Grinding fluid injection device

Abstract

A first nozzle of a grinding fluid injection device according to the present invention is configured so as to be able to inject a left swirling flow, which is generated by a left swirling flow generating unit, onto a left corner portion, and the periphery thereof, of a grindstone at a contact start point. A second nozzle is configured so as to be able to inject a non-swirl flow, which is generated by a non-swirl flow generating unit, onto a grinding surface, and the periphery thereof, at the contact start point. A third nozzle is configured so as to be able to inject a right swirling flow, which is generated by a right swirling flow generating unit, onto a right corner, and the periphery thereof, of the grindstone at the contact start point.

Description

Grinding fluid spray device

[0001] The present invention relates to a grinding fluid injection device that injects a grinding fluid onto a grinding wheel of a grinding device.

[0002] A grinding fluid spraying device that sprays grinding fluid onto the grinding wheel of the grinding device is attached. By spraying grinding fluid onto the grinding wheel from the grinding fluid spraying device, it is possible to cool the grinding wheel and remove chips adhering to the grinding surface (peripheral surface) of the grinding wheel. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A , the grinding fluid spraying device sprays grinding fluid pressurized by a pump or the like from a nozzle 911 arranged near the grinding wheel 921 (jet flow JS). As indicated by arrow E1, the grinding fluid is sprayed onto the rotating grinding wheel 921 at the starting point of contact between the grinding surface (peripheral surface) 921a of the grinding wheel 921 and the workpiece 950, or at a location upstream of that point in the rotational direction. The applicant of the present application has previously proposed such a grinding fluid spraying device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The grinding fluid injection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to split the grinding fluid supplied from a supply source into two, generating a left-handed swirling flow and a right-handed swirling flow, and then cause the two swirling flows to collide and mix, resulting in a non-swirling jet flow that is injected onto the grinding surface (outer peripheral surface) of the grinding wheel.

[0004] The grinding fluid jetting device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 jets a non-swirling jet flow onto the grinding surface of the grinding wheel, thereby making it possible to supply the grinding fluid uniformly across the width of the grinding surface.

[0005] However, it is believed that there is room for improvement in the conventional techniques including the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0006] 9B , when the grinding wheel 921 is viewed from the front, with the contact area with the workpiece 950 being viewed from the upstream side of the grinding wheel 921 in the rotation direction, the jet flow JS from the nozzle 911 is sprayed onto the grinding surface 921a of the grinding wheel 921. In this case, there is a concern that a sufficient amount of grinding fluid may not be present at corners 921d and 921e located at the widthwise ends of the grinding wheel 921 and near the corners 921d and 921e on the grinding surface 921a. That is, the pressure of the grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface 921a gradually decreases from the center of the grinding wheel 921 in the widthwise direction toward the corners 921d and 921e, causing the grinding fluid to be released from the corners 921d and 921e outward in the widthwise direction. For this reason, in the prior art, a sufficient amount of grinding fluid may not be present at the corners 921d and 921e. If a situation arises in which there is not enough grinding fluid in the corners 921d, 921e, etc., the temperature in those areas will rise, and problems may arise such as chips not being able to be properly removed.

[0007] Patent No. 6297627

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a grinding fluid injection device that can supply a sufficient amount of grinding fluid to the corners in the width direction of the grinding surface of the grinding wheel.

[0009] A grinding fluid injection device according to one aspect of the present invention is a grinding fluid injection device that injects grinding fluid onto a disk-shaped grinding wheel in a grinding machine, and includes a left-handed swirl flow generating unit, a right-handed swirl flow generating unit, a non-swirl flow generating unit, a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle. The left-handed swirl flow generating unit is configured to receive the grinding fluid from a supply source and generate a left-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling left. The right-handed swirl flow generating unit is configured to receive the grinding fluid from the supply source and generate a right-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling right. The non-swirl flow generating unit is configured to generate a non-swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances without swirling. The first nozzle is configured to inject the left-handed swirl flow. The second nozzle is configured to inject the non-swirl flow. The third nozzle is configured to inject the right-handed swirl flow. In the grinding fluid spraying device according to this aspect, the contact start point is the upstream end of the grinding area of ​​the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece in the direction of rotation of the grinding wheel during grinding, and the contact start point is viewed from the front from the opposite side of the grinding area in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the grinding wheel. In this case, the first nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the left-handed swirling flow toward and around a left corner at the contact start point, which is the boundary between the left side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface of the grinding wheel. The second nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the non-swirling flow toward and around the grinding surface at the contact start point. The third nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the right-handed swirling flow toward and around a right corner at the contact start point, which is the boundary between the right side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface.

[0010] 4A is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a grinding fluid injection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing the configuration of a device main body in the grinding fluid injection device. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a part of the device main body. FIG. 4D is a side view showing the configuration of a first shaft. FIG. 4E is an end view showing the large diameter portion as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram showing the swirling direction of grinding fluid introduced into a discharge side casing. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a cross section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a cross section taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the injection mode of grinding fluid to a grinding wheel. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an injection device according to the prior art. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the injection mode of grinding fluid to a grinding wheel when an injection device according to the prior art is used.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments except for the essential configuration.

[0012] [Embodiment] 1. General Configuration of Grinding Fluid Injection Device 1 A general configuration of a grinding fluid injection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] 1, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 is a device that sprays grinding fluid onto a grinding wheel 21 of a grinding device 20, and is attached to the grinding device 20. The grinding device 20 includes a table 22 on which a workpiece 500 can be placed, and with the workpiece 500 placed on the table 22, the grinding wheel 21 rotates around a rotation axis Ax21 (arrow A1), and the table 22 moves left and right, forward and backward (arrow A2).

[0014] The grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment includes a device main body 10 and three nozzles 11 to 13. Each of the three nozzles 11 to 13 includes a nozzle main body 11a, 12a, 13a that forms an opening for spraying the grinding fluid toward the grinding wheel 21, and a flexible tube 11b, 12b, 13b that is connected to the nozzle main body 11a, 12a, 13a and has flexibility.

[0015] The flexible pipes 11b, 12b, and 13b of the nozzles 11 to 13 are connected to the device body 10, and the piping 4 is also connected to the device body 10. The other end of the piping 4 is connected to the grinding fluid reservoir 2 via the pump 3.

[0016] The grinding fluid storage tank 2 is a tank that stores the grinding fluid and is a supply source of the grinding fluid. The pump 3 sends the grinding fluid from the grinding fluid storage tank 2 to the device body 10 of the grinding fluid spraying device 1. An open / close valve may be provided in the piping 4. In this case, when an open / close valve is provided in the piping 4, the open / close valve can be closed to prevent the grinding fluid from being sent to the device body 10 when the grinding device 20 is stopped, for example.

[0017] 2. Configuration of the Device Main Body 10 and Its Surroundings in the Grinding Fluid Injection Device 1 The configuration of the device main body 10 and its surroundings in the grinding fluid injection device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0018] 2, the device main body 10 includes a receiving casing 101, a discharge casing 102, and an intermediate casing 100. The receiving casing 101 has a connection part 101a to which the piping 4 is connected. The discharge casing 102 has connection parts 102a to 102c to which the nozzles 11 to 13 are connected. The intermediate casing 100 connects the receiving casing 101 and the discharge casing 102 in a liquid-tight manner. The connection part 101a of the receiving casing 101 is a receiving part that receives grinding fluid from a supply source (grinding fluid storage tank 2).

[0019] The three nozzles 11 to 13 are arranged in the Y direction as a first nozzle 11, a second nozzle 12, and a third nozzle 13. In this case, the first nozzle 11 and the third nozzle 13 are connected to connection portions 102a and 102c formed to recess inward from an end surface 102d of the discharge-side casing 102. The second nozzle 12 is connected to connection portion 102b formed to recess inward from an upper surface 102e of the discharge-side casing 102. However, in the discharge-side casing 102, connection portion 102b to which second nozzle 12 is connected may also be formed to recess inward from end surface 102d, and connection portions 102a and 102c to which first nozzle 11 and third nozzle 13 are connected may also be formed to recess inward from upper surface 102e.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the receiving casing 101 has a space 101b formed therein. The space 101b is a space into which grinding fluid is introduced from the piping 4 via the connection portion 101a. The intermediate casing 100 has a first space 100a and a second space 100b separated from each other by a partition wall portion 100c. Each of the first space 100a and the second space 100b is a cylindrical space extending in the X direction. The first space 100a and the second space 100b are arranged side by side in the Y direction.

[0021] Here, each of the first space 100a and the second space 100b is configured so that the cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the receiving-side casing 101 side to the discharge-side casing 102 side. Specifically, the first space 100a has an inner diameter D1 on the receiving-side casing 101 side, but the inner diameter gradually decreases in the X direction toward the discharge-side casing 102 side to D2, which is smaller than the inner diameter D1. The second space 100b also has an inner diameter D3 on the receiving-side casing 101 side, but the inner diameter gradually decreases in the X direction toward the discharge-side casing 102 side to D4, which is smaller than the inner diameter D3.

[0022] The device body 10 of the grinding fluid spray device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first shaft 15 and a second shaft 16. The first shaft 15 is housed in a region extending from the space 101b of the receiving casing 101 to the first space 100a. The second shaft 16 is housed in a region extending from the space 101b of the receiving casing 101 to the second space 100b. The first shaft 15 and the second shaft 16 are arranged with their respective axes aligned in the X direction and their respective axes aligned in the Y direction. The detailed configurations of the first shaft 15 and the second shaft 16 will be described later.

[0023] A first introduction portion 102f and a second introduction portion 102g are formed inside the discharge-side casing 102. The first introduction portion 102f is a funnel-shaped space whose inner diameter gradually decreases as it moves away from the side to which the intermediate casing 100 is joined in the X direction, and is continuous with the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100. The second introduction portion 102g is a funnel-shaped space whose inner diameter gradually decreases as it moves away from the side to which the intermediate casing 100 is joined in the X direction, and is continuous with the second space 100b of the intermediate casing 100.

[0024] Although not shown in Figure 3, sealing materials such as O-rings are inserted between the joining surfaces of the receiving side casing 101 and the intermediate casing 100, and between the joining surfaces of the intermediate casing 100 and the discharge side casing 102.

[0025] In the device main body 10 having the above-described configuration, the grinding fluid introduced into the space 101b of the receiving-side casing 101 is divided into the first space 100a and the second space 100b of the intermediate casing 100 and is then sent to the first introduction port 102f and the second introduction port 102g of the discharge-side casing 102. As will be described in detail later, the grinding fluid flowing through the first space 100a toward the first introduction port 102f is given a flow directionality such that it turns counterclockwise along the circumferential surface of the first shaft 15. The grinding fluid flowing through the second space 100b toward the second introduction port 102g is given a flow directionality such that it turns clockwise along the circumferential surface of the second shaft 16. That is, in the grinding fluid injection device 1 according to this embodiment, the first space 100a and the first shaft 15 housed in the first space 100a constitute a left swirling flow generating section 17 that generates a left swirling flow of the grinding fluid, and the second space 100b and the second shaft 16 housed in the second space 100b constitute a right swirling flow generating section 18 that generates a right swirling flow of the grinding fluid.

[0026] 3. Configuration of the First Shaft 15 and the Second Shaft 16 The configuration of the first shaft 15 and the second shaft 16 will be described using Figures 4A and 4B. Note that Figures 4A and 4B only show the first shaft 15, and do not show the second shaft 16. Below, the first shaft 15 will be described, and as for the second shaft 16, only the differences from the first shaft 15 will be described.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4A , the first shaft 15 is configured with a cylindrical body extending along the X direction as its base. The first shaft 15 has a base shaft portion 15a and a swivel-imparting portion 15b that are continuous with each other in the X direction. In this embodiment, the base shaft portion 15a is housed in the space 101b of the receiving casing 101 (see FIG. 3 ). The swivel-imparting portion 15b is housed in the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100 (see FIG. 3 ). However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a portion of the base shaft portion 15a extends into the first space 100a, or a configuration in which a portion of the swivel-imparting portion 15b extends into the space 101b of the receiving casing 101.

[0028] When the base end shaft portion 15a of the first shaft 15 is housed in the space 101b of the receiving casing 101, the end surface 15f of the base end shaft portion 15a abuts tightly against the inner wall surface in the X direction facing the space 101b.

[0029] The turning ability imparting portion 15b has a plurality of large diameter portions 15c each of which expands radially outward from a cylindrical body. As shown in FIG. 4B , the large diameter portions 15c have convex portions 15d and spiral groove portions 15e arranged alternately. The convex portions 15d protrude radially outward in the circumferential direction of the large diameter portions 15c. The spiral groove portions 15e are formed between the convex portions 15d adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the large diameter portions 15c. In the front view shown in FIG. 4B , the large diameter portions 15c have an overall gear shape.

[0030] 4A, each of the convex portions 15d has a diamond shape when viewed from the radially outer side. The spiral groove portion 15e is formed so as to spiral counterclockwise around the axis CL15 of the first shaft 15 from the inlet side IN of the grinding fluid to the outlet side OUT (imaginary line Ln).

[0031] 4A , the plurality of large diameter portions 15c are arranged with a gap G between adjacent ones in the X direction. The plurality of large diameter portions 15c are configured so that their outer diameters gradually decrease from the inlet side IN of the grinding fluid toward the outlet side OUT. That is, the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 15c located closest to the inlet side IN (the outer diameter of the envelope connecting the radially outer sides of the convex portions 15d) is D5, while the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 15c located closest to the outlet side OUT is D6, which is smaller than D5.

[0032] The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 15c of the turning ability imparting portion 15b is determined so that the outer periphery thereof comes into contact with or is close to the inner surface of the peripheral wall surrounding the first space 100a with a small gap therebetween.

[0033] In addition, the end face 15g of the large diameter portion 15c located closest to the discharge side OUT abuts tightly against the peripheral edge of the first introduction portion 102f of the discharge side casing 102 when the swirl imparting portion 15b is housed in the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100. This allows the first shaft 15 to be held securely within the space 101b of the receiving side casing 101 and the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100.

[0034] The first shaft 15 has the above-described configuration. However, the second shaft 16 differs from the first shaft 15 in the configuration of the spiral groove portion formed in the large diameter portion. Specifically, as described above, the first shaft 15 has a spiral groove portion 15e formed to spiral counterclockwise around the axis CL15, whereas the second shaft 16 has a spiral groove portion formed to spiral clockwise around the axis CL15. Except for this point, the second shaft 16 has the same configuration as the first shaft 15.

[0035] 4. Swirling Direction of Grinding Fluid Introduced into the Discharge-Side Casing 102 The swirling direction of the grinding fluid introduced into each of the first introduction portion 102f and the second introduction portion 102g of the discharge-side casing 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] As described above, the grinding fluid introduced into the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100 is guided by the spiral groove 15e formed in the first shaft 15 so as to turn counterclockwise, and the flow direction is given to turn counterclockwise. On the other hand, the grinding fluid introduced into the second space 100b is guided by the spiral groove formed in the second shaft 16 so as to turn clockwise, and the flow direction is given to turn clockwise.

[0037] In the intermediate casing 100, a first space 100a and a second space 100b are separated by a partition wall 100c. Therefore, the grinding fluid flowing through the first space 100a and the grinding fluid flowing through the second space 100b do not mix, and are introduced as they are into the first introduction portion 102f and the second introduction portion 102g of the discharge-side casing 102. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, the grinding fluid introduced into the first introduction portion 102f turns left (FLL), and the grinding fluid introduced into the second introduction portion 102g turns right (FLR).

[0038] 5. Configuration of the Discharge Side Casing 102 The configuration of the discharge side casing 102 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration taken along line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

[0039] 6, a first introduction portion 102f, a first communication passage 102h, a second introduction portion 102g, and a second communication passage 102i are formed inside the discharge-side casing 102. The first communication passage 102h connects the first introduction portion 102f to the connection portion 102a to which the first nozzle 11 is connected. The second communication passage 102i connects the second introduction portion 102g to the connection portion 102c to which the third nozzle 13 is connected.

[0040] The first communication path 102h extends linearly from the narrowest end of the funnel-shaped first introduction part 102f in the X direction toward the end face 102d along the X direction and is connected to the connection part 102a. The second communication path 102i extends linearly from the narrowest end of the funnel-shaped second introduction part 102g in the X direction toward the end face 102d along the X direction and is connected to the connection part 102c.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first communication passage 102h is smoothly connected to the first introduction portion 102f without any step in the radial direction, and the second communication passage 102i is smoothly connected to the second introduction portion 102g without any step in the radial direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first inlet 102f and the first connecting passage 102h form a left swirling flow connecting passage 102m, and the second inlet 102g and the second connecting passage 102i form a right swirling flow connecting passage 102n.

[0043] A communication passage 102j is formed inside the discharge-side casing 102. The communication passage 102j extends linearly in the Y direction and connects the first communication passage 102h and the second communication passage 102i. The communication passage 102j is formed to connect the first communication passage 102h and the second communication passage 102i at their intermediate portions in the X direction. A portion of the left-handed swirling flow flowing through the first communication passage 102h and a portion of the right-handed swirling flow flowing through the second communication passage 102i flow into the communication passage 102j.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, a third connection passage 102k is formed inside the discharge-side casing 102. The third connection passage 102k is formed to extend linearly in the Z direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the communication passage 102j, and connects the communication passage 102j and the connection portion 102b. The second nozzle 12 is connected to the connection portion 102b. The third connection passage 102k is smoothly connected to the communication passage 102j without any steps in the radial direction.

[0045] Furthermore, a reservoir 102i is formed inside the discharge-side casing 102. The reservoir 102i is connected to the communication path 102j, and is formed in a portion of the connection portion of the communication path 102j on the opposite side in the Z direction from the side to which the third connection path 102k is connected.

[0046] In this embodiment, the left swirling flow and the right swirling flow that flow in through the communication passage 102j collide and mix to generate a non-swirling flow, which is then guided to the connecting portion 102b through the third connecting passage 102k. That is, the combination of the communication passage 102j and the third connecting passage 102k in this embodiment forms a non-swirling flow connecting passage (non-swirling flow generating portion) 102p.

[0047] Although the reservoir 102l is not an essential component of the non-swirl flow generating unit, it is desirable to provide the reservoir 102l as a component for ensuring sufficient mixing after a part of the left swirling flow and a part of the right swirling flow collide in the communication path 102j. In other words, it is a desirable component for eliminating the swirling property of the grinding fluid to make it non-swirling before it is sent to the third connection path 102k.

[0048] In addition, the accumulation section 102l is a desirable configuration for converting the direction of travel of the non-swirling flow formed by collision and mixing in the communication path 102j to a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the communication path 102j extends (Y direction).

[0049] 6. Spraying of Grinding Fluid onto Grinding Wheel 21 Spraying of grinding fluid onto the grinding wheel 21 using the grinding fluid spraying device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a front view of the contact start point P (see Fig. 1), which is the upstream end of the grinding area of ​​the grinding wheel 21 relative to the workpiece 500 during grinding in the rotation direction (arrow A1) of the grinding wheel 21.

[0050] 1, each of the nozzles 11 to 13 has a flexible tube 11b, 12b, 13b, which allows the nozzles 11 to 13 to be set in the following positions.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the second nozzle 12 can be positioned so as to inject a jet flow JS2 composed of a non-swirl flow onto the grinding surface 21a of the grinding wheel 21 at the contact start point P and its surroundings.

[0052] In addition, the first nozzle 11 can assume a position that allows it to spray a jet flow JS1 composed of a left swirling flow FLL onto the left corner 21d, which is the boundary between the left side surface 21b of the grinding wheel 21 and the grinding surface 21a of the grinding wheel 21, and its surrounding area at the contact start point P.

[0053] Furthermore, the third nozzle 13 can be positioned so that the right swirling flow FLR can be sprayed onto the right corner 21e, which is the boundary between the right side surface 21c of the grinding wheel 21 and the grinding surface 21a at the contact start point P, and its surrounding area.

[0054] 7. Effects The grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that the first nozzle 11 sprays a jet JS1 of left swirling flow FLL onto the left corner 21d of the grinding wheel 21 and its surrounding area, and the third nozzle 13 sprays a jet JS3 of right swirling flow FLR onto the right corner 21e of the grinding wheel 21 and its surrounding area. Therefore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment can supply sufficient grinding fluid to both corners 21d, 21e of the grinding surface 21a at the contact start point P. That is, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 sprays the left swirling flow FLL onto the left corner 21d, causing a portion of the jet JS1 to flow from the left corner 21d to the grinding surface 21a, and sprays the right swirling flow FLR onto the right corner 21e, causing a portion of the jet JS3 to flow from the right corner 21e to the grinding surface 21a. Therefore, due to these flows, sufficient grinding fluid can be supplied to the vicinity of both corners 21d, 21e on the grinding surface 21a, and each portion of the jet flows JS1, JS3 that flows around from both corners 21d, 21e can also prevent the grinding fluid sprayed from the second nozzle 12 onto the grinding surface 21a from escaping outward in the width direction of the grinding wheel 21 from both corners 21d, 21e.

[0055] Furthermore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 is configured so that a non-swirling flow can be sprayed onto the grinding surface 21a from the second nozzle 12. Therefore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 can prevent the grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface 21a from being biased to one side in the width direction of the grinding surface 21a. That is, when a left-handed swirling flow or a right-handed swirling flow is sprayed onto the grinding surface 21a, there is a concern that the grinding fluid on the grinding surface 21a will be biased in the swirling direction. In contrast, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 sprays a non-swirling flow onto the grinding surface 21a, so it is possible to prevent the grinding fluid from being biased on the grinding surface 21a.

[0056] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment, the discharge-side casing 102 is formed with a non-swirl flow connecting passage 102p (the connecting passage 102j and the third connecting passage 102k), and the non-swirl flow connecting passage 102p constitutes a section for generating a non-swirl flow (a non-swirl flow generating section). Therefore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 can generate a non-swirl flow with a simple configuration. This prevents the device 1 from becoming larger and the device costs from increasing.

[0057] The grinding fluid jetting device 1 also has a configuration (non-swirling flow generating section) that generates a non-swirling flow by causing a portion of the left swirling flow FLL and a portion of the right swirling flow FLR to collide and mix within the discharge-side casing 102. Therefore, the grinding fluid jetting device 1 can have a simpler overall configuration than a case in which a non-swirling flow is generated without using a portion of the left swirling flow and a portion of the right swirling flow. Therefore, the grinding fluid jetting device 1 can prevent the device from becoming larger in size and the device costs from increasing.

[0058] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment, a reservoir 1021 is provided in the discharge-side casing 102. Therefore, in the grinding fluid ejection device 1, a part of the left swirling flow FLL and a part of the right swirling flow FLR collide with each other and are then sufficiently mixed in the reservoir 1021. Therefore, in the grinding fluid ejection device 1, a non-swirling flow can be reliably generated in the discharge-side casing 102.

[0059] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid jetting device 1, the flow direction of the non-swirl flow formed by collision and mixing in the communication path 102j can be changed by the reservoir 102l to the Z direction in which the third connection path 102k extends. Therefore, in the grinding fluid jetting device 1, the non-swirl flow generated in the communication path 102j can be guided to the connection part 102b of the second nozzle 12 with high efficiency.

[0060] In the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment, the left-handed swirl flow generating unit 17 is formed by the first shaft 15 housed in the first space 100a of the intermediate casing 100 and having a spiral groove 15e configured to swirl counterclockwise. In the grinding fluid spraying device 1, the right-handed swirl flow generating unit 18 is formed by the second shaft 16 housed in the second space 100b of the intermediate casing 100 and having a spiral groove configured to swirl clockwise. Thus, the grinding fluid introduced into the first space 100a flows along the spiral groove 15e of the first shaft 15, thereby forming a left-handed swirl flow, and the grinding fluid introduced into the second space 100b flows along the spiral groove of the second shaft 16, thereby forming a right-handed swirl flow. In this way, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 can generate both left-handed and right-handed swirl flows with a simple configuration.

[0061] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment, the first space 100a is formed so as to extend so that its cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the connecting side of the receiving-side casing 101 toward the connecting side of the discharge-side casing 102. Therefore, in the grinding fluid spraying device 1, as is clear from Bernoulli's theorem, the static pressure of the grinding fluid introduced into the first space 100a decreases as it advances toward the discharge side. In this case, by configuring the first space 100a so that the static pressure of the grinding fluid reaches the saturated vapor pressure, it is possible to cause the cavitation phenomenon in the grinding fluid.

[0062] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid jetting device 1, the first shaft 15 has a plurality of protrusions 15d, which form a mesh-like flow path on the circumferential surface of the first shaft 15. As a result, the grinding fluid introduced into the first space 100a repeatedly branches and merges through the mesh-like flow path of the first shaft 15, generating a large number of minute vortices due to the flip-flop phenomenon, and fine bubbles (fine air bubbles less than 100 μm in size) can be generated.

[0063] The second space 100b of the intermediate casing 100 is also formed so as to extend so that its cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the connecting side of the receiving casing 101 toward the connecting side of the discharge casing 102. Therefore, in the grinding fluid injection device 1, the static pressure of the grinding fluid introduced into the second space 100b also decreases as it advances toward the discharge side, making it possible to cause the cavitation phenomenon in the grinding fluid.

[0064] The second shaft 16 also has a plurality of convex portions, similar to the first shaft 15. Therefore, in the grinding fluid jetting device 1, the grinding fluid introduced into the second space 100b flows through the mesh-like flow path formed on the circumferential surface of the second shaft 16, repeatedly branching and merging, generating a large number of minute vortices due to the flip-flop phenomenon, and thereby generating fine bubbles.

[0065] As described above, in the grinding fluid injection device 1 according to this embodiment, the left swirling flow, right swirling flow, and non-swirling flow each contain fine bubbles, so that the injected grinding fluid clings to the grinding surface of the grinding wheel 21 (counder effect), and the bubbles tend to burst when they collide with the grinding surface 21a (cavitation phenomenon), thereby cooling and cleaning the grinding wheel 21.

[0066] Furthermore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a flow control valve 14 in the non-swirling flow path. Therefore, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 can adjust the flow rate (spray amount) of the non-swirling flow to be sprayed depending on the grinding wheel 21 size. That is, when a larger-grit grinding wheel 21 is used, hydroplaning is more likely to occur compared to when a smaller-grit grinding wheel 21 is used, even if the same flow rate of grinding fluid is supplied to the grinding surface 21a. To prevent hydroplaning, it is preferable to spray a smaller amount of grinding fluid onto the grinding surface 21a when a larger-grit grinding wheel 21 is used than when a smaller-grit grinding wheel 21 is used. Therefore, by providing the flow control valve 14 capable of adjusting the amount of grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface 21a, the grinding fluid spraying device 1 can adjust the flow rate depending on the grinding wheel 21 size, thereby suppressing hydroplaning.

[0067] As explained above, the grinding fluid jetting device 1 according to this embodiment can supply a sufficient amount of grinding fluid to the grinding surface 21a of the grinding wheel 21, even near the corners 21d and 21e in the width direction.

[0068] [Modification] The grinding fluid sprayed from the grinding fluid spraying device 1 according to the above embodiment contains fine bubbles (bubbles defined in ISO 20480-1), but in the present invention, it is not essential that the grinding fluid to be sprayed contains fine bubbles.

[0069] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid injection device 1 according to the above embodiment, the left swirling flow generating section 17 and the right swirling flow generating section 18 are configured in the intermediate casing 100, but in the present invention, the left swirling flow generating section and the right swirling flow generating section may be configured in separate casings spaced apart from each other.

[0070] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid jetting device 1 according to the above embodiment, the nozzles 11 to 13 each have a flexible pipe 11b, 12b, 13b, which allows the nozzles 11 to 13 to be freely adjusted in position, but in the present invention, it is not essential that the nozzles have flexible pipes. For example, a plurality of pipes may be connected by a joint member such as a universal joint, allowing the nozzles to assume various positions.

[0071] In the grinding fluid jetting device 1 according to the above embodiment, the first shaft 15 and the second shaft 16 are provided with the convex portions 15d that are rhombic when viewed from the radially outer side, but the shape of the convex portions when viewed from the radially outer side is not limited to a rhombic shape. For example, they may be a rounded rectangle, an oval, or a polygon with five or more sides.

[0072] In the grinding fluid jetting device 1 according to the above embodiment, a non-swirl flow is generated by causing a part of the left swirling flow and a part of the right swirling flow to collide and mix in the non-swirl flow connecting path 102p, but in the present invention, it is not necessarily essential to cause a part of the left swirling flow and a part of the right swirling flow to collide and mix to generate a non-swirl flow. For example, the grinding fluid taken in from the grinding fluid reservoir 2, which is the supply source, can be used as is.

[0073] [Summary] A grinding fluid injection device according to one aspect of the present invention is a grinding fluid injection device that injects grinding fluid onto a disc-shaped grinding wheel in a grinding machine, and includes a left-handed swirl flow generating unit, a right-handed swirl flow generating unit, a non-swirl flow generating unit, a first nozzle, a second nozzle, and a third nozzle. The left-handed swirl flow generating unit is configured to receive the grinding fluid from a supply source and generate a left-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling left. The right-handed swirl flow generating unit is configured to receive the grinding fluid from the supply source and generate a right-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling right. The non-swirl flow generating unit is configured to generate a non-swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances without swirling. The first nozzle is configured to inject the left-handed swirl flow. The second nozzle is configured to inject the non-swirl flow. The third nozzle is configured to inject the right-handed swirl flow. In the grinding fluid spraying device according to this aspect, the contact start point is the upstream end of the grinding area of ​​the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece in the direction of rotation of the grinding wheel during grinding, and the contact start point is viewed from the front from the opposite side of the grinding area in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the grinding wheel. In this case, the first nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the left-handed swirling flow toward and around a left corner at the contact start point, which is the boundary between the left side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface of the grinding wheel. The second nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the non-swirling flow toward and around the grinding surface at the contact start point. The third nozzle is configured to be able to assume a position that allows it to spray the right-handed swirling flow toward and around a right corner at the contact start point, which is the boundary between the right side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface.

[0074] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, a left-handed swirling flow is sprayed from the first nozzle onto the left corner of the grinding wheel and its surroundings, and a right-handed swirling flow is sprayed from the third nozzle onto the right corner of the grinding wheel and its surroundings, so that sufficient grinding fluid can be supplied to both corners of the grinding surface at the contact start point. That is, in the above grinding fluid spraying device, by spraying a left-handed swirling flow onto the left corner, a portion of the sprayed flow can be caused to circulate from the left corner onto the grinding surface, and by spraying a right-handed swirling flow onto the right corner, a portion of the sprayed flow can be caused to circulate from the right corner onto the grinding surface. Thus, these circulating flows can supply sufficient grinding fluid to both corners of the grinding surface, and the portions of the sprayed flow circulating from both corners can prevent the grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface from the second nozzle from escaping outward in the width direction of the grinding wheel from both corners.

[0075] Furthermore, in the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, since it is configured so that a non-swirling flow can be sprayed from the second nozzle onto the grinding surface, etc., it is possible to prevent the grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface, etc. from being biased to one side in the width direction of the grinding surface. That is, when a left-handed swirling flow or a right-handed swirling flow is sprayed onto the grinding surface, there is a concern that the grinding fluid on the grinding surface will be biased in the swirling direction, but since a non-swirling flow that does not swirl is sprayed onto the grinding surface, it is possible to prevent the grinding fluid from being biased on the grinding surface.

[0076] In the grinding fluid ejection device according to the above aspect, the non-swirl flow generating unit may be configured to generate the non-swirl flow by causing a portion of the left swirling flow and a portion of the right swirling flow to collide and mix.

[0077] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, the non-swirl flow generating unit generates a non-swirl flow of grinding fluid by causing a part of the left swirl flow and a part of the right swirl flow to collide and mix, so the overall configuration of the device can be simplified compared to when a non-swirl flow is generated without using the part of the left swirl flow generated by the left swirl flow generating unit and the part of the right swirl flow generated by the right swirl flow generating unit. Therefore, the above grinding fluid spraying device can prevent an increase in device size and an increase in device costs.

[0078] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, the left swirling flow generating unit, the right swirling flow generating unit, and the non-swirling flow generating unit may be formed within a casing. The casing is composed of a receiving-side casing having a receiving portion for receiving the grinding fluid from the supply source, a discharge-side casing to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are connected, and an intermediate casing connecting the receiving-side casing and the discharge-side casing. The discharge-side casing has a left swirling flow connecting passage, a right swirling flow connecting passage, and a non-swirling flow connecting passage. The left swirling flow connecting passage guides a portion of the left swirling flow generated by the left swirling flow generating unit to the connection portion of the first nozzle. The right swirling flow connecting passage guides a portion of the right swirling flow generated by the right swirling flow generating unit to the connection portion of the third nozzle. The non-swirl flow connecting passage connects the left swirl flow connecting passage and the right swirl flow connecting passage, and guides the non-swirl flow generated by collisional mixing at the connecting portion to the connecting portion of the second nozzle. In this case, the non-swirl flow generating portion may be constituted by the non-swirl flow connecting passage formed in the discharge-side casing.

[0079] In the grinding fluid spray device according to the above aspect, the non-swirl flow connection passage is formed in the discharge-side casing, and the non-swirl flow generating section is configured by the non-swirl flow connection passage, so that a non-swirl flow can be generated with a simple configuration, thereby preventing the device from becoming large in size and the device costs from increasing.

[0080] In the grinding fluid ejection device according to the above aspect, the non-swirl flow connecting passage may have a communication passage and a connection passage. The communication passage connects the left-handed swirl flow connecting passage and the right-handed swirl flow connecting passage. The connection passage is connected to the communication passage and extends to the connection portion of the second nozzle in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connection passage. In this case, the discharge-side casing may further have a reservoir portion connected to the communication passage and provided on the opposite side of the connection passage in the extension direction of the connection passage, for temporarily retaining the non-swirl flow.

[0081] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, a reservoir is provided in the discharge-side casing, and after a part of the left-handed swirling flow and a part of the right-handed swirling flow collide with each other, they are sufficiently mixed in the reservoir. Therefore, in the above grinding fluid spraying device, a non-swirling flow can be reliably generated within the discharge-side casing.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned grinding fluid spraying device, the flow direction of the non-swirl flow formed by collision and mixing in the communication path can be changed to the direction in which the connecting path extends by the reservoir portion, so that the non-swirl flow generated in the communication path can be guided to the connecting portion of the second nozzle with high efficiency.

[0083] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, the intermediate casing may have a first space and a second space separated from each other by a partition wall, each space extending so that its cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the mating side of the receiving casing to the mating side of the discharge casing. In this case, the left-handed swirl flow generating unit may include a first shaft housed in the first space and having a spiral groove formed on its outer periphery so as to swirl counterclockwise from the mating side of the receiving casing to the mating side of the discharge casing. Furthermore, the right-handed swirl flow generating unit may include a second shaft housed in the second space and having a spiral groove formed on its outer periphery so as to swirl clockwise from the mating side of the receiving casing to the mating side of the discharge casing.

[0084] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above aspect, the left-handed swirl flow generating unit is constituted by a first shaft housed in the first space and having a helical groove provided to swirl leftward, and the right-handed swirl flow generating unit is constituted by a second shaft housed in the second space and having a helical groove provided to swirl rightward. Thus, the grinding fluid introduced into the first space flows along the helical groove of the first shaft, thereby forming a left-handed swirl flow, and the grinding fluid introduced into the second space flows along the helical groove of the second shaft, thereby forming a right-handed swirl flow. Thus, the grinding fluid spraying device described above can generate both left-handed and right-handed swirl flows with a simple configuration.

[0085] In the grinding fluid ejection device according to the above aspect, each of the first shaft and the second shaft may have a plurality of protrusions formed between adjacent spiral groove portions in the circumferential direction and each having a diamond shape in a plan view from the outside in the radial direction, The plurality of protrusions are arranged with a gap between adjacent ones in a direction from the coupling side of the receiving casing toward the coupling side of the discharge casing.

[0086] In the grinding fluid injection device according to the above aspect, the first space is formed so that its cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the joining side of the receiving casing to the joining side of the discharge casing, so that, as is clear from Bernoulli's theorem, the static pressure of the grinding fluid introduced into the first space decreases as it advances toward the discharge side. In this case, by configuring the first space so that the static pressure of the grinding fluid reaches the saturated vapor pressure, it is possible to cause the cavitation phenomenon in the grinding fluid.

[0087] In the above-described grinding fluid injection device, the first shaft has the above-described plurality of protrusions, which form a mesh-like flow path on the circumferential surface of the first shaft. As a result, the grinding fluid introduced into the first space repeatedly branches and merges through the mesh-like flow path of the first shaft, generating a large number of minute vortices due to a flip-flop phenomenon, thereby generating fine bubbles.

[0088] Furthermore, the second space is also formed so that its cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the connecting side of the receiving casing to the connecting side of the discharge casing, so that the static pressure of the grinding fluid introduced into the second space also decreases as it advances toward the discharge side, making it possible to cause cavitation in the grinding fluid.

[0089] Furthermore, the second shaft body, like the first shaft body, has multiple protrusions as described above, so the grinding fluid introduced into the second space flows through the mesh-like flow path formed on the circumferential surface of the second shaft body, repeatedly branching and merging, generating a large number of tiny vortices due to the flip-flop phenomenon and producing fine bubbles.

[0090] As described above, in the above-mentioned grinding fluid injection device, the left-handed swirling flow, right-handed swirling flow, and non-swirling flow each contain fine bubbles, so that the injected grinding fluid clings to the grinding surface of the grinding wheel (counder effect), and when it collides with the grinding surface, the bubbles tend to burst (cavitation phenomenon), thereby cooling and cleaning the grinding wheel.

[0091] The grinding fluid ejection device according to the above aspect may further include a flow rate adjustment valve, which is provided in the non-swirl flow path between the non-swirl flow generating unit and the ejection port of the second nozzle and is configured to adjust the ejection flow rate of the non-swirl flow.

[0092] In the grinding fluid spraying device according to the above embodiment, a flow rate adjustment valve is provided in the non-swirl flow path, so the flow rate (spray amount) of the non-swirl flow to be sprayed can be adjusted depending on the grinding wheel grit. That is, when a larger-grit grinding wheel is used, hydroplaning is more likely to occur than when a smaller-grit grinding wheel is used, even if the same flow rate of grinding fluid is supplied to the grinding surface. To prevent hydroplaning, it is preferable to spray a smaller amount of grinding fluid onto the grinding surface when a larger-grit grinding wheel is used than when a smaller-grit grinding wheel is used. Therefore, by providing the above grinding fluid spraying device with a flow rate adjustment valve that can adjust the amount of grinding fluid sprayed onto the grinding surface, the flow rate can be adjusted depending on the grinding wheel grit, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of hydroplaning.

[0093] As explained above, the grinding fluid jetting device according to each of the above aspects can supply a sufficient amount of grinding fluid to the grinding surface of the grinding wheel even near the corners in the width direction.

Claims

1. A grinding fluid injection device that injects grinding fluid onto a disk-shaped grinding wheel in a grinding machine, comprising: a left-handed swirl flow generating unit configured to receive the grinding fluid from a supply source and generate a left-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling left; a right-handed swirl flow generating unit configured to receive the grinding fluid from the supply source and generate a right-handed swirl flow of the grinding fluid that advances while swirling right; a non-swirling flow generating unit configured to generate a non-swirling flow of the grinding fluid that advances without swirling; a first nozzle configured to inject the left-handed swirl flow; a second nozzle configured to inject the non-swirling flow; and a third nozzle configured to inject the right-handed swirl flow, wherein the contact initiation point is the upstream end of the grinding area of ​​the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece in the direction of rotation of the grinding wheel during grinding, and when the contact initiation point is viewed from the front from the opposite side to the grinding area in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the grinding wheel, The grinding fluid injection device is configured such that the first nozzle can assume a position that allows it to inject the left swirling flow onto the left corner, which is the boundary between the left side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface of the grinding wheel, and its surrounding area at the contact start point; the second nozzle can assume a position that allows it to inject the non-swirling flow onto the grinding surface and its surrounding area at the contact start point; and the third nozzle can assume a position that allows it to inject the right swirling flow onto the right corner, which is the boundary between the right side surface of the grinding wheel and the grinding surface, and its surrounding area at the contact start point.

2. The grinding fluid injection device according to claim 1, wherein the non-swirl flow generating section is configured to generate the non-swirl flow by causing a portion of the left swirling flow and a portion of the right swirling flow to collide and mix.

3. The left swirling flow generating unit, the right swirling flow generating unit, and the non-swirling flow generating unit are formed in a casing formed by combining a receiving-side casing having a receiving portion that receives the grinding fluid from the supply source, a discharge-side casing to which the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are connected, and an intermediate casing that connects the receiving-side casing and the discharge-side casing, and the discharge-side casing has a left swirling flow connecting passage that leads a portion of the left swirling flow generated in the left swirling flow generating unit to the connecting portion of the first nozzle, a right swirling flow connecting passage that leads a portion of the right swirling flow generated in the right swirling flow generating unit to the connecting portion of the third nozzle, and a non-swirling flow connecting passage that connects the left swirling flow connecting passage and the right swirling flow connecting passage and leads the non-swirling flow generated by collision and mixing at the connecting portion to the connecting portion of the second nozzle, and the non-swirling flow generating unit is constituted by the non-swirling flow connecting passage formed in the discharge-side casing. The grinding fluid jetting device according to claim 2 .

4. The grinding fluid injection device described in claim 3, wherein the non-swirling flow connecting path has a communication path connecting the left-handed swirling flow connecting path and the right-handed swirling flow connecting path, and a connecting path connected to the communication path and extending to the connecting portion of the second nozzle in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting path, and the discharge side casing further has a reservoir portion connected to the communication path and provided on the opposite side of the connecting path in the extending direction of the connecting path, for temporarily retaining the non-swirling flow.

5. The grinding fluid injection device according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate casing is separated from each other by a partition wall and has a first space and a second space each extending so that the cross-sectional size gradually decreases from the joining side of the receiving side casing to the joining side of the discharge side casing, the left-handed swirling flow generating unit is housed in the first space and has a first shaft having a spiral groove portion on its outer periphery formed so as to swirl counterclockwise from the joining side of the receiving side casing to the joining side of the discharge side casing, and the right-handed swirling flow generating unit is housed in the second space and has a second shaft having a spiral groove portion on its outer periphery formed so as to swirl clockwise from the joining side of the receiving side casing to the joining side of the discharge side casing.

6. A grinding fluid injection device as described in claim 5, wherein each of the first shaft body and the second shaft body has a plurality of protruding portions formed between adjacent spiral groove portions in the circumferential direction and having a diamond shape in a plan view from the radially outside, and the plurality of protruding portions are arranged with gaps between adjacent ones in the direction from the joining side of the receiving side casing toward the joining side of the discharge side casing.

7. A grinding fluid injection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a flow rate adjustment valve provided in the non-swirl flow path between the non-swirl flow generating section and the injection port of the second nozzle, and configured to adjust the injection flow rate of the non-swirl flow.

Images