KR20100108289A - Tool cleaning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A tool cleaning device for preventing the installation inferiority of a tool holder and a tool is provided to efficiently wash a tool in a short time by stably emitting a huge amount of cleaning fluid. CONSTITUTION: A tool cleaning device comprises a washing solution storage tank, a washing liquid nozzle(30) and a cleaning solution path. The washing liquid nozzle emits washing solution. The cleaning solution path connects the washing liquid nozzle and the tank. The cleaning solution path supplies washing solution to the washing liquid nozzle from the tank. A storing part(50) is formed in the cleaning solution path and stores washing solution flowing in the cleaning solution path.

Description

Tool cleaning device {TOOL CLEANING EQUIPMENT}

The present invention relates to a tool cleaning device for cleaning a tool and a tool holder installed on a main shaft of a machine tool. The tool cleaning device washes off attachments (cutting chips, etc.) on the tool and tool holder surface.

The machine tool performs various kinds of processing, such as priming, drilling, and tapping, by automatically replacing the tools. The machine tool is equipped with a tool accommodating part and a tool changer. The tool accommodating portion accommodates a plurality of kinds of tools in a state held in the tool holder. The tool compartment delivers the necessary tool to the exchange position. The tool changer receives the tool at the change position. The tool changer conveys the received tool and installs it on the main shaft of the machine tool. At the same time, the tool changer removes the tool after use from the spindle. The tool changer conveys the removed tool to the exchange position and returns it to the tool storage portion.

The tool holder has a spindle mounting portion and a tool holding portion. The spindle mounting portion has a substantially conical shape. The tool holding portion holds a tool such as a drill, a tab, and the like. The main shaft has a tool installation hole. The tool mounting hole is a conical hole corresponding to the spindle mounting portion. The main shaft is provided with a draw-bar in the inner side of the tool installation hole.

The tool changer inserts the spindle mount of the tool holder into the tool installation hole. The draw bar grips and pulls up the end of the spindle mounting portion to secure the tool holder to the spindle. The outer circumferential surface of the spindle mounting portion is in close contact with the tool mounting hole to position the spindle and the tool concentrically.

The main shaft is located inside the processing chamber. Inside the processing chamber, there are cutting chips generated by processing. The cutting chip is attached to the tool holder before installation on the spindle. Some cutting chips may enter between the outer peripheral surface of the spindle mounting portion and the tool installation hole.

The tool cannot be accurately positioned with respect to the spindle due to the cutting chips attached to the spindle mounting. Therefore, there exists a problem that a tool rotates in the eccentric state and processing precision falls. If the amount of cutting chips attached is large, the tool cannot be installed on the spindle. The operator needs to stop the machining and remove the cutting chips attached to the tool holder and the spindle.

The machine tool described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication, 2002 273640 is provided with a tool cleaning device. The tool cleaning device cleans the tool before installation on the spindle. The tool cleaning device is provided with a cleaning liquid nozzle for ejecting the cleaning liquid at the tip end of the main shaft. The cleaning liquid nozzle is connected to the cleaning liquid supply source and the air source (Compressor).

The cleaning liquid also serves as a coolant for cooling the tool and the workpiece during processing. The cleaning liquid supply source includes a tank for storing the cleaning liquid (cooling liquid) and a pump for delivering the cleaning liquid (cooling liquid). The pump directs the cleaning liquid in the tank to the outlet of the cleaning liquid nozzle. The pump mainly aims at supplying a cooling liquid. The discharge pressure of the pump is about 0.03 MPa. The discharge pressure of the pump is not sufficient as the pressure for ejecting the cooling liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzle.

The air source supplies air to the cleaning liquid nozzle to assist the ejection of the cleaning liquid. The washing liquid is ejected from the washing liquid nozzle on the highway by the action of the air. The cleaning liquid impinges on the tool and the tool holder to wash off the cutting chips attached to the tool and the tool holder.

In a conventional tool cleaning apparatus, the cleaning liquid nozzle ejects a mixture of the cleaning liquid and air. The mixture of the cleaning liquid and air is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle, but the cleaning liquid may be dispersed by air. Therefore, the conventional tool cleaning apparatus requires a long cleaning time in order to remove the cutting chips well. The machine tool provided with the conventional tool cleaning apparatus has a problem that the time required for tool replacement including tool cleaning is long, and the machining time is long.

In the conventional tool cleaning apparatus, the cleaning liquid supply part (tank and pump) is disposed at a position far from the cleaning liquid nozzle. The cleaning liquid reaches the cleaning liquid nozzle via the long cleaning liquid passage. The amount of liquid ejected by the cleaning liquid nozzle is unstable due to fluctuation due to passage resistance, pulsation of the pump and the like. In the conventional tool cleaning device, a desired cleaning effect may not be obtained.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tool cleaning apparatus capable of stably ejecting a large number of cleaning liquids, and capable of satisfactorily cleaning a tool in a short time.

The tool cleaning device of claim 1 includes a tank for storing a cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid nozzle capable of ejecting the cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage connecting the cleaning liquid nozzle and the tank, and a cleaning liquid passage for supplying the cleaning liquid in the tank to the cleaning liquid nozzle. A tool cleaning device for cleaning a tool before mounting on a main shaft of a machine tool with a cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid nozzle through the cleaning liquid passage, wherein the cleaning liquid flowing in the cleaning liquid passage on the cleaning liquid passage is stored once. It has a storage part.

The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid stored in the storage portion. The reservoir is located near the cleaning liquid nozzle. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir reaches the cleaning liquid nozzle via a short passage. The cleaning liquid nozzle stably ejects the cleaning liquid without being affected by passage resistance, pulsation of the pump, and the like.

The tool cleaning device of claim 2 includes a liquid supply valve that opens and closes the cleaning liquid passage on the cleaning liquid passage between the reservoir and the cleaning liquid nozzle.

The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid by opening the liquid supply valve. The storage part stores the cleaning liquid while the liquid supply valve is closed. The tool cleaning device can perform the cleaning operation only by opening and closing the liquid supply valve.

The tool cleaning device of claim 3 includes a pressure passage and a pressure reduction passage connected to the reservoir, a pressure valve for opening and closing the pressure passage, and a pressure reduction valve for opening and closing the pressure reduction passage.

The pressurizing passage pressurizes the inside of the reservoir by opening the pressurizing valve. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid is strongly ejected to reliably clean the tool and the tool holder. The decompression passage depressurizes the inside of the reservoir by opening the decompression valve. The storage portion can store the cleaning liquid without resistance.

The tool cleaning device of claim 4 includes a control device for opening and closing the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve, and the control device opens the liquid supply valve and the pressure valve, and closes the pressure reducing valve. The cleaning operation for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle, the storage operation for storing the cleaning liquid in the storage part by closing the liquid supply valve and the pressurizing valve and opening the pressure reducing valve, and the liquid supply valve. The standby operation is performed by closing the pressure valve and the pressure reducing valve.

At the time of washing | cleaning, a control apparatus opens a liquid supply valve and a pressurization valve, and closes a pressure reducing valve. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle in a pressurized state. The control apparatus closes a liquid supply valve and a pressurization valve after completion | finish of washing | cleaning, and makes a pressure reduction valve open. The reservoir stores the cleaning liquid without resistance. After completion of the storage, the control device closes the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve. The storage portion maintains the state in which the cleaning liquid is stored. The cleaning liquid nozzle waits until the next jet. The control device can eject and store the cleaning liquid by controlling the opening and closing of the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve.

The tool cleaning device of claim 5 includes a control device for opening and closing the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve, and the control device opens the liquid supply valve and the pressure valve, and closes the pressure reducing valve. The cleaning operation for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle, the storage operation for storing the cleaning liquid in the storage part by closing the liquid supply valve and the pressurizing valve and opening the pressure reducing valve, and the liquid supply valve. And a standby operation in which the pressure reducing valve is closed and the pressure valve is opened to wait.

At the time of washing | cleaning, a control apparatus opens a liquid supply valve and a pressurization valve, and closes a pressure reducing valve. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle in a pressurized state. The control apparatus closes a liquid supply valve and a pressurization valve after completion | finish of washing | cleaning, and makes a pressure reduction valve open. The reservoir stores the cleaning liquid without resistance. After completion of the storage, the control device closes the liquid supply valve and the pressure reducing valve, and waits with the pressure valve open. A storage part waits in the state which pressed the stored washing | cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid in a pressurized state during the next ejection. The cleaning liquid is ejected strongly from immediately after the start of ejection, to reliably clean the tool and the tool holder.

The tool cleaning device of claim 6 further includes a liquid level detector for detecting the liquid level in the storage unit, and the control device executes the storage operation until the detection liquid amount of the liquid level detector reaches a predetermined amount.

The storage portion can store a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the storage liquid of the storage portion. The cleaning liquid nozzle can eject a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid without shortage, thereby reliably cleaning the tool and the tool holder.

The tool cleaning device of claim 7 is further disposed on the cleaning liquid passage between the tank and the reservoir, and further includes a check valve that stops the flow of the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the tank.

The check valve prevents the washing liquid stored in the reservoir from flowing back. The cleaning liquid nozzle can eject the entire amount of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir.

The tool cleaning device of claim 8 is disposed on the cleaning liquid passage between the tank and the storage portion, and further includes an on / off valve for opening and closing the cleaning liquid passage.

The on-off valve is closed during washing, thereby preventing the washing liquid stored in the reservoir from flowing back. The cleaning liquid nozzle can eject the entire amount of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir.

The tool cleaning device of claim 9, wherein the opening and closing valve has a switching position for discharging the cleaning liquid, and includes a filter disposed on the cleaning liquid passage between the opening and closing valve and the storage portion, wherein the control device With the switching valve set to the switching position, the cleaning liquid in the reservoir flows in the reverse direction to the filter to perform a filter cleaning operation for cleaning the filter.

The control device switches the on / off valve after the cleaning operation to the switchable position at which it can be discharged. The washing liquid in the reservoir flows in the filter in the reverse direction to wash away the foreign matter removed by the filter. The filter after washing can be kept in a clean state. The tool cleaning device of claim 9 can prevent clogging of the filter and can perform a good cleaning operation for a long time.

The tool cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the storage portion includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion arranged in parallel, and the amount of cleaning liquid in the first storage portion or the second storage portion that is supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle. When less than a predetermined amount, the flow path to the cleaning liquid nozzle can be switched to the second storage portion or the first storage portion that is waiting to be supplied with the cleaning liquid.

The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid which any one of the first storage portion and the second storage portion stores. The first storage part is usually used. The second reservoir is switched when the amount of the washing liquid in the first reservoir is insufficient. The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the storage liquid of the second storage portion. The first reservoir stores the cleaning liquid during use of the second reservoir. The second reservoir stores the cleaning liquid during use of the first reservoir. Since either storage part is in a storage state, a 1st storage part and a 2nd storage part are in a storage state, and a cleaning liquid nozzle can always eject a sufficient amount of cleaning liquid. The tool cleaning device of claim 10 can cope with the purpose of repeating cleaning in a short time.

In the tool cleaning device of claim 11, the cleaning liquid nozzle is disposed at the tip end of the spindle head that supports the spindle.

The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid at the distal end of the spindle head. The cleaning liquid impinges on the tool and the tool holder before installation on the spindle. The tool and tool holder are reliably cleaned. Poor installation of the tool and the tool holder can be prevented well.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tool cleaning apparatus capable of stably ejecting a large number of cleaning liquids and allowing the tool to be washed well in a short time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The perspective view of the machine tool provided with the tool cleaning device of 1st Embodiment.
2 is a side view of the machine tool of FIG. 1;
3 is a front view of the spindle and the spindle head portion;
4 is a side view of the spindle and the spindle head portion;
5 is a plan view seen from below of the main shaft and the main shaft head portion;
6 is a sectional view of principal parts of the spindle and the spindle head.
7 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a tool cleaning device of a first embodiment.
8 is a block diagram of a control system of the tool cleaning device of the first embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating cleaning control of the first embodiment.
10 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a tool cleaning device of a second embodiment.
11 is a flowchart showing cleaning control of the second embodiment.
12 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a tool cleaning device of a third embodiment.
Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing control at startup of the third embodiment.
14 is a flowchart showing cleaning control of the third embodiment.
15 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a tool cleaning device of a fourth embodiment.
Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing backwash control in the fourth embodiment.
17 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a cleaning device of a fifth embodiment.
18 shows a pressurization device in a first modified form;
19 shows a pressurization device in a second modified form;
20 shows a pressurization device in a third modified form;

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to drawings which show preferable embodiment.

(1st embodiment)

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, the machine tool 1 is supported on the bottom surface by the base 2 made of cast iron. The machine tool 1 has a control box 3 and a column 4. The column 4 is a strut rising vertically in the center of the base 2. The machine tool 1 processes inside the processing chamber installed in the front side (left side of FIG. 1, FIG. 2) of the column 4. As shown in FIG.

The control box 3 is provided in the rear side (right side of FIG. 1, FIG. 2) of the column 4. As shown in FIG. The control box 3 houses the control unit 9 (see FIG. 8) therein. The column 4 supports the spindle head 5 (see FIG. 3) at its front part. The spindle head 5 can be raised and lowered inside the processing chamber along the column 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main shaft head 5 has a main shaft 6 below. The spindle head 5 has a drive mechanism 7 thereon. The spindle head 5 is raised and lowered by the drive of the drive mechanism 7. The main shaft 6 rotates about the axis of the up-down direction.

The machine tool 1 further includes an ATC (automatic tool changer) 8 and a tool cleaning device. As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, the ATC 8 is equipped with the tool accommodating part 17 and the tool change mechanism 18. As shown in FIG. The tool accommodating part 17 is arrange | positioned at the right side of the spindle head 5. The tool change mechanism 18 is arrange | positioned between the spindle head 5 and the tool accommodating part 17. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tool accommodating part 17 is equipped with the some tool pod 15 provided in the chain 16. As shown in FIG. The tool pod 15 holds a tool holder 21 (see FIG. 6) in which the tool 20 is installed. The tool pod 15 moves by circulating the chain 16, and conveys the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 to the exchange position (lower position in FIG. 4). In the exchange position, tool pod 15 feeds tool 20 and tool holder 21 out of tool receptacle 17.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tool change mechanism 18 is provided with the exchange arm 18a. The exchange arm 18a pivots about the axis parallel to the main axis 6, and also rises and falls. The exchange arm 18a has gripping portions 18b at both ends thereof. The holding arm 18b moves to the exchange position of the tool accommodating part 17 and the lower position of the main shaft 6 by turning the exchange arm 18a. One gripping portion 18b grips the tool holder 21 at the exchange position. The other gripping portion 18b grips the tool holder 21 at the lower position of the main shaft 6.

The exchange arm 18a descends while holding the tool holder 21. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 deviate from the tool pod 15 and the spindle 6. The exchange arm 18a pivots 180 ° after lowering. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 move from the exchange position to the lower position of the spindle 6 or from the lower position of the spindle 6 to the exchange position. The exchange arm 18a rises after turning, and fits the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 into the spindle 6 or the tool pod 15.

As shown in FIG. 6, the tool holder 21 is equipped with the spindle mounting part 21a and the tool holding part 21b. The tool holding part 21b is comprised from two cylinder parts from which a diameter differs. The lower cylindrical part grasps the tool 20. The diameter of the upper cylindrical part is larger than the diameter of the lower cylindrical part. The main shaft mounting portion 21a is a substantially conical portion continuous to the upper surface of the cylinder portion.

The main shaft 6 is provided with the tool installation hole 19 opening to the lower surface. The tool mounting hole 19 has a conical shape corresponding to the spindle mounting portion 21a. The tool holder 21 is attached to the spindle 6 by inserting the spindle mounting portion 21a into the tool mounting hole 19. The tool holder 21 and the tool 20 adhere the spindle mounting portion 21a to the tool installation hole 19 and the cylindrical upper end surface 21c above the tool holding portion 21b to the lower surface of the spindle 6. Positioning is performed by being in close contact.

The spindle head 5 rotatably supports the spindle 6. The spindle head 5 has an annular spindle cap 22 at its lower end. The spindle cap 22 is fixed to the lower surface of the spindle head 5 with a plurality of bolts 23. The lower surface of the main shaft 6 is exposed from the center hole of the main spindle cap 22. Between the lower surface of the main shaft 6 and the main shaft cap 22 is closed by an annular end face cover 24. The end face cover 24 is fixed to the lower surface of the main shaft 6 and is in contact with the lower surface of the main shaft cap 22.

The tool 20 installed on the main shaft 6 rotates together with the main shaft 6. The tool 20 moves in the vertical direction by the spindle head 5 ascending and descending. The tool 20 processes the workpiece in the processing chamber. The workpiece moves horizontally with the machining table in the machining chamber.

The machine tool 1 is equipped with a tool cleaning device. The tool cleaning device cleans the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 before installing them on the spindle 6. The spindle cap 22 has a liquid groove 25 on its lower surface. The liquid groove 25 is an annular groove formed on the lower surface of the spindle cap 22. The liquid groove 25 is formed outside the outer circumference of the end face cover 24. The liquid groove 25 is blocked by an annular cleaning liquid nozzle forming member 26 provided on the lower surface of the spindle cap 23. The cleaning liquid nozzle forming member 26 has an annular cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29 that opens in the lower surface thereof. The cleaning liquid nozzle forming member 26 has a lower surface of approximately the same height as the lower surface of the main shaft 6. The cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29 is formed obliquely toward the center of the main shaft head 5 and the main shaft 6.

The liquid groove 25 is connected to the liquid supply hole 27 formed in the spindle cap 22. The liquid supply hole 27 is opened in the outer circumference of the spindle cap 22. The liquid supply hole 27 is connected to the cleaning liquid hose 28. The cleaning liquid hose 28 supplies the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid enters into the liquid groove 25 via the liquid supply hole 27 and is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning liquid A is ejected in the direction of the cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29 to clean the tool holder 21 and the tool 20 positioned below the main shaft 6. The cleaning liquid nozzle forming member 26 and the cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29 constitute the cleaning liquid nozzle 30. The liquid groove 25, the liquid supply hole 27, and the cleaning liquid hose 28 constitute a part of the cleaning liquid supply passage.

As shown in FIG. 1, the machine tool 1 includes a coolant unit 10. The coolant unit 10 includes a storage tank 11, a recovery tank 12, a first pump 13, and a second pump 14. The storage tank 11 stores the coolant (cleaning liquid) supplied into the processing chamber. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage tank 11 is a box-shaped container. The recovery tank 12, the first pump 13, and the second pump 14 are provided on the upper surface of the storage tank 11.

As shown to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, the coolant unit 10 is attachable to and detachable from the back side of the base 2. As shown in FIG. The recovery tank 12 can be connected to the discharge part 2a of the base 2. The recovery tank 12 collects the used coolant (cleaning liquid) collected in the discharge section 2a in the processing chamber. The recovery tank 12 is continuous with the storage tank 11. The cooling liquid (washing liquid) in the recovery tank 12 is returned into the storage tank 11 through a filtration device (not shown).

The 1st pump 13 and the 2nd pump 14 suck up the cooling liquid (cleaning liquid) in the storage tank 11, and send it out to a process chamber. The first pump 13 is a pump for both a cooling liquid and a cleaning liquid. As shown in FIG. 7, the discharge side of the first pump 13 is connected to the first cooling liquid pipe 31. The first coolant pipe 31 extends into the processing chamber. The coolant is ejected into the processing chamber from a coolant cleaning liquid nozzle (not shown) provided at the tip of the first coolant tube 31. The coolant cools the tool and the workpiece under processing.

The second pump 14 is a pump dedicated to the cooling liquid. The discharge side of the second pump 14 is connected to a second cooling liquid pipe (not shown). The second coolant tube extends into the processing chamber. The coolant is ejected into the processing chamber from a coolant cleaning liquid nozzle (not shown) provided at the tip of the second coolant tube. The discharge pressure of the first pump 13 is 0.030 to 0.045 MPa. The discharge pressure of the second pump 14 is greater than the discharge pressure of the first pump 13. The cooling liquid sent out by the second pump 14 cools the tool and the workpiece under processing, and washes off the cutting chips generated in the processing section.

The 1st cooling liquid pipe | tube 31 branches to the washing | cleaning liquid pipe | tube 32 in the middle. The cleaning liquid pipe 32 is connected to the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 through the cleaning liquid hose 28. The cleaning liquid is a part of the cooling liquid sent by the first pump 13. The cleaning liquid flows through the cleaning liquid tube 32 and the cleaning liquid hose 28. As described above, the cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning liquid hose 28 is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle hole 29 via the liquid supply hole 27 and the liquid groove 25. The cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 cleans the tool holder 21 and the tool 20. The cleaning liquid after the cleaning is dropped to the discharge portion 2a on the base 2 as described above, and returned to the storage tank 11 via the recovery tank 12.

The cleaning liquid supply path of the tool cleaning device includes a part of the first cooling liquid pipe 31, the cleaning liquid pipe 32, and the cleaning liquid hose 28, the liquid supply hole 27, and the liquid groove 25. As shown in FIG. 7, the washing | cleaning liquid pipe 32 is equipped with the filter 33, the check valve 34, and the liquid supply valve 35 in the middle. The filter 33 removes foreign substances in the cleaning liquid. The check valve 34 is disposed downstream of the filter 33. The check valve 34 passes the flow toward the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 through the inside of the cleaning liquid tube 32 and stops the backflow toward the first cooling liquid tube 31.

The liquid supply valve 35 is disposed downstream of the check valve 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid supply valve 35 is normally in a closed position. The liquid supply valve 35 is connected to the air pressure source 39 via the air flow passage 40. The liquid supply valve 35 is switched to the open position by the action of the air pressure supplied by the air flow path 40. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid while the liquid supply valve 35 is opened.

The air flow path 40 is equipped with the 1st solenoid valve 43 in the middle. As shown in FIG. 7, the 1st solenoid valve 43 is normally in a closed position. Air remaining in the air passage 40 removes sound from the silencer 43a and is discharged. The first solenoid valve 43 is switched to the open position in accordance with an open command given by the control unit 9 (corresponding to the control device). The air pressure source 39 supplies the air pressure to the liquid supply valve 35 via the air flow path 40 by opening the first solenoid valve 43. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid by opening the first solenoid valve 43. The air pressure source 39 can use the equipment in the factory in which the machine tool 1 is installed. When the air pressure source 39 cannot be secured, the liquid supply valve 35 may be a solenoid valve that opens and closes with an operation command of the control unit 9.

The washing | cleaning liquid pipe 32 further has the storage part 50 in the middle. The storage part 50 is a container in which a predetermined amount of washing liquid can be stored. The reservoir 50 is disposed between the check valve 34 and the liquid supply valve 35. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32 flows into the reservoir 50 while the liquid supply valve 35 is closed. The storage part 50 stores the washing | cleaning liquid which flows in from the washing | cleaning liquid pipe 32 once. As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, the storage part 50 is provided in the back surface of the column 4 side by side with the control box 3. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper part of the storage part 50 is connected to the pneumatic source 39 via the air flow path 42. As shown in FIG. The air flow path 42 is provided with the throttle valve 48, the pressurization valve 45, and the check valve 49 in the middle. The pressure valve 45 is normally in the closed position. The pressure valve 45 is switched to the open position by the action of the air pressure supplied from the air flow passage 46. Air in the air passage 42 flows into the reservoir 50 while the pressure valve 45 is opened. The pressure in the reservoir 50 rises under the action of the air pressure flowing through the air flow passage 42. The air flow passage 46 branches in the middle of the air flow passage 40. The pressure valve 45 is switched to the open position at the same time as the liquid supply valve 35. The air pressure in the reservoir 50 pushes the washing liquid stored in the reservoir 50 into the washing liquid tube 32. The cleaning liquid is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 via the liquid supply valve 35.

The throttle valve 48 is a variable throttle valve. The throttle valve 48 selects the permission of the air supply from the air pressure source 39 or the prohibition of the air supply. The throttle valve 48 normally selects permission of air supply. The check valve 49 stops the back flow of air from the reservoir 50.

As shown in FIG. 7, the storage part 50 is equipped with the pressure reduction passage 37 connected to the upper part. The pressure reduction passage 37 includes a pressure reduction valve 38 in the middle thereof. The pressure reducing valve 38 is normally in an open position. When the pressure reducing valve 38 is in the open position, the pressure reducing passage 37 discharges the air pressure in the reservoir 50 through the pressure reducing valve 38 to the processing chamber.

The pressure reducing valve 38 is switched to the closed position by the action of the air pressure supplied from the air flow passage 41. The air flow path 41 is provided with the 2nd solenoid valve 44 in the middle. The second solenoid valve 44 is normally in the closed position. The second solenoid valve 44 removes the air remaining in the air flow passage 41 from the silencer 44a and discharges it. The second solenoid valve 44 is switched to the open position in accordance with an open command given by the control unit 9. The air pressure source 39 supplies the air pressure to the pressure reducing valve 38 via the air flow passage 41 by opening the second solenoid valve 44. The pressure reducing valve 38 closes the pressure reducing passage 37 to close the reservoir 50. The air pressure in the reservoir 50 rises when the first and second solenoid valves 43 and 44 are opened (turned on). The air pressure in the reservoir 50 decreases when the first and second solenoid valves 43 and 44 are closed (off).

The reservoir 50 has a liquid level sensor 36. The liquid level sensor 36 is provided at a predetermined height position from the bottom of the reservoir 50. The liquid level sensor 36 is turned on when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 reaches the installation height of the liquid level sensor 36. The installation position of the liquid level sensor 36 is determined so that the amount of the storage liquid in the storage part 50 becomes the amount of the cleaning liquid which the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects in one washing | cleaning. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid for one second, for example, for five seconds.

As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 9 is a computer that connects the CPU 9a, the ROM 9b, the RAM 9c, the input interface 9d, and the output interface 9e with the bus 9f. to be. The control unit 9 controls the overall machining operation of the machine tool 1 by operating the CPU 9a in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 9b. The control range of the control unit 9 includes rotation, raising and lowering control of the tool 20, movement control of the machining table, operation control of the ATC 8, and control of the tool cleaning device. 8 shows only the parts related to the control of the tool cleaning device.

The input interface 9d is connected to the operation unit 90, the liquid level sensor 36, and the pressure sensor 91. The operation unit 90 uses the operator to input information necessary for processing. As described above, the liquid level sensor 36 detects the amount of the storage liquid in the storage portion 50. The pressure sensor 91 detects the pressure in the air flow paths 40, 41, and 42. The input interface 9d provides the CPU 9a with input information of the operation unit 90 and detection results of the liquid level sensor 36 and the pressure sensor 91.

The output interface 9e is connected to the drive circuit 82 of the first pump 13, the drive circuit 83 of the first solenoid valve 43, and the drive circuit 84 of the second solenoid valve 44. . The CPU 9a issues an operation command to the drive circuit 82 through the output interface 9e to drive the first pump 13. The CPU 9a gives an open command to the drive circuit 83 via the output interface 9e, and turns the first solenoid valve 43 open (on). The CPU 9a gives an open command to the drive circuit 84 via the output interface 9e, and turns the second solenoid valve 44 open (on).

When the first solenoid valve 43 is turned on, the liquid supply valve 35 is opened by the air supply from the air pressure source 39. As described above, the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid by opening the liquid supply valve 35.

When the first solenoid valve 43 is turned on, the pressure valve 45 is opened by the air supply from the air pressure source 39. When the second solenoid valve 44 is turned on, the pressure reducing valve 38 is closed by the air supply from the air pressure source 39. The pressure in the reservoir 50 rises under the action of the air pressure flowing through the air flow passage 42, and pushes the reservoir liquid in the reservoir 50 into the cleaning liquid tube 32. The cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 by the highway, and the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 are cleaned.

The liquid supply valve 35 and the pressure valve 45 are closed by turning off the first solenoid valve 43. The pressure reducing valve 38 is opened by turning off the second solenoid valve 44. The liquid supply valve 35 cuts off the supply of the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle 30. The pressure in the reservoir 50 is lowered by depressurization and reduced pressure. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32 flows into the storage 50 and is stored in the storage 50.

The CPU 9a of the control device 9 performs the cleaning operation in the following procedure (see FIG. 9). The CPU 9a executes the above procedure at predetermined intervals. The CPU 9a reads various signals (S1). The various signals are detection signals of the liquid level sensor 36, detection signals of the pressure sensor 91, and the like. The CPU 9a determines whether the air pressure in the air flow paths 40, 41, and 42 is normal (S2). The determination of S2 is performed based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor 91. When the air pressure is not normal (S2: NO), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43 and the second solenoid valve 44 (S15), and does not perform the cleaning operation.

When the air pressure is normal (S2: YES), the CPU 9a determines the driving state of the first pump 13 (S3). When the first pump 13 is in the non-driven state (S3: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation.

When the first pump 13 is in a driving state (S3: YES), the CPU 9a checks the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 36 (S4). When the liquid level sensor 36 is off (S4: NO), the CPU 9a determines that the amount of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 is insufficient (S14), and the first solenoid valve 43 and the second solenoid valve 44 ) Off (S9). When the liquid level sensor 36 is on (S4: YES), the CPU 9a determines the presence or absence of a tool change command (S5). If there is no tool change command (S5: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation. In the control program processing control described later, the CPU 9a stores a tool change command in the RAM 9c before executing the tool change command when controlling each mechanism in accordance with the process program. The CPU 9a determines with reference to the RAM 9c whether or not there is a tool change command. The CPU 9a executes the part program processing control at predetermined cycles. The CPU 9a analyzes and executes the operation block of the machining program for each block.

The CPU 9a has a normal air pressure in the air flow paths 40, 41, and 42 (S2: Yes), the first pump 31 is in a driving state (S3: Yes), and the storage in the storage unit 50. If the liquid amount is sufficient, the cleaning operation is executed on the condition that there is a tool change command (S5: YES).

The CPU 9a turns on the first solenoid valve 43 and the second solenoid valve 44 (S6). The liquid supply valve 35 is opened. The reservoir 50 pushes the reservoir out under the action of air pressure. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid strongly.

The CPU 9a permits the operation of the ATC 8 (S7). The ATC 8 starts the tool change in the tool change process (not shown) by allowing the CPU 9a to permit the operation. The tool change process is a program stored in the ROM 9b. If the start of the tool change is allowed, the CPU 9a executes the tool change process in an interrupt process separate from the above-described interrupt process.

The CPU 9a checks the detection signal of the liquid level sensor 36 (S8). When the liquid level sensor 36 is off (S8: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43 and the second solenoid valve 44 (S9). The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 finishes ejecting the cleaning liquid.

When the liquid level sensor 36 is not off (S8: No), the CPU 9a determines whether or not the tool change is completed (S13). In the case of tool change (S13: No), the CPU 9a repeats the determination of S8 and S13. When the tool change is completed (S13: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43 and the second solenoid valve 44 (S9).

Whether the tool change is completed or not is determined by whether the position in the Z-axis direction of the spindle head 5 has reached the tool change complete position. The position of the main shaft head 5 in the Z-axis direction is detected by an encoder (not shown).

The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 terminates the ejection of the cleaning liquid by closing the liquid supply valve 35. The internal pressure of the storage part 50 falls because the pressure valve 45 is closed and the pressure reducing valve 38 is opened. The cleaning liquid flowing in the cleaning liquid tube 32 flows into the storage 50 and is stored in the storage 50.

The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid until the storage liquid in the storage portion 50 decreases or until the tool change is completed. The storage part 50 pushes out the washing | cleaning liquid stored in the inside. Therefore, the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 can eject the cleaning liquid strongly, and can wash the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 satisfactorily.

The reservoir 50 is located near the cleaning liquid nozzle 30. The cleaning liquid flows through the short distance and is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30. The passage resistance between the reservoir 50 and the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 is small. The cleaning liquid can be ejected stably with high responsiveness.

The liquid supply valve 35, the pressure reducing valve 38, and the pressure valve 45 are opened by the action of air pressure. Therefore, the pressure reduction valve 38 and the pressurization valve 45 are safe compared with the solenoid valve acting as an electric. The liquid supply valve 35 and the pressure valve 45 are opened at the same time by turning on the first solenoid valve 43. Therefore, pressurization in the storage part 50 and ejection of the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 are synchronized, and the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 can reliably eject a cleaning liquid.

After turning off the 1st solenoid valve 43 and the 2nd solenoid valve 44, CPU9a starts time measurement of the built-in timer T2 (S10). The CPU 9a determines whether the time measurement of the built-in timer T2 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (S11). When the time measurement of the built-in timer T2 reaches a predetermined time (S11: YES), the CPU 9a turns on the second solenoid valve 44 to end the cleaning operation. The pressure reducing valve 38 is closed to seal the reservoir 50. The cleaning liquid does not flow into the reservoir 50. The storage part 50 maintains the storage state of the cleaning liquid until the next cleaning operation. The CPU 9a may turn on the second solenoid valve 44 on the basis of the detection result of the liquid level sensor 36. The storage part 50 can reliably store a predetermined amount of washing liquid.

(2nd embodiment)

The tool cleaning apparatus of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. In the tool cleaning device of the second embodiment, the reservoir 50 is interposed in the middle of the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The washing | cleaning liquid pipe 32 is equipped with the opening-closing valve 52 arrange | positioned between the filter 33 and the storage part 50. As shown in FIG. The on-off valve 52 is normally in the closed position. The open / close valve 52 in the closed position stops the backflow of the cleaning liquid toward the first cooling liquid pipe 31 in the cleaning liquid pipe 32.

The open / close valve 52 is switched to the open position by the action of the air pressure supplied from the air flow passage 41. The open / close valve 52 in the open position allows the flow of the cleaning liquid toward the reservoir 50. The air flow path 41 is provided with the 4th solenoid valve 57 in the middle. The fourth solenoid valve 57 is normally in the closed position. The fourth solenoid valve 57 removes sound remaining in the air flow passage 41 from the silencer 57a and discharges the sound. The fourth solenoid valve 57 is switched to the open position in accordance with the open command given by the control unit 9.

The storage part 50 is equipped with the pressure reduction passage 37 connected to the upper part. The decompression passage 37 also serves as a pressurization passage. The pressure reduction passage 37 has a third solenoid valve 55 in the middle thereof. The third solenoid valve 55 is normally in a reduced pressure position. The pressure reduction passage 37 discharges the pressure inside the reservoir 50 into the processing chamber. The 3rd solenoid valve 55 is switched to a pressurized position by the operation command which the control part 9 gives. The pressure reduction passage 37 is a pressure passage connected to the air pressure source 39 through the air flow passage 42. The air supplied from the air pressure source 39 pressurizes the inside of the reservoir 50.

The reservoir 50 has a float liquid level sensor 53 and a pressure switch 54. The float liquid level sensor 53 has a sensor main body 53a and two proximity switches (first proximity switch 53b and second proximity switch 53c). The sensor main body 53a moves up and down in accordance with the rise and fall of the liquid level in the reservoir 50. Proximity switches 53b and 53c are turned on when the sensor main body 53a is close. Proximity switches 53b and 53c are spaced apart in the up-down direction. The control part 9 recognizes that the liquid level in the storage part 50 is in a high position by turning on the proximity switch 53b. The control part 9 recognizes that the liquid level in the storage part 50 is in the low position by turning on the proximity switch 53c.

The pressure switch 54 outputs an ON signal to the control part 9 when the pressure in the storage part 50 is more than predetermined pressure. The control part 9 recognizes that the inside of the storage part 50 is in a pressurized state by turning on the pressure switch 54. FIG.

In the tool cleaning device of the second embodiment, the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 are cleaned in the following procedure (see FIG. 11). S21 to S23 of FIG. 11 are the same as S1 to S3 of 1st Embodiment. When the air pressure is not normal (S22: No), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43, the third solenoid valve 55, and the fourth solenoid valve 57 (S37), and the cleaning operation is performed. Do not run.

When the air pressure is normal (S22: YES), the CPU 9a determines the driving state of the first pump 13 (S23). When the first pump 13 is in the non-driven state (S23: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation.

When the first pump 13 is in a driving state (S23: YES), the CPU 9a determines the presence or absence of a tool change command (S24). If there is no tool change command (S24: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation. When there is a tool change command (S24: YES), the CPU 9a turns on the first solenoid valve 43 and the third solenoid valve 55 to permit a tool change operation (S25). The third solenoid valve 55 is in a pressurized position to pressurize the inside of the reservoir 50. The liquid supply valve 35 is opened at the same time. The storage liquid in the storage portion 50 is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 via the liquid supply valve 35.

Pressurization in the reservoir 50 pushes out the reservoir in the reservoir 50. The cleaning liquid is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid until the storage liquid in the storage portion 50 decreases or until the tool change is completed. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 can be cleaned well with a sufficient amount of the cleaning liquid that is strongly ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30.

The CPU 9a determines the on / off of the pressure switch 54 (S26). When the pressure switch 54 is on (S26: YES), the CPU 9a determines whether the second proximity switch 53c is on or off (S27). When the second proximity switch 53c is off (S27: No), the CPU 9a determines whether or not the tool change is completed (S31). In the case of tool change (S31: No), the CPU 9a shifts the processing to S26.

When the second proximity switch 53c is turned on (S27: Yes), or when the tool change is completed (S31: Yes), the CPU 9a includes the first solenoid valve 43 and the third solenoid valve 55. Is turned off and the fourth solenoid valve 57 is turned on (S28). The liquid supply valve 35 is closed. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 stops the ejection of the cleaning liquid. The cleaning of the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 ends on the condition that the amount of storage liquid in the reservoir 50 is insufficient or the tool change is completed. The third solenoid valve 55 is in the decompression position, and the on-off valve 52 is opened. The storage part 50 stores the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The liquid level of the storage liquid in the storage part 50 rises.

The CPU 9a determines whether the first proximity switch 53b is on or off (S29). The CPU 9a continues turning off the first solenoid valve 43 and the third solenoid valve 55 and turning on the fourth solenoid valve 57 until the first proximity switch is turned on (S29: YES). do. The reservoir 50 stores the cleaning liquid until the liquid level in the reservoir 50 reaches a high position. When the liquid level in the reservoir 50 reaches a high position, the CPU 9a turns on the third solenoid valve 55 and turns off the fourth solenoid valve 57 (S30). The third solenoid valve 55 is in a pressurized position. The liquid supply valve 35 and the opening / closing valve 52 are closed. Air in the air flow passage 42 enters the reservoir 50 through the third solenoid valve 55, and pressurizes the reservoir liquid in the reservoir 50.

CPU 9a waits in the state which pressurized the storage liquid in the storage part 50 until the next washing | cleaning operation. In S25, the inside of the storage part 50 is in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid strongly from immediately after the start. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 can be reliably cleaned with high responsiveness.

When the pressure switch 54 is off (S26: NO), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43 and the fourth solenoid valve 57 (S32), and does not perform the cleaning operation. The CPU 9a shifts the processing to S26. The third solenoid valve 55 continues to pressurize and pressurizes the inside of the storage part 50. When the internal pressure of the storage unit 50 reaches the predetermined pressure, the CPU 9a transfers the process to S27.

(Third embodiment)

The tool cleaning apparatus of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 12-14. As shown in FIG. 12, the tool cleaning apparatus of 3rd Embodiment is provided with two storage parts (1st storage part 50a and 2nd storage part 50b). The cleaning liquid pipe 32 branches into two branch pipes (the first branch pipe 32a and the second branch pipe 32b). The first reservoir 50a is connected to the first branch pipe 32a. The second reservoir 50b is connected to the second branch pipe 32b.

The 1st branch pipe | tube 32a is equipped with the 1st opening / closing valve 52 in the upstream of the 1st storage part 50a. The 2nd branch pipe | tube 32b is equipped with the 2nd opening / closing valve 62 in the upstream of the 2nd storage part 50b. The 1st switching valve 52 and the 2nd switching valve 62 are normally in a closed position. The first opening / closing valve 52 and the second opening / closing valve 62 in the closed position stop the back flow of the cleaning liquid toward the first cooling liquid pipe 31.

The first on-off valve 52 and the second on-off valve 62 are switched to the open position in accordance with an open command given by the control unit 9. The first open / close valve 52 in the open position allows the flow of the cleaning liquid toward the first reservoir 50a. The second open / close valve 62 in the open position allows the flow of the cleaning liquid toward the second reservoir 50b.

The 1st storage part 50a is equipped with the 1st pressure reduction passage 37a connected to the upper part. The 2nd storage part 50b is equipped with the 2nd pressure reduction passage 37b connected to the upper part. The first pressure reduction passage 37a and the second pressure reduction passage 37b also serve as pressurization passages.

The 1st pressure reduction passage 37a has the 3rd solenoid valve 55 in the middle. The 2nd pressure reduction passage 37b has the 5th solenoid valve 66 in the middle. The third solenoid valve 55 and the fifth solenoid valve 66 are normally at a depressurized position. When the 3rd solenoid valve 55 is a pressure reduction position, the 1st pressure reduction passage 37a discharges the pressure inside the 1st storage part 50a to a process chamber. When the fifth solenoid valve 66 is in the decompression position, the second decompression passage 37b discharges the pressure inside the second reservoir 50b to the processing chamber.

The 3rd solenoid valve 55 and the 5th solenoid valve 66 are switched to a pressurized position according to the switching instruction which the control part 9 gives. At this time, the first pressure reduction passage 37a and the second pressure reduction passage 37b are pressurized passages connected to the air pressure source 39 through the air flow path 60. The air pressure of the air pressure source 39 pressurizes the inside of the reservoir 50.

The 1st storage part 50a is equipped with the 1st liquid level sensor 59 and the 1st pressure switch 54a. The 2nd storage part 50b is equipped with the 2nd liquid level sensor 65 and the 2nd pressure switch 54b. The 1st liquid level sensor 59 and the 2nd liquid level sensor 65 are the same as the float type liquid level sensor 53 of 2nd Embodiment. The first liquid level sensor 59 detects that the liquid level in the first reservoir 50a is at a high position or a low position. The second liquid level sensor 65 detects that the liquid level in the second reservoir 50b is at the high position or the low position. The first pressure switch 54a detects that the first reservoir 50a is in a pressurized state. The second pressure switch 54b detects that the second reservoir 50b is in a pressurized state.

The first switching valve 58 is disposed between the first reservoir 50a and the liquid supply valve 35. The second switching valve 64 is disposed between the second reservoir 50b and the liquid supply valve 35. The 1st switching valve 58 and the 2nd switching valve 64 are normally in a closed position. The first switching valve 58 in the closed position stops the outflow of the cleaning liquid from the first reservoir 50a. The second switching valve 58 in the closed position stops the outflow of the cleaning liquid from the second reservoir 50b.

The first switching valve 58 and the second switching valve 64 are switched to the open position in accordance with the opening instruction of the control unit 9. The first switching valve 58 in the open position sends the cleaning liquid in the first reservoir 50a to the liquid supply valve 35. The second switching valve 64 in the open position delivers the cleaning liquid in the second reservoir 50b to the liquid supply valve 35. The cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 by opening the liquid supply valve 35. The liquid supply valve 35 is opened in accordance with the opening instruction of the control unit 9.

In the tool cleaning device of the third embodiment, the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 are cleaned in the following procedure (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). 13 is a process when the power is supplied to the machine tool 1. The CPU 9a of the control device 9 reads various signals (S41). The CPU 9a waits until the machine tool 1 starts up (S42). When the machine tool 1 is started (S42: YES), the CPU 9a turns on the first on-off valve 52 and the second on-off valve 62 (S43). The first open / close valve 52 and the second open / close valve 62 are in an open position.

The CPU 9a drives the first pump 13 (S44). The cleaning liquid flows into the first reservoir 50a and the second reservoir 50b. The CPU 9a determines whether the liquid level in the first storage part 50a and the second storage part 50b is at a high position (S45). The CPU 9a sets the first on-off valve 52 and the second on-off valve 62 to open until the liquid level is at a high position (S45: YES). The cleaning liquid flows into the first storage part 50a and the second storage part 50b via the first opening / closing valve 52 and the second opening / closing valve 62. The first reservoir 50a and the second reservoir 50b store the washing liquid.

When the liquid level in the 1st storage part 50a and the 2nd storage part 50b becomes high position (S45: Yes), CPU9a will open | release the 1st opening / closing valve 52 and the 2nd opening / closing valve 62. FIG. It turns off and turns on the 3rd solenoid valve 55 and the 5th solenoid valve 66 (S46). The first open / close valve 52 and the second open / close valve 62 are in the closed position. The third solenoid valve 55 and the fifth solenoid valve 66 are in a pressurized position. The air pressure of the air pressure source 39 pressurizes the storage liquid in the storage part 50. The CPU 9a determines whether the first pressure switch 54a and the second pressure switch 54b are turned on or off (S47). The CPU 9a completes the cleaning preparation by turning on the first pressure switch 54a and the second pressure switch 54b. The first reservoir 50a and the second reservoir 50b store the cleaning liquid until it reaches a high position. The first reservoir 50a and the second reservoir 50b pressurize the reservoir to a predetermined pressure. After the power supply is turned on, the machine tool 1 is in a state where the cleaning liquid in the first storage portion 50a and the second storage portion 50b is at a high position and pressurized to a predetermined pressure (initial state).

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the procedure after an initial state is demonstrated. The CPU 9a reads various signals (S51). The CPU 9a determines whether the air pressure in the air flow path 60 is normal (S52). The CPU 9a determines the driving state of the first pump 13 (S53). If the air pressure is not normal (S52: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation. When the first pump 13 is in the non-drive state (S53: No), the CPU 9a does not perform the cleaning operation.

When the air pressure is normal (S52: Yes) and the first pump 13 is in the driving state (S53: Yes), the CPU 9a determines the presence or absence of a tool change command (S54). When there is a tool change command (S54: YES), the CPU 9a starts the cleaning operation.

The CPU 9a determines whether the first liquid level sensor 59 has detected the low position (S55). When the first liquid level sensor 59 does not detect the low position (S55: No), the CPU 9a performs the cleaning using the cleaning liquid in the first storage part 50a.

The CPU 9a turns on the first switching valve 58 and turns off the second switching valve 64 to permit the tool change operation (S56). The first switching valve 58 is in the open position. The second switching valve 64 is in the closed position. The CPU 9a determines whether or not it is the first jet (S57). In the case of the first jet (S57: Yes), the CPU 9a turns on the jet flag (S66). The CPU 9a shifts the process to S60 to turn on the liquid supply valve 35. The liquid supply valve 35 is in the open position. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid in the first storage part 50a. The first reservoir 50a is in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 strongly ejects the cleaning liquid.

The CPU 9a makes a determination of S57 based on the on and off states of the ejection flag. If it is not the first jet (S57: No), the CPU 9a turns on the third solenoid valve 55 and turns off the fifth solenoid valve 66 (S58). The third solenoid valve 55 is in a pressurized position. The first reservoir 50a pressurizes the inside to a predetermined pressure. The fifth solenoid valve 66 is in a depressurized position. The second reservoir 50b depressurizes the inside thereof.

The CPU 9a turns off the first on-off valve 52 and turns on the second on-off valve 62 (S59). The first on-off valve 52 is in the closed position. The second open / close valve 62 is in the open position. The CPU 9a turns on the liquid supply valve 35 (S60). The liquid supply valve 35 is in the open position. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid in the first storage part 50a. The first reservoir 50a is in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 strongly ejects the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid cleans the tool 20 and the tool holder 21. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32 flows into the second storage part 50b via the second branch pipe 32b. The second reservoir 50b is in a reduced pressure state. The second storage part 50b stores the cleaning liquid flowing in.

The CPU 9a determines tool replacement completion (S61). In the case of tool change (S61: NO), the CPU 9a continues the cleaning of the tool 20 and the tool holder 21. In the case of tool replacement completion (S61: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the liquid supply valve 35. The liquid supply valve 35 is in the closed position. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 stops the ejection of the cleaning liquid.

The CPU 9a determines whether the second liquid level sensor 65 detects a high value (S63). The CPU 9a waits until the second liquid level sensor 65 detects the high value. When the second liquid level sensor 65 detects a high value (S63: YES), the CPU 9a turns on the fifth solenoid valve 66 and turns off the second on-off valve 62 ( S64). The fifth solenoid valve 66 is in a pressurized position. The second on-off valve 62 is in the closed position.

The CPU 9a determines whether the second pressure switch 54b is on or off (S65). The CPU 9a ends the cleaning operation by turning on the second pressure switch 54b (S65: YES). The second reservoir 50b stores the cleaning liquid until it reaches a high position, and the cleaning liquid is pressurized to a predetermined pressure.

When the first liquid level sensor 59 detects the low position (S55: YES), the CPU 9a performs cleaning using the cleaning liquid in the second storage part 50b.

The CPU 9a turns off the first switching valve 58 and turns on the second switching valve 64 to permit the tool change operation (S67). The first switching valve 58 is in the closed position. The CPU 9a turns off the third solenoid valve 55 and turns on the fifth solenoid valve 66 (S68). The third solenoid valve 55 is in a depressurized position. The first reservoir 50a depressurizes the inside thereof. The fifth solenoid valve 66 is in a pressurized position. The second reservoir 50b presses the inside thereof.

The CPU 9a turns on the first on-off valve 52 and turns off the second on-off valve 62 (S69). The first open / close valve 52 is in an open position. The second on-off valve 62 is in the closed position. The CPU 9a turns on the liquid supply valve 35 (S70). The liquid supply valve 35 is in the open position. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid in the second storage part 50b. The second reservoir 50b is in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 strongly ejects the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid cleans the tool 20 and the tool holder 21. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32 flows into the first storage part 50a via the first branch pipe 32a. The first reservoir 50a is in a reduced pressure state. The first reservoir 50a stores the cleaning liquid flowing therein.

The CPU 9a determines tool replacement completion (S71). In the case of tool change (S71: NO), the CPU 9a continues the cleaning of the tool 20 and the tool holder 21. In the case of tool replacement completion (S71: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the liquid supply valve 35. The liquid supply valve 35 is in the closed position. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 stops the ejection of the cleaning liquid.

The CPU 9a determines whether or not the first liquid level sensor 59 detects a high value (S73). The CPU 9a waits until the first liquid level sensor 59 detects a high value. When the first liquid level sensor 59 detects a high value (S73: YES), the CPU 9a turns on the third solenoid valve 55 and turns off the first on-off valve 52 ( S74). The third solenoid valve 55 is in a pressurized position. The first on-off valve 52 is in the closed position.

The CPU 9a determines whether the first pressure switch 54a is turned on or off (S75). The CPU 9a ends the cleaning operation by turning on the first pressure switch 54a (S75: YES). The first storage portion 50a stores the cleaning liquid until it reaches a high position, and the cleaning liquid is pressurized to a predetermined pressure.

The tool cleaning device of the third embodiment includes a first storage portion 50a and a second storage portion 50b. The washing | cleaning liquid nozzle 30 blows off the washing | cleaning liquid in the 1st storage part 50a normally. When the cleaning liquid in the first storage part 50a is insufficient, the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid in the second storage part 50b that is waiting to be supplied with the cleaning liquid. The first reservoir 50a and the second reservoir 50b are in a pressurized state at the time of use. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid strongly. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 can be reliably cleaned with high responsiveness.

The second reservoir 50b stores the cleaning liquid during use of the first reservoir 50a. The 1st storage part 50a stores a washing | cleaning liquid during use of the 2nd storage part 50b, and becomes a washing | cleaning liquid supply standby state. The tool cleaning device of the third embodiment can cope with a case where the tool 20 and the tool holder 21 are frequently cleaned in a short time.

(4th embodiment)

The tool cleaning apparatus of 4th Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 15, FIG. The tool cleaning device of the fourth embodiment is similar to the tool cleaning device of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same parts as in the first embodiment are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the tool cleaning apparatus of 4th Embodiment is provided with the 6th solenoid valve 69. As shown in FIG. The pressure valve 45 is switched to the pressure position by the action of the air pressure supplied from the sixth solenoid valve 69. The sixth solenoid valve 69 is disposed in the middle of the air flow passage 42. The sixth solenoid valve 69 is normally in the closed position. The sixth solenoid valve 69 is switched to the open position in accordance with the open command given by the control unit 9. The air pressure source 39 supplies the air pressure to the pressure valve 45 via the air passage 42 by opening the sixth solenoid valve 69.

The sixth solenoid valve 69 in the closed position discharges air remaining in the air flow passage 42 on the upstream side (pressure valve 45) by removing sound from the silencer 69a. The first solenoid valve 43 opens and closes only the liquid supply valve 35.

The tool cleaning device of the fourth embodiment includes a third switching valve 67 in the middle of the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The check valve 34 is arranged upstream of the filter 33. The third switching valve 67 is disposed between the check valve 34 and the filter 33.

The third switching valve 67 is normally in the first position. The third switching valve 67 in the first position does not block the flow in the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid pipe 32 flows into the reservoir 50 through the third switching valve 67. The 3rd switching valve 67 is connected with the air flow path 71 mentioned later. The third switching valve 67 is switched to the second position by the action of the air pressure supplied from the air flow path 71. The third switching valve 67 in the second position blocks the flow in the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The upstream side (storage part 50 side) of the washing | cleaning liquid pipe 32 continues to the collection tank 12 via the 3rd switching valve 67. As shown in FIG.

The air flow path 71 is branched in the middle of the air flow path 42. The air flow path 71 is connected to the seventh solenoid valve 72. The seventh solenoid valve 72 is normally in the closed position. The seventh solenoid valve 72 removes the sound remaining in the air flow path 71 from the silencer 72a and discharges it. The seventh solenoid valve 72 is set to an open position in accordance with an open command given by the control unit 9. The seventh solenoid valve 72 is in an open position, thereby supplying air to the air flow path 71. Therefore, the third switching valve 67 is switched to the second position. As the third switching valve 67 is switched to the second position, the cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 flows back into the cleaning liquid pipe 32. The washing liquid flowing back flows through the filter 33 and returns to the recovery tank 12 via the third switching valve 67.

In the tool cleaning device of the fourth embodiment, the CPU 9a of the control device 9 performs the cleaning operation in the following procedure (see FIG. 16). S81 to S83 in FIG. 16 are the same as S1 to S3 in the first embodiment. S84 of FIG. 16 is the same as S5 of the first embodiment.

The CPU 9a performs the cleaning operation on the condition that the air pressure is normal (S82: Yes), the first pump 13 is in a driving state (S83: Yes), and there is a tool change command (S84: Yes). Run

The CPU 9a turns on the first solenoid valve 43, the second solenoid valve 44, and the sixth solenoid valve 69, and turns off the seventh solenoid valve 72 to permit tool change operation. (S85). The liquid supply valve 35 is opened. The pressure reducing valve 38 is closed and the pressure valve 45 is opened. The inside of the storage part 50 becomes a pressurized state by supply of air pressure. The reservoir 50 pushes the reservoir out under the action of air pressure. The cleaning liquid ejects the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid nozzle 30 via the liquid supply valve 35. The cleaning liquid nozzle 30 ejects the cleaning liquid strongly. The tool 20 and the tool holder 21 can be cleaned well.

The CPU 9a determines tool change completion (S86). The CPU 9a waits while the tool is being changed (S86: NO). When the tool change is completed (S86: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the first solenoid valve 43 and turns on the seventh solenoid valve 72 (S87). The liquid supply valve 35 is closed. The third switching valve 67 is switched to the second position. The washing liquid in the reservoir 50 flows back into the washing liquid tube 32 and returns to the recovery tank 12 via the third switching valve 67. The backwashing liquid passes through the filter 33. The cleaning liquid washes off the foreign matter removed by the filter 33 and recovers the recovered liquid 12. The inside of the reservoir 50 is in a pressurized state. The cleaning liquid passes strongly through the filter 33 to reliably wash away the foreign matter.

The CPU 9a starts time measurement of the built-in timer T3 (S88). The CPU 9a determines whether the time measurement of the built-in timer T3 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (S89). When the predetermined time is reached (S89: YES), the CPU 9a turns off the solenoid valves (sixth solenoid valve 69, second solenoid valve 44, and seventh solenoid valve 72) in the on state. (S90). The inside of the reservoir 50 is in a reduced pressure state. The third switching valve 67 is returned to the first position. The washing liquid flows into the reservoir 50 through the washing liquid pipe 32. The storage part 50 stores a washing | cleaning liquid.

The CPU 9a starts time measurement of the built-in timer T4 (S91). The CPU 9a determines whether the time measurement of the built-in timer T4 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (S92). The CPU 9a turns on the second solenoid valve 44 to end the cleaning operation (S93). The second solenoid valve 44 is in the closed position to seal the reservoir 50. The storage part 50 stores the washing | cleaning liquid which flows in for 5 second, and maintains a storage state.

(Fifth Embodiment)

The tool cleaning apparatus of 5th Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. The tool cleaning device of the fifth embodiment is similar to the tool cleaning device of the fourth embodiment. In the following description, the same parts as in the fourth embodiment are omitted.

The reservoir 50 has a pressure switch 54. The pressure switch 54 outputs an ON signal to the control part 9 when the inside of the storage part 50 is more than predetermined pressure. The control part 9 recognizes that the inside of the storage part 50 is in a pressurized state by turning on the pressure switch 54. FIG.

Like the first embodiment, the pressure valve 45 is switched to the open position by the action of the air pressure supplied by the air flow passage 46. Air in the air passage 42 flows into the reservoir 50 while the pressure valve 45 is opened. The pressure in the reservoir 50 rises under the action of the air pressure flowing through the air flow passage 42. The air flow passage 46 is branched in the middle of the air flow passage 40. The pressure valve 45 is switched to the open position at the same time as the liquid supply valve 35.

The tool cleaning device of the fifth embodiment monitors the pressure in the reservoir 50 by the pressure switch 54. The tool cleaning device of the fifth embodiment performs the cleaning of the filter 33 due to the backflow of the cleaning liquid based on the pressure in the storage portion 50.

The changed form which partially changed embodiment described above is demonstrated.

(First change form)

As shown in FIG. 18, the storage part 50 is equipped with the piston 75 in its inside. The piston 75 floats on the liquid level of the storage liquid in the storage portion 50 and rises with the liquid surface. The piston 75 is provided with the seal part 75a in the outer periphery. The seal portion 75a keeps the upper side and the lower side of the piston 75 in a liquid tight state.

The third solenoid valve 55 enters the pressurized position to introduce air pressure into the reservoir 50. The air pressure pushes the piston 75 down to pressurize the reservoir. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 does not contact air. The tool cleaning device of the first modified form prevents air from entering the cleaning liquid. The piston 75 may be pushed down by mechanical force.

(Second modification form)

As shown in FIG. 19, the storage part 50 is equipped with the airbag 76 inside. The airbag 76 is elastically deformable. The airbag 76 is connected to the decompression passage 37. The pressure reduction passage 37 supplies air into the airbag 76 by causing the third solenoid valve 55 to be in a pressurized position. The airbag 76 expands in the reservoir 50 to pressurize the reservoir. The decompression passage 37 depressurizes the inside of the airbag 76 by causing the third solenoid valve 55 to be in the decompression position. The airbag 76 shrinks in the reservoir 50. The storage part 50 can store a washing | cleaning liquid.

Air pressure is supplied into the airbag 76. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 does not contact air. The tool cleaning device of the second modified form prevents air from entering the cleaning liquid. The airbag 76 may be supplied with gas other than air. Liquid may be supplied into the air bag 76.

(Third change form)

As shown in FIG. 20, the reservoir 50 has a diaphragm 78 therein. The diaphragm 78 divides the reservoir 50 in the vertical direction. The diaphragm 78 is elastically deformable. The upper portion of the reservoir 50 is connected to the decompression passage 37. The decompression passage 37 introduces air pressure into the reservoir 50 by bringing the third solenoid valve 55 into the pressurized position. Air pressure acts on the diaphragm 78. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 20, the diaphragm 78 expands downward by the action of air pressure, and pressurizes the storage liquid in the storage part 50. As shown in FIG. The decompression passage 37 depressurizes the inside of the storage part 50 by making the 3rd solenoid valve 55 into a decompression position. As indicated by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 20, the diaphragm 78 expands upward in the reservoir 50. The storage part 50 can store a washing | cleaning liquid.

The diaphragm 78 divides the inside of the reservoir 50 up and down. Air pressure acts on the diaphragm 78. The cleaning liquid in the reservoir 50 does not contact air. The tool cleaning device of the third modification prevents air from entering the cleaning liquid. Gas other than air may be supplied to the upper portion of the reservoir 50. Liquid may be supplied to the upper portion of the reservoir 50.

As apparent from the above detailed description, the tool cleaning device of the present invention includes a storage portion in the middle of a cleaning liquid passage connecting the cleaning liquid tank and the cleaning liquid nozzle. The storage part stores the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid passage once. The cleaning liquid nozzle ejects the storage liquid of the storage portion. The storage part stores the cleaning liquid while the cleaning liquid nozzle stops ejecting. The washing liquid nozzle stably ejects a large amount of washing liquid stored in the reservoir. The tool cleaning device of the present invention reliably cleans the tool and the tool holder in a short time. The machine tool provided with the tool cleaning device of the present invention does not cause a poor installation of the tool.

Claims (11)

A tank for storing the cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid nozzle capable of ejecting the cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage connecting the cleaning liquid nozzle and the tank, and having a cleaning liquid passage for supplying the cleaning liquid in the tank to the cleaning liquid nozzle, are mounted on the main shaft of the machine tool. A tool cleaning apparatus for cleaning a previous tool with a cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid nozzle via the cleaning liquid passage,
And a storage portion for storing the cleaning liquid flowing in the cleaning liquid passage once on the cleaning liquid passage. The tool cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply valve for opening and closing the cleaning liquid passage on the cleaning liquid passage between the reservoir and the cleaning liquid nozzle. The tool cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising: a pressure passage and a pressure reduction passage connected to the reservoir, a pressure valve for opening and closing the pressure passage, and a pressure reduction valve for opening and closing the pressure reduction passage. 4. The control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a control device for opening and closing the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve, wherein the control device opens the liquid supply valve and the pressure valve, and closes the pressure reducing valve. A cleaning operation for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle, a storage operation for storing the cleaning liquid in the storage part by closing the liquid supply valve and the pressure valve and opening the pressure reducing valve, and the liquid supply valve and pressurization A tool cleaning device, characterized in that the standby operation is performed by closing the valve and the pressure reducing valve. 4. The control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a control device for opening and closing the liquid supply valve, the pressure valve, and the pressure reducing valve, wherein the control device opens the liquid supply valve and the pressure valve, and closes the pressure reducing valve. A cleaning operation for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid nozzle, a storage operation for storing the cleaning liquid in the storage part by closing the liquid supply valve and the pressurizing valve and opening the pressure reducing valve, and the liquid supply valve and the pressure reduction A tool cleaning device, characterized in that the valve is closed and the standby valve is opened to perform a standby operation of waiting. The liquid level detector according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a liquid level detector for detecting the liquid level in the storage unit, wherein the control device performs the storage operation until the detected liquid level of the liquid level detector reaches a predetermined amount. Characterized in that the tool cleaning device. 6. A check valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a check valve disposed on said cleaning liquid passage between said tank and said storage portion, for stopping the flow of the cleaning liquid from said storage portion to said tank. The tool cleaning apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The tool cleaning according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an opening / closing valve disposed on the cleaning liquid passage between the tank and the reservoir, and configured to open and close the cleaning liquid passage. Device. The said on-off valve has a switching position which discharge | releases a washing | cleaning liquid, The filter is arrange | positioned on the said washing | cleaning liquid passage | path between the said opening-closing valve and the said storage part, The said control apparatus is a said, A tool cleaning device, characterized in that the on / off valve is in the switching position, and the cleaning liquid in the reservoir flows in the reverse direction to the filter to perform a filter cleaning operation for cleaning the filter. The said storage part is a said 1st storage part or 2nd in any one of Claims 1-5 provided with the 1st storage part and the 2nd storage part arrange | positioned in parallel, and supplying a cleaning liquid to the said cleaning liquid nozzle. When the amount of the cleaning liquid in the storage portion is less than or equal to the predetermined amount, the flow path to the cleaning liquid nozzle can be switched to the second storage portion or the first storage portion that is waiting to be supplied with the cleaning liquid. The tool cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning liquid nozzle is disposed at a tip end of the main spindle head that supports the main shaft.

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