JP7324500B2 - Coolant supply device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a coolant supply system, and more particularly to a coolant supply system for supplying coolant to one or more machine tools.

Conventionally, there has been known a coolant supply device that automatically supplies coolant to processing machines such as lathes and milling machines (see Patent Document 1, for example). In such a coolant supply device, coolant is supplied based on a request signal from each processing machine. Specifically, it comprises a float sensor for detecting the liquid level in a coolant tank that stores coolant to be supplied to each processing machine, and an electromagnetic valve for supplying and stopping coolant to the coolant tank. The coolant is supplied by driving the electromagnetic valve in accordance with the detection signal of .

JP 2010-214491 A

However, in the above-described conventional coolant supply device, the coolant is supplied simply by driving the solenoid valve according to the detection signal of the float sensor, so the coolant consumption status of each processing machine cannot be grasped. Therefore, it is difficult to know the appropriate timing for preparing the undiluted coolant based on the consumption of coolant.

In addition, the main body of the coolant supply device and each processing machine are separated by several tens of meters, and electric wiring is used for communication of the detection signal of the float sensor and the drive signal of the solenoid valve between them. However, wiring between the coolant supply device and multiple distant processing machines in order to communicate the float sensor detection signal and solenoid valve drive signal of each processing machine increases the amount of wiring on the coolant supply device side. The number of wires was limited to the necessary minimum because the structure was difficult to miniaturize. In addition, when a relatively long electrical wiring is used, the induced L component and floating C component increase, and the induced voltage generated when the current changes, the inrush current to the floating C component when the voltage changes, and other noises mix in. There was concern about destruction or malfunction. In addition, it is troublesome to install electrical wiring when laying the equipment and rewiring when changing the layout, and it is difficult to add wiring for obtaining the coolant supply time and supply frequency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a coolant supply device capable of grasping the consumption status of coolant for each processing machine.
In addition to the above objects, the present invention is to provide a coolant supply device that can omit or reduce electrical wiring to each processing machine and that can easily obtain information other than coolant supply for each processing machine. for other purposes.

The present invention is as follows.
1. A coolant supply device for supplying coolant to one or more processing machines,
a liquid level sensor that detects a liquid level in a coolant tank that stores coolant to be supplied to each processing machine;
a solenoid valve for supplying and stopping coolant to the coolant tank;
a sub-machine provided corresponding to each of the processing machines, for detecting the amount of liquid in the coolant tank by the liquid level sensor and for driving the solenoid valve;
a parent device capable of communicating with each of the child devices, receiving liquid volume information from each of the child devices, generating an opening/closing control signal for instructing opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve, and transmitting the signal to each of the child devices; ,
with
The parent machine monitors the time change of the liquid amount and the start and stop times of coolant supply for each of the processing machines, and generates the open/close control signal based on the duration of excess or deficiency with respect to a predetermined liquid amount level. A coolant supply device characterized by:
2. 1. The child device receives the open/close control signal for opening the solenoid valve from the parent device, and drives the solenoid valve to open while the liquid amount is less than a predetermined level. A coolant supply device as described.
3. The parent machine opens the solenoid valve when the liquid amount continues for a predetermined time or more and then becomes less than the predetermined level after reaching the predetermined level or more. to generate the opening/closing control signal as described above in 1. or 2. The coolant supply device according to .
4. The child device includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the coolant, and transmits the measured temperature information to the parent device,
The parent machine has a recovery time (T1) from when the liquid amount becomes less than a predetermined level until it reaches a predetermined level, and a fluctuation from when the liquid amount becomes less than a predetermined level to when it becomes less than a predetermined level again. The cycle (T2) is measured, and the opening/closing control signal is generated so that the ratio (K=T1/T2) of the recovery time (T1) to the fluctuation cycle (T2) is within a predetermined range according to the temperature. 1. to 3. The coolant supply device according to any one of 1.
5. The parent machine performs transmission and reception with each of the child machines at a predetermined cycle, and memorizes, for each of the processing machines, that the liquid amount has crossed the predetermined level and that the electromagnetic valve has been opened and closed together with the time of occurrence. The above 1. to be stored in the device. to 4. The coolant supply device according to any one of 1.
6. When at least one of the parent device and the child device detects a communication abnormality with the other at the start of supply of coolant or during the supply of coolant, the solenoid valve is controlled to close. . A coolant supply device as described.
7. The parent machine calculates the supply amount of coolant based on the supply time of the coolant, and notifies the outside when the supply amount exceeds a predetermined value. or 6. The coolant supply device according to .
8. The child device includes a processing completion sensor that detects processing completion each time a processed product is processed by the processing machine, and transmits a detected processing completion signal to the master device,
1. above, wherein the master unit stores the number of processed products in a storage device based on the reception of the processing completion signal. to 7. The coolant supply device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.
9. The child machine includes a display for displaying display contents corresponding to the operating state of the processing machine, and an operation switch for changing the display contents of the display. sending a signal to the parent machine;
The parent machine stores the operating state of the processing machine in a storage device based on the reception of the operation signal, and transmits a display change signal instructing change of the display content of the display device to the child machine. 8. The coolant supply device according to .
10. According to the above 1., the parent device and each of the child devices communicate wirelessly. to 9. The coolant supply device according to any one of 1.

According to the coolant supply device of the present invention, a liquid level sensor that detects the height of the liquid level in the coolant tank that stores the coolant to be supplied to each processing machine, and an electromagnetic valve that supplies and stops the coolant to the coolant tank. , is provided corresponding to each processing machine, detects the amount of liquid in the coolant tank with a liquid level sensor, and drives a solenoid valve. a parent device that receives liquid volume information, generates an opening/closing control signal for instructing opening/closing of the solenoid valve, and transmits the signal to each child device. Then, the parent machine monitors changes in the amount of liquid over time and the start and stop times of coolant supply for each processing machine, and generates an open/close control signal based on the duration of excess or deficiency with respect to a predetermined liquid amount level. As a result, the coolant consumption can be accurately grasped based on the coolant supply time, supply duration, and supply frequency for each processing machine. As a result, it is possible to know the appropriate timing for preparing the undiluted coolant based on the consumption of coolant.
Further, when the child device receives the opening/closing control signal for opening the solenoid valve from the parent device and drives the solenoid valve to open while the liquid amount is less than a predetermined level, a communication failure occurs. It is possible to prevent the coolant tank from overflowing due to malfunction of the solenoid valve when an abnormality such as program runaway occurs.
In addition, when the amount of liquid remains below a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time or more, and when the amount of liquid rises to a predetermined level or more and then falls below a predetermined level again, the solenoid valve is opened. When the opening/closing control signal is generated as described above, the supply of coolant is started with a delay of one cycle from the fluctuation cycle of the coolant level. As a result, a relatively large amount of coolant can be supplied at one time, and the coolant can be efficiently supplied.
Further, the child device includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the coolant, and transmits the measured temperature information to the parent device, and the parent device detects that the liquid amount reaches the predetermined level after the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level. The recovery time (T1) until the liquid amount becomes less than a predetermined level and the fluctuation period (T2) from when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level to the next time when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level are measured, and the recovery time (T2) for the fluctuation period (T2) is calculated. When the opening/closing control signal is generated so that the ratio (K=T1/T2) of T1) falls within a predetermined range according to the temperature, the amount of coolant supplied is reduced when the coolant temperature is relatively low, and the reverse is performed. When the temperature of the coolant is relatively high, control is performed to increase the amount of coolant supplied, thereby suppressing the generation of bubbles contained in the coolant.
Further, the parent machine performs transmission and reception with each of the child machines at a predetermined cycle, and the occurrence time when the liquid amount crosses the predetermined level and the opening and closing of the solenoid valve is performed for each of the processing machines. In the case of storing in the storage device together with the coolant, the consumption status of the coolant can be easily grasped.
Further, when at least one of the parent device and the child device detects an abnormality in communication with the other at the start of coolant supply or during coolant supply, the solenoid valve is controlled to close. In this case, when an abnormality such as a communication failure occurs, it is possible to prevent the coolant tank from overflowing due to malfunction of the solenoid valve.
In addition, when the parent machine calculates the supply amount of coolant based on the supply time of the coolant and notifies the outside when the supply amount exceeds a predetermined value, appropriate timing for arranging the coolant undiluted solution can be notified to the outside.
Further, the slave machine includes a processing completion sensor that detects processing completion each time the processing machine processes a processed product, and transmits a detected processing completion signal to the master machine. When storing the number of processed products in the storage device based on the reception of the processing completion signal, further details are provided based on the coolant supply time, supply time and supply frequency according to the number of processed products for each processing machine It is possible to grasp the consumption status of various coolants.
Further, the child machine includes a display for displaying display content corresponding to the operating state of the processing machine, and an operation switch for changing the display content of the display, and each time the operation switch is operated an operation signal is transmitted to the parent device, and the parent device stores the operating state of the processing machine in a storage device based on the reception of the operation signal, and instructs to change the display content of the display device. When transmitting the display change signal to the child machine, more detailed coolant information is provided based on the number of processed products processed by each processing machine and the coolant supply time, supply time, and supply frequency according to the operating state of the processing machine. You can grasp the consumption situation.
Furthermore, when the parent machine and each child machine communicate wirelessly, the electrical wiring to each processing machine can be omitted or reduced, which simplifies the installation of equipment and flexibly responds to layout changes. . Furthermore, since information other than the supply of coolant for each processing machine can be easily obtained, it is effective in early detection of abnormalities and management such as ensuring accurate production numbers.

It is a block diagram of the coolant supply apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a circuit diagram which shows the electromagnetic valve drive circuit of a child machine. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a form of generation of an opening/closing control signal by a parent device; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a form of generation of an opening/closing control signal by another parent device; 4 is a data table showing the correlation between coolant temperature information and K value; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display device and operation switches of a child device; 4 is a data table for explaining control processing of the parent device; 4 is a flowchart for explaining control processing of the parent device; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a list display of production statuses by the parent machine; It is a block diagram for explaining the main body of the coolant supply device.

The material presented herein is intended to be exemplary and illustrative of the embodiments of the invention and is believed to be the most effective and readily comprehensible description of the principles and conceptual features of the invention. It is stated for the purpose of providing what it seems. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention beyond those necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and the description in conjunction with the drawings will illustrate some aspects of the invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how it is actually implemented.

(1) Configuration of Coolant Supply Device A coolant supply device 1 according to the present embodiment supplies coolant from a main body 8 to a plurality of processing machines 2 through coolant supply pipes 9, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coolant supply device 1 includes a liquid level sensor 4 for detecting the liquid level in a coolant tank 3 storing coolant to be supplied to each processing machine 2, and On the other hand, a solenoid valve 5 for supplying and stopping the coolant, and a child machine 6 provided corresponding to each processing machine 2, detects the amount of liquid in the coolant tank 3 by the liquid level sensor 4, and drives the solenoid valve 5. and each child device 6, receives liquid amount information from each child device 6, generates an opening/closing control signal for instructing opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 5, and transmits it to each child device 6 It is equipped with a machine 7 and

The parent device 7 and each child device 6 are provided with communication modules 41 and 42, respectively, and communicate wirelessly. Based on the number of I/O ports, the parent device 7 and each child device 6 communicate with each other through one line at a time, and the plurality of child devices 6 are connected in a time-division manner in which priority is given.

The parent machine 7 monitors the time change of the liquid amount and the start and stop times of coolant supply for each processing machine 2 (see steps S7 to S14 in FIG. 8), Based on this, an open/close control signal is generated. The main unit 7 is provided corresponding to a main body 8 described later that mixes the undiluted coolant and water to produce the diluted coolant. In addition, the master device 7 includes a control unit 45 for executing various control processes, which will be described later. The control unit 45 includes a CPU 46, a storage device 47 (ROM, RAM, etc.), an input/output circuit (not shown), and the like.

Note that the control processing by the control unit 45 may be realized by either hardware or software. It can be configured by providing a peripheral circuit such as an input/output interface at the center.

The liquid level sensor 4 detects the lower limit level of the liquid level of the coolant tank 3, as shown in FIG. As the liquid level sensor 4, for example, a float type, an ultrasonic type, a capacitance type, a pressure type, or the like can be adopted. Further, the solenoid valve 5 is provided at each branch portion 9a of the coolant supply pipe 9 connected to the main body 8, and opens and closes each branch portion 9a. One end side of each branch portion 9 a is connected to the coolant tank 3 of each processing machine 2 .

The slave unit 6 receives an opening/closing control signal for opening the solenoid valve 5 from the master unit 7, and drives the solenoid valve 5 to open while the amount of liquid is less than a predetermined level. Specifically, the child device 6 includes an electromagnetic valve drive circuit 11 configured using a photocoupler 10 . The solenoid valve driving circuit 11 receives the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4 and the opening/closing control signal (indicated by reference numeral "49" in FIG. 2) for opening the solenoid valve 5 from the main unit 7. The solenoid valve 5 is driven to open under the AND condition. When the solenoid valve 5 is driven, the main unit 7 drives the oil supply pump 33 and the like of the main body 8 , so that coolant is supplied from the main body 8 to the coolant tank 3 through the coolant supply pipe 9 . Further, the electromagnetic valve driving circuit 11 receives the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4 and transmits the signal to the main unit 7 (indicated by reference numeral "48" in FIG. 2).
The electromagnetic valve driving circuit 11 may be configured using electronic elements other than the photocoupler 10. FIG.

Here, the coolant of the processing machine 2 partially moves from the coolant tank 3 to the cutting portion to lower the temperature of the processing portion at the timing of processing, and then returns to the coolant tank 3 through the circulation path. The liquid level in the coolant tank 3 usually fluctuates in relation to the tact cycle of the processing machine 2 (see FIG. 3; for the sake of explanation, the fluctuation is assumed to be a sine waveform). Therefore, the ON time of the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4 changes according to the height of the coolant liquid level (liquid amount).

As shown in FIG. 3, when the amount of liquid is less than the predetermined level L1 for a predetermined period of time or longer, and after the amount of liquid reaches the predetermined level L1 or more and then becomes less than the predetermined level L1 again, the main unit 7 , to generate an open/close control signal to open the solenoid valve 5 . By driving the electromagnetic valve 5 with this open/close control signal, the supply of coolant is started with a delay of one cycle from the fluctuation cycle of the coolant level (indicated by an arrow 60 in FIG. 3).

The liquid level sensor 4 is judged to be ON continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) in consideration of liquid level fluctuations (same as chattering of circuit contacts). Further, it is assumed that the liquid level sensor 4 is judged to be off continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds). Furthermore, when machining is not being performed by the processing machine 2, or when the amount of coolant is extremely low and falls below the set level of the liquid level sensor 4, the ON time of the liquid level sensor 4 is simply detected. At this point, coolant is supplied until the ON time of the liquid level sensor 4 falls below the set value.

As another form of generation of the opening/closing control signal, as shown in FIG. 4, the main unit 7 opens and closes the solenoid valve 5 when the amount of liquid is less than the predetermined level L1 for a predetermined period of time or more. A form of generating a control signal may be adopted. In this form, when the set ON time of the liquid level sensor 4 elapses, the supply of coolant is started, but since the liquid level sensor 4 is already turned off, the supply of coolant is stopped in a relatively short time ( indicated by an arrow 61 in FIG. 4; for example, after 10 seconds).

The child device 6 includes a temperature sensor 13 (see FIG. 2) that measures the temperature of the coolant, and transmits the measured temperature information to the parent device 7 . As shown in FIG. 3, the parent device 7 has a recovery time T1 from when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level L1 until it reaches the predetermined level L1, and the next predetermined level after the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level L1. The fluctuation period T2 until it becomes less than L1 is measured, and as shown in FIG. ) to generate an open/close control signal. Specifically, the opening/closing control signal is generated so that the amount of coolant supplied decreases as the temperature of the coolant decreases. As a result, the amount of coolant supplied can be varied according to the temperature in the coolant tank 3, as indicated by a virtual line arrow 62 in FIG.

The parent machine 7 performs transmission and reception with each child machine 6 at a predetermined cycle, and for each processing machine 6, the liquid amount has crossed a predetermined level and the electromagnetic valve 5 has been opened and closed (specifically, the cause ID ; see FIG. 7) is stored in the storage device 47 together with the time of occurrence (see steps S7 to S14 in FIG. 8). This occurrence time is the time at which wireless communication is performed. The time of occurrence is the number of seconds counted from the specific time of the day. This is because in a production plant that operates 24 hours a day, daily production control is performed at specific times. The cause ID stored in the storage device 47 together with the time of occurrence is an ID number associated with each cause. This ID number is assigned to the rise and fall of each signal waveform of the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4 and the opening/closing control signal of the solenoid valve 5, for example. By assigning the detection signal waveform operation to each ID number in this way, it is possible to verify the set level of the liquid level sensor 4 and check the coolant level in the operation of the solenoid valve 5 from the detection operation start time and detection operation time of the liquid level sensor 4. It is possible to estimate the frequency of supply and the amount of supply.

In FIG. 7, cause ID "1" indicates that the processing machine 2 is in operation, cause ID "2" indicates that the line of the processing machine 2 is stopped, and cause ID "6" indicates that the liquid level sensor 4 is on. , cause ID "7" indicates that the liquid level sensor 4 is OFF, cause ID "8" indicates that the solenoid valve 5 is ON, and cause ID "9" indicates that the solenoid valve 5 is OFF.

At least one of the parent device 7 and the child device 6 controls the solenoid valve 5 to close when detecting a communication abnormality with the other at the start of supply of coolant or during supply. Specifically, one of the base unit 7 and the slave unit 6 transmits a communication confirmation signal to the other, and whether or not the other returns a communication response signal to the other in response to the communication confirmation signal indicates a communication abnormality. To detect. When this abnormal communication is detected, the information of the liquid level sensor 4 stored in the storage device 47 of the parent device 7 is reset.

The parent machine 7 calculates the supply amount of coolant based on the supply time of the coolant, and notifies the outside when the supply amount exceeds a predetermined value. Specifically, when the amount of coolant supply reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the master device 7 sends an e-mail requesting the supply of the undiluted coolant to a specific address in the form of a standard document.

The child device 6 includes a processing completion sensor 15 (see FIG. 1) that detects the completion of processing each time the processing machine 2 processes the product, and transmits the detected processing completion signal to the master device 7 . Based on the reception of the processing completion signal, the parent device 7 stores the occurrence time and the cause ID indicating the number of processed products in the storage device 47 (see steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 8).
As the machining completion sensor 15, for example, an optical sensor that detects passage of the workpiece can be employed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the child machine 6 has a display 17 for displaying display contents (that is, production mode) according to the operating state of the processing machine 2, and an operation switch for changing the display contents of the display 17. 18, and transmits an operation signal to the parent device 7 each time the operation switch 18 is operated. Based on the reception of the operation signal, the master device 7 stores the occurrence time and the cause ID indicating the operating state of the processing machine 2 in the storage device 47, and further instructs to change the display content of the display device 17. A signal is transmitted to the slave unit 6 (see steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 8).
As the indicator 17, for example, an LED indicator that displays the display contents in different lighting modes can be employed. As the operation switch 18, for example, an operation switch that changes the display contents of the display 17 each time it is pressed can be used.

Here, the coolant of the processing machine 2 moves from the inside of the coolant tank 3 to the cutting tool machining portion, and then returns to the coolant tank 3 through the circulation path. In this circulation path, a large amount of shavings (large and small metal dust, etc.) from cutting tool processing are mixed together, hindering the movement of the coolant. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically remove debris with a mesh filter. In addition, there are multiple partition plates in the coolant circulation path for the purpose of removing metal scum. Since the amount of debris accumulated in these mesh filters and partition plates is proportional to the accumulated production count, the production count information can be used to determine whether to remove the debris.

As shown in FIG. 9, the base unit 7 calculates the time of occurrence of the cause, the time interval, and the number of times of occurrence based on the time at which wireless communication is performed and the ID number associated with each cause, and the production status derived from the cause. can be displayed as a list via a LAN or the like.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main body 8 of the coolant device 1 includes a main tank 21 that stores the undiluted coolant, a weighing tank 22 that stores the undiluted coolant supplied from the main tank 21, and a water tank 23 that stores water. , a dilution unit 24 that mixes the undiluted coolant from the weighing tank 22 and water from the water tank 23 to generate diluted coolant, and an adjustment tank 25 that stores the diluted coolant supplied from the dilution unit 24. there is

A pipe connecting the main tank 21 and the weighing tank 22 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 27 for opening and closing the pipe. The dilution unit 24 also includes a water supply pump 28 , a regulator 29 and a mixing mechanism 31 . A pipe connecting the water supply pump 28 and the mixing mechanism 31 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 32 for opening and closing the pipe. In addition, the mixing mechanism 31 sucks up the undiluted coolant in the measuring tank 22 when water flows in from the water inlet, and mixes the water and the undiluted coolant to generate diluted coolant. Also, the adjustment tank 25 and the coolant tank 3 of each processing machine 2 are connected by a coolant supply pipe 9 . The coolant supply pipe 9 is provided with an oil supply pump 33 that draws up the diluted coolant stored in the adjustment tank 25 and supplies it to the coolant tank 3 of each processing machine 2 . These electromagnetic valves 27 and 32 and pumps 28 and 33 are driven and controlled by the main unit 7 .

Next, control processing by the control unit 45 of the parent device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. After performing initial processing (step S1), the master device 7 determines whether there is a wireless input from the slave device 6 (step S2). If there is no wireless input from the handset 6, the process proceeds to other control processing (step S15).

If there is a wireless input from the handset 6, it is determined whether the wireless input is an LED count input (that is, an input of an operation signal of the operation switch 18) (step S3). If it is the LED count input, the number of operations of the operation switch 18 is counted up and stored in the storage device 47, and a display change signal for instructing the change of the display contents of the display 17 is wirelessly output to the slave device 6 (step S4). ). A processing state (that is, a production mode) of the processing machine 2 is assigned corresponding to the number of operations of the operation switch 18 .

Next, it is determined whether or not the wireless input from the handset 6 is a production count input (that is, a processing completion signal input from the processing completion sensor 15) (step S5). If it is a production count input, the cause ID indicating the number of processed products (that is, the number of production counts) is stored in the storage device 47 together with the occurrence time (step S6).

Next, it is determined whether the wireless input from the child device 6 is the float SW input (that is, the input of the liquid level sensor 4) (step S7). If it is the float SW input, it is determined whether it is the float SW ON input (that is, the input of the ON detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4) (step S8). If the float switch is on, the time of occurrence and the cause ID indicating that the liquid level sensor 4 is on are stored in the storage device 47 (step S9). On the other hand, if it is not the float SW ON input, the cause ID indicating OFF of the liquid level sensor 4 is stored in the storage device 47 together with the occurrence time (step S10).

Next, it is determined whether or not the solenoid valve 5 is being driven (open) (step S11). It is determined whether or not to output an open/close control signal for switching (step S12). When outputting a solenoid valve ON command to the slave unit 6, the cause ID indicating the ON state of the solenoid valve 5 is stored in the storage device 47 together with the occurrence time (step S13). On the other hand, when the electromagnetic valve ON command is not output to the slave unit 6, the cause ID indicating the OFF of the electromagnetic valve 5 is stored in the storage device 47 together with the occurrence time (step S14). After that, other control processing (step S15) is performed, and then the process returns to the determination of the presence or absence of wireless input from the handset 6 (step S2).

(2) Effect of the Embodiment According to the coolant supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid level sensor 4 for detecting the liquid level in the coolant tank 3 storing the coolant to be supplied to each processing machine 2 and the coolant tank 3 A solenoid valve 5 for supplying and stopping coolant to and a sub-unit that is provided corresponding to each processing machine 2 and detects the amount of liquid in the coolant tank 3 by the liquid level sensor 4 and drives the solenoid valve 5 6 and each child device 6, receives liquid amount information from each child device 6, generates an opening/closing control signal for instructing opening and closing of the solenoid valve 5, and transmits it to each child device 6 a parent device 7; Then, the parent machine 7 monitors the time change of the liquid amount and the start and stop times of coolant supply for each processing machine 2, and generates an open/close control signal based on the duration of excess or deficiency with respect to a predetermined liquid amount level. . As a result, the coolant consumption status can be accurately grasped based on the coolant supply time, supply duration, and supply frequency for each processing machine 2 . As a result, it is possible to know the appropriate timing for preparing the undiluted coolant based on the consumption of coolant.

Further, in the present embodiment, the child device 6 receives an opening/closing control signal for opening the solenoid valve 5 from the parent device 7 and drives the solenoid valve 5 to open while the liquid amount is below a predetermined level. As a result, overflow of the coolant tank 3 due to malfunction of the solenoid valve 5 can be prevented when an abnormality such as a communication failure or program runaway occurs.
In particular, in the form in which the parent device 7 and each child device 6 communicate wirelessly, it is possible to effectively prevent the overflow of the coolant tank 3 due to the continuous ON state of the solenoid valve 5 due to malfunction of the solenoid valve drive circuit 11 operated by a program.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the time T1 during which the liquid level is less than the predetermined level continues for a predetermined period or more, and then the liquid level becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined level and then becomes less than the predetermined level again, the master device 7 generates an electromagnetic signal. An open/close control signal is generated to open the valve 5 . As a result, the supply of coolant is started with a delay of one cycle with respect to the fluctuation cycle of the liquid level of the coolant. Therefore, a relatively large amount of coolant can be supplied at one time, and the coolant can be efficiently supplied.

Further, in the present embodiment, the child device 6 includes a temperature sensor 13 that measures the temperature of the coolant, and transmits the measured temperature information to the parent device 7. The recovery time T1 from the liquid level to the predetermined level and the fluctuation period T2 from the time when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level to the next time it becomes less than the predetermined level are measured, and the ratio of the recovery time T1 to the fluctuation period T2 (K =T1/T2) is within a predetermined range according to the temperature. As a result, when the coolant temperature is relatively low, the amount of coolant supplied is reduced, and conversely, when the coolant temperature is relatively high, the amount of coolant supplied is increased. can be suppressed.

Here, the coolant diluted with water has a considerable problem of generating bubbles due to its component structure. An error occurs in the value detected by the surface sensor 4 . The lower the temperature of the foam, the stronger the film viscosity of the foam and the less the film is broken. Therefore, it is difficult for the foam to disappear, and the larger the amount of coolant movement, the more foam is generated.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the temperature of the coolant is monitored, and when the temperature is low, the detection of the liquid level sensor 4 is shallowed to reduce the coolant supply amount, and conversely, when the temperature is high, the liquid level The generation of bubbles can be suppressed by increasing the detection of the sensor 4 and increasing the coolant supply amount.

Further, in this embodiment, the parent machine 7 performs transmission and reception with each child machine 6 at a predetermined cycle, and for each processing machine 2, the amount of liquid crosses a predetermined level and the electromagnetic valve 5 is opened or closed. is stored in the storage device 47 together with the time of occurrence. This makes it possible to easily grasp the consumption status of the coolant.

Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the parent device 7 and the child device 6 closes the solenoid valve 5 when detecting an abnormality in communication with the other at the start or during supply of coolant. control to As a result, overflow of the coolant tank 3 due to malfunction of the solenoid valve 5 can be prevented when an abnormality such as a communication failure occurs.
In particular, in a form in which the master device 7 and each slave device 6 communicate wirelessly, if an abnormality such as a power loss occurs in the slave device 6 after information is transmitted from the slave device 6, the information transmission data continues to the master device 7. This may cause malfunctions. In order to prevent this, when information is transmitted from the slave unit 6 and control from the master unit 7 is awaited, the master unit 7 and the slave unit 6 periodically perform wireless communication to check the wireless communication route. By doing so, malfunction can be effectively prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the main unit 7 calculates the supply amount of coolant based on the supply time of the coolant, and notifies the outside when the supply amount exceeds a predetermined value. This makes it possible to inform the outside of the appropriate timing for arranging the undiluted coolant.

Further, in the present embodiment, the child device 6 includes a processing completion sensor 15 that detects the completion of processing each time a processed product is processed by the processing machine 2, and transmits the detected processing completion signal to the master device 7, The parent device 7 stores the number of processed products in the storage device 47 based on the reception of the processing completion signal. As a result, a more detailed coolant consumption state can be grasped based on the coolant supply time, supply time, and supply frequency according to the number of workpieces processed by each processing machine 2 . In addition, production quantity management of each processing machine 2 becomes possible. Furthermore, by managing the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 4 of each processing machine 2, the opening/closing control signal of the solenoid valve 5, and the processing number information in the master machine 7, the information can be displayed in real time. 4 and the operation status of the electromagnetic valve 5 and the comparison with the daily target production quantity, etc. are improved.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the child machine 6 includes a display 17 that displays display content according to the operating state of the processing machine 2, and an operation switch 18 for changing the display content of the display 17. Each time the operation switch 18 is operated, an operation signal is transmitted to the parent device 7, and the parent device 7 stores the operating state of the processing machine 2 in the storage device 47 based on the reception of the operation signal, and displays the display device 17. A display change signal for instructing change of the display contents is transmitted to the slave unit 6. - 特許庁As a result, a more detailed coolant consumption state can be grasped based on the number of workpieces processed by each processing machine 2 and the supply time, supply duration, and supply frequency of the coolant according to the operating state of the processing machine 2 . Furthermore, the slave device 6 does not require a circuit for storing the number of times the operation switch 18 has been operated.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the parent device 7 and each child device 6 communicate wirelessly. As a result, electrical wiring to each processing machine 2 can be omitted or reduced, so installation of equipment can be simplified and layout changes can be flexibly accommodated. Furthermore, since information other than the supply of coolant for each processing machine 2 can be easily obtained, it is effective in early detection of abnormalities and management such as ensuring accurate production numbers.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be variously modified within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and application. That is, in the above embodiment, the master device 7 and each slave device 6 communicate wirelessly, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the master device 7 and each slave device 6 may perform wired communication. may

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is widely used as a technique for supplying coolant to one or more processing machines such as lathes and milling machines.

1; Coolant supply device, 2; Processing machine, 3; Coolant tank, 4; Liquid level sensor, 5; Solenoid valve, 6; Display, 18; Operation switch, 47; Storage device, T1; Recovery time, T2;

Claims (10)

A coolant supply device for supplying coolant to one or more processing machines,
a liquid level sensor that detects a liquid level in a coolant tank that stores coolant to be supplied to each processing machine;
a solenoid valve for supplying and stopping coolant to the coolant tank;
a sub-machine provided corresponding to each of the processing machines, for detecting the amount of liquid in the coolant tank by the liquid level sensor and for driving the solenoid valve;
a parent device capable of communicating with each of the child devices, receiving liquid volume information from each of the child devices, generating an opening/closing control signal for instructing opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve, and transmitting the signal to each of the child devices; ,
with
The parent machine monitors the time change of the liquid amount and the start and stop times of coolant supply for each of the processing machines, and generates the open/close control signal based on the duration of excess or deficiency of the liquid amount with respect to a predetermined level. A coolant supply device characterized by: 2. The coolant according to claim 1, wherein the slave machine receives the open/close control signal for opening the solenoid valve from the master machine, and drives the solenoid valve to open while the liquid amount is less than the predetermined level. feeding device. The master unit closes the solenoid valve when the liquid amount continues for a predetermined time or more and then becomes less than the predetermined level after reaching the predetermined level or more. 3. The coolant supply device according to claim 1, wherein the opening/closing control signal is generated so as to open. The child device includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the coolant, and transmits the measured temperature information to the parent device,
The parent device has a recovery time (T1) from when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level to when it reaches the predetermined level, and when the liquid amount becomes less than the predetermined level and then less than the predetermined level. The switching control signal is adjusted so that the ratio (K=T1/T2) of the recovery time (T1) to the fluctuation period (T2) is within a predetermined range according to the temperature. 4. The coolant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which generates The parent machine performs transmission and reception with each of the child machines at a predetermined cycle, and memorizes, for each of the processing machines, that the liquid amount has crossed the predetermined level and that the electromagnetic valve has been opened and closed together with the time of occurrence. 5. The coolant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is stored in the device. When at least one of the parent device and the child device detects a communication abnormality with the other at the start of coolant supply or during coolant supply, control is performed to close the solenoid valve. 6. The coolant supply device according to 5. 7. The coolant supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the parent device calculates the supply amount of coolant based on the supply time of the coolant, and notifies the outside when the supply amount exceeds a predetermined value. The child device includes a processing completion sensor that detects processing completion each time a processed product is processed by the processing machine, and transmits a detected processing completion signal to the master device,
8. The coolant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the parent machine stores the number of machining of the workpiece in a storage device based on reception of the machining completion signal. The child machine includes a display for displaying display contents corresponding to the operating state of the processing machine, and an operation switch for changing the display contents of the display. sending a signal to the base unit;
Upon receipt of the operation signal, the parent device stores the operating state of the processing machine in a storage device, and transmits a display change signal instructing change of the display content of the display device to the child device. Item 9. The coolant supply device according to Item 8. 10. The coolant supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the parent device and each of the child devices communicate wirelessly.

Images