path wall surface (60F) that forms the sub-flow path.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 5) In the flow path unit described in Supplementary Note 4, a first flow path (68), a second flow path (70), and a third flow path (72) connecting the first flow path and the second flow path are formed in the flow path unit, a cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path increases toward the second flow path, the second flow path is included within a range of a downstream end of the third flow path, the main flow path includes the first flow path, the second flow path, and a central region (AR1) of the third flow path, the sub-flow path includes an outer peripheral region (AR2) other than the central region of the third flow path constituting the main flow path, and the sub-flow path wall surface may be a wall surface forming the third flow path.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 6) In the flow path unit according to Supplementary Note 3, the guide portion may be a rod-shaped member (74), and the rod-shaped member may be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0080] (Appendix 7) The flow path unit described in Appendix 6 may include a liquid receiving portion (76) located below the lower end of the rod-shaped member, connected to the sub-output port, and configured to receive the liquid guided to the rod-shaped member, and a flow stopping portion (78) configured to stop the flow of the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion to the main output port.

[0081] (Appendix 8) The present disclosure is a coolant system (10) including a flow path unit according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 and a separation device (26) that separates machining chips contained in the coolant of a machine tool (12).

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0083] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Coolant system 12...Machine tool 14...First liquid tank 16...Second liquid tank 18...Coolant receiving member 20...First liquid pressure feed pump 22...Second liquid pressure feed pump 24...Feed pump 26...Separator 50...Flow path unit 52...Flow path forming block 54...Guide portion 56...Flow path 58...Main flow path 60...Sub-flow path 62...Input port 64...Main output port 66...Sub-output port 68, 68A...First flow path 70, 70A...Second flow path 72, 72A...Third flow path 74...Rod-shaped member 76...Liquid receiving portion 78...Flow stop portion

Claims

1. A flow path unit including an input port, a main output port, and a main flow path connecting the input port and the main output port, a sub-output port is formed in the flow path unit; the flow path unit includes a guide portion connected to a main flow path wall surface that forms the main flow path, The guide portion guides the liquid in the main flow path to the sub-output port different from the main output port when the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the input port is less than a predetermined amount.

2. The flow path unit according to claim 1 , a connecting portion between the guide portion and the main flow path wall surface is located in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity relative to the sub-output port;

3. The flow path unit according to claim 2, The guide portion is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

4. The flow path unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a sub-flow passage that communicates the main flow passage with the sub-output port is formed in the flow passage unit; The guide portion is a sub-channel wall surface that forms the sub-channel.

5. The flow path unit according to claim 4, The flow path unit is formed with a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, The third flow path has a cross-sectional area that increases toward the second flow path, the second flow path is included within a range of the downstream end of the third flow path, the main flow path includes the first flow path, the second flow path, and a central region of the third flow path; the sub-channel includes an outer peripheral region other than the central region of the third channel constituting the main channel, The sub-channel wall surface is a wall surface that forms the third channel.

6. The flow path unit according to claim 3 , the guide portion is a rod-shaped member, The flow path unit, wherein the rod-shaped member is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

7. The flow path unit according to claim 6, The flow path unit is located below the lower end of the rod-shaped member, is connected to the sub-output port, and comprises: a liquid receiving portion that receives the liquid guided to the rod-shaped member; and a flow stopping portion that stops the flow of the liquid received by the liquid receiving portion to the main output port.

8. A coolant system comprising: the flow path unit according to claim 1; and a separation device that separates machining chips contained in the coolant of a machine tool.