Machine Tool Cutting Fluid Supply Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting fluid supply devices face challenges in providing highly filtered cutting fluids for high-quality machining without reducing the flow rate, especially when normal machining is performed, due to the pressure loss caused by fine-mesh filters used for chip removal.
Innovation Solution
A cutting fluid supply device with a path switching unit and dual pumps, which allows for different filter paths and pump configurations to manage flow rates and filtration levels based on machining requirements, ensuring high-quality filtration during high-quality machining without compromising normal machining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fine-mesh filter is provided partway through the flow path to remove chips from cutting fluid, then chip removal performance is improved, but the flow rate of cutting fluid is reduced due to pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different filter configurations based on machining mode. A fine-mesh filter is selectively engaged only during mirror surface machining operations, while a coarse filter or no filter is used during normal machining, allowing the system to adapt filter fineness to operational requirements and maintain high flow rates during standard operations
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is segmented into multiple filter elements with different mesh sizes (fine-mesh filter and coarse filter) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary filtration level for each machining operation, avoiding the continuous pressure loss that would result from always using the fine-mesh filter
2Manufacturing precision
If a fine-mesh filter is used to remove chips, then chip removal performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter selection mechanism dynamically chooses between different filter configurations based on the machining operation type. The system includes a filter selection unit that can switch between fine-mesh filter, coarse filter, or no filter based on whether mirror surface machining or normal machining is being performed, avoiding the need for a permanently complex fine-filter system
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated unit that can selectively engage different filter elements. The filter selection unit provides universal functionality by accommodating both fine-filtration requirements for mirror machining and high-flow requirements for normal machining within one system architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively supplies highly filtered cutting fluids during high-quality machining while maintaining optimal flow rates during normal machining by switching between filter paths and pump configurations, enhancing machining quality without increasing device size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump which pressurizes the cutting fluid so as to feed the cutting fluid within the storage tank to the cutting fluid discharge port
Implementation Method 2
a first filter which is provided outside the storage tank; a second filter which is provided outside the storage tank and which has filter performance different from the first filter
Data Source
AI summary
The cutting fluid supply device of a machine tool includes a storage tank of a cutting fluid, a cutting fluid discharge port which discharges the cutting fluid, at least one pump which feeds the cutting fluid to the cutting fluid discharge port, a first filter, a second filter which has filter performance different from the first filter, a path switching unit which switches the paths of the cutting fluid and a control unit, and the control unit controls the pump and the path switching unit so as to switch, as the paths, to a first path along which the cutting fluid is fed without being passed through the filters, a second path along which the cutting fluid is passed through the first filter and is fed and a third path along which the cutting fluid is passed through the second filter and is fed.