Variable Delivery Coolant Pump with Selective Branch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
A common pump used in coolant supply apparatuses for machine tools reduces the flow rate of coolant to individual passages when supplying coolant to multiple parts, leading to insufficient chip removal and potential damage to tools and workpieces, while using a larger pump increases the machine tool's size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A coolant supply apparatus with a variable delivery pump and control means to selectively open and close branch passages, allowing intensive coolant delivery to specific passages at a preset rate, ensuring efficient chip removal without increasing pump size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common pump is used to supply coolant to multiple parts simultaneously, then the machine tool size remains compact and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the flow rate to individual passages decreases leading to insufficient chip removal
Solution Approach 1:
The coolant supply system is segmented into multiple independent circuits, each with its own flow control valve. This allows the single pump to be divided into multiple functional streams, enabling independent control of coolant flow to different parts (spindle, shower, trough) while maintaining adequate flow rates for effective chip removal in each area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic flow control through adjustable valves in each branch circuit. The coolant distribution can be dynamically adjusted based on processing requirements, allowing optimization of chip removal efficiency for different operations while using a single pump, thus resolving the contradiction between compact design and effective chip removal.
2Productivity
If coolant flow rate to individual passages is increased to improve chip removal, then chip removal efficiency improves, but the pump size and machine tool size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coolant supply into multiple controlled circuits, each receiving a portion of the total pump capacity, the system achieves adequate flow rates to individual passages without requiring an oversized pump. The segmentation allows efficient use of pump capacity across multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the distribution parameters of coolant flow through adjustable valves in each branch. By controlling the flow division ratio among different circuits, the system optimizes chip removal efficiency without increasing pump size, as the same total flow is redistributed according to real-time processing needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branch passages are opened simultaneously for coolant supply, then all parts receive coolant, but the jet rate from each nozzle decreases reducing chip removing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the opening and closing of individual branch circuits based on processing requirements. During chip removal operations, the system can prioritize specific circuits (e.g., opening only the trough circuit for effective chip ejection) while closing others, maintaining high jet rates in active circuits while still providing versatile coolant distribution when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant supply system can operate in periodic cycles, alternating between different circuit configurations. For example, during machining, coolant is supplied to the spindle area; during chip removal phases, the trough circuit is activated with full flow. This periodic switching maintains high jet rates in active circuits while achieving comprehensive coverage over the complete operation cycle.
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
Reliably removes chips from the working chamber, preventing tool damage and ensuring a finished surface quality by intensively supplying coolant to specific passages, while maintaining a compact machine tool design.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant pump for delivering coolant
Implementation Method 2
control means for turning on and off on-off valves of the plurality of branch passages
Implementation Method 3
the chip removing effect is achieved by coolant jetted with a given pressure and a given flow rate removing chips from a processing point
Implementation Method 4
forcing chips to drop off the top surface of a workpiece, or forcing chips in a trough to flow in a specified direction
Implementation Method 5
the cooling effect absorbs friction heat and heat of metals generated between a workpiece and a tool or between a tool and chips, and cools the workpiece, tool, and other components of a machine tool
Implementation Method 6
the cooling effect absorbs friction heat and heat of metals
Implementation Method 7
the lubricating effect reduces friction between a workpiece and a tool or a tool and chips by coolant flowing between the workpiece and the tool or the tool and the chips, thereby preventing generation of a built-up edge and welding of chips onto a tool cutting face
Data Source
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AI summary
A coolant supply apparatus includes variable delivery coolant pump (100) pumping up coolant from coolant tank (104), a plurality of branch passages (120 to 124) allowing coolant (108) delivered from coolant pump (100) to flow separately to a plurality of parts of a machine tool, and machine control unit (110) turning on and off on-off valves (136) of the plurality of branch passages (120 to 124), wherein machine control unit (110), in response to a jet coolant instruction, opens only one branch passage to intensively supply coolant (108) to the branch passage at the maximum delivery rate of coolant pump (100) and closes the other branch passages.