JP2004276230A - Mist generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it unnecessary to carry out the complicated regulation of carrier gas supply pressure to a carrier gas exhaust nozzle accompanying the change of the gas supply pressure to an injector, and also to make it possible to carry out minimum quanta lubrication (MQL) working for a small diameter drill or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The device is provided with a first pressure control means 22 installed within a gas supply passage 5 for supplying the gas from a gas supply source 20 to the injector 11 and a second pressure control means 28 installed within a carrier gas supply passage 6 for supplying the carrier gas from the gas supply source 20 to the carrier gas exhaust nozzle 8, and for controlling the pressure of a secondary side to pressure obtained by having decompressed the pressure of the secondary side of the first pressure control means 22 at the constant ratio, in a mist generation device provided with the injector 11 which can be used to generate mist by receiving the supply of gas from the gas supply source 20 and liquid within a container 1 and to inject into the container 1, a conduit 9 for deriving the mist within the container 1 from the container 1, and the carrier gas exhaust nozzle 8 which is made to carry out communication to the conduit 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a mist generation device that supplies a gas and a liquid to generate a mist in a container, conveys the generated mist through a conveyance flow path, and sprays the mist toward an object, particularly a machining center, a lathe, and the like. The present invention relates to a mist generator used to generate a mist for cooling and lubricating a tool or a workpiece of a machine tool.

Mist (liquid fine particles contained in gas) is widely used in various technical fields such as application to inhalers in the field of medicine, humidifiers in the field of daily life, cleaning or coating agents, and the like. Mists are also used for cooling and lubrication of machine tool tools and workpieces.
For example, in machining, a high frictional force acts between a tool and a workpiece during processing, and a large amount of heat is generated by the frictional force. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the friction between these members by using a cooling lubricating medium (cooling lubricant), so that these members are simultaneously cooled.

  Heretofore, this type of lubrication and cooling has generally used a method of injecting a relatively large amount of a main cooling lubricant toward a processing point. However, in this case, on the other hand, the excessively supplied cooling lubricant scatters around and degrades the working environment, and also consumes a large amount of cooling lubricant. On the other hand, for cooling reasons, used cooling lubricants have to be disposed of in a complex and costly manner for environmental reasons.

In order to cope with such a problem, so-called minimum lubrication (MQL) processing has been put into practical use in recent years, and a mist generation device for generating mist for cooling and lubricating tools and workpieces has been developed. Have been.
This kind of mist generating device is generally connected to an injector for receiving a supply of gas and liquid (cooling lubricant) to generate mist in a container, a conduit for discharging the mist from the container, and the conduit. And a carrier gas spout for accelerating the mist in a direction in which the conduit is drawn out by supplying a carrier gas.The nozzle or the tool is configured to transfer the mist through a transfer passage connected to the conduit. From the oil hole to the processing point.

FIG. 12 is a so-called system curve in which the characteristic curve of the above-described mist generation device and the resistance curve of the transport channel are shown together, and shows an example in which the mist generation device is operated under appropriate operating conditions.
In FIG. 12, the solid curve represents the discharge air volume of the mist generator and the pressure in the container (P ₁₎ when the gas supply pressure to the injector is P ₁ and the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port is P _2. shows the characteristic curve a ₁ of the mist generating apparatus showing the relationship between discharge pressure). Further, dashed curve shows the relationship between the air volume and the pressure loss of the transport channel indicates the resistance curve R ₁ obtained by combining the resistance of the oil hole of the passage and the nozzle or tool.

The operating point of the mist generating device is an intersection (operating point C ₁ ) which is a balance point between the characteristic curve A ₁ and the resistance curve R ₁ , the pressure in the container of the mist generating device is P ₃ , and the mist discharged from the mist generating device. air volume becomes _{Q 1.} Further, mist air volume to be injected into the container from the injector is the air volume of intersection between the container internal pressure P ₃ (characteristic curve for the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port 0) imaginary line curve the Q _2. Here, the air flow difference Q ₁ -Q ₂ is the accelerated air flow of the mist due to the supply of the carrier gas to the carrier gas outlet, and the accelerated air flow increases the injection speed of the mist from the nozzle or the oil hole of the tool. In addition, it is possible to improve the adhesion of the mist to the processing points and increase the ability to remove chips and the like.

  However, in an actual processing site using a conventional mist generation device, the gas supply pressure to the injector is set to an optimum pressure in each case according to the processing content, based on the principle of minimum lubrication (MQL) processing. It is necessary to set the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port to an appropriate pressure every time the gas supply pressure to the injector is changed. Therefore, there is a problem that not only annoying the operator but also causing a processing failure due to erroneous setting.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a case where the mist generating device is operated in a state where the gas supply pressure to the injector and the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas outlet are inappropriate. This example, with respect to the gas supply pressure _{P 1} to the injector, (too large a ratio _P 3 / _{P 1} against _{P 1} of _{P 3)} carrier gas supply pressure _{P 3} is too high, to a carrier gas ejection ports, shows a case where the characteristic curve a ₂ is relatively increased. Resistance of the gas supply pressure P ₁ and the transport channel to the injector (resistance curve R ₁₎ is the same as in FIG. 12. At this time, the mist generating device is driven at a driving point C _2, the mist chamber pressure of the mist generating device to be injected P _4, mist air volume Q ₃ ejected from the mist generating _device, into the container from the injector air volume becomes _{Q 4.} As can be seen by comparing reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in this case, mist air volume Q ₄ to be injected into the container from the injector becomes less. As a result, the mist generated by the injector is also insufficiently generated with a low concentration. Therefore, the amount of mist (liquid fine particles) discharged from the mist generation device (the product of the amount of mist and the concentration of mist sprayed from the injector into the container) becomes extremely small, and the cooling ability and lubrication ability are extremely reduced. The problem occurs.

  In addition, if the range of application is to be expanded so that it can be applied to minimum lubrication (MQL) processing using a tool or the like that increases the resistance of the transport channel such as a small-diameter drill, the resistance of the transport channel increases. As the size increases, a sufficient mist discharge amount cannot be obtained, and therefore, there is a certain limit in expanding the applicable range.

FIG. 14 shows a case where the resistance (resistance curve R ₂ ) of the transport channel is too large. Carrier gas supply pressure P ₂ in the gas supply pressure P ₁ and the carrier gas injection port to the injectors are the same as in FIG. 12. At this time, the mist generating device is driven at a driving point C _3, mist air volume container pressure of the mist generating device to be injected into the container from P _5, mist air volume and injector ejected from the mist generating device, Like the _{Q 5.} As can be seen by comparing reference to FIGS. 12 and 14, also in this case, the mist air volume Q ₅ to be injected into the container from the injector becomes smaller. As a result, the mist generated by the injector is also insufficiently generated with a low concentration. Therefore, the amount of mist (liquid fine particles) discharged from the mist generation device (the product of the amount of mist and the concentration of mist sprayed from the injector into the container) becomes extremely small, and the cooling ability and lubrication ability are extremely reduced. The problem occurs.

  In such a case, for example, there is no problem if the discharge port diameter of the nozzle or the oil hole diameter of the tool can be increased to reduce the resistance of the transfer passage, but in the case of a tool having a small outer diameter such as a small diameter drill, Due to size restrictions, it is difficult to increase the oil hole diameter. Therefore, for small diameter drills and the like, the minimum amount lubrication (MQL) processing cannot be applied in many cases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and eliminates the need for complicated adjustment of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port due to a change in the gas supply pressure to the injector, and minimizes the need for a small diameter drill or the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mist generation device that enables a small amount lubrication (MQL) process.

  In order to achieve the above object, a mist generating device according to the present invention includes: an injector configured to generate a mist by receiving supply of a gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container, and to spray the mist into the container; A mist generating device provided with a conduit for leading gas from the container, and a carrier gas outlet communicating with the conduit, wherein the first mist generator is provided in a gas supply path for supplying gas from the gas supply source to the injector. Pressure control means, installed in a carrier gas supply path for supplying a carrier gas from the gas supply source to the carrier gas outlet, and keeping the secondary pressure of the first pressure control means constant And a second pressure control means for controlling the pressure to a reduced pressure at a ratio of

By configuring the mist generating device as described above, the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port is automatically adjusted to an appropriate pressure (at a constant gas supply pressure) with the change of the gas supply pressure to the injector. (Pressure reduced by the ratio), so that complicated adjustment of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port is not required, and the usability of the mist generating device can be improved. In addition, this makes it possible to eliminate processing defects due to erroneous setting of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port.
The ratio of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port (secondary pressure of the second pressure control means) to the gas supply pressure to the injector (secondary pressure of the first pressure control means) is as follows: Although it differs somewhat depending on the characteristics of the mist generating device, it is preferable to set it to about 0.5 to 0.7.

  Another mist generation device of the present invention is an injector that receives a supply of gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container, generates a mist, and injects the mist into the container, and derives the mist in the container from the container. A mist generating device provided with a conduit for supplying gas and a carrier gas outlet communicating with the conduit, a first pressure control means provided in a gas supply path for supplying gas from the gas supply source to the injector. Installed in a carrier gas supply path that supplies a carrier gas from the gas supply source to the carrier gas ejection port, and reduces the secondary pressure by reducing the secondary pressure of the first pressure control unit by a constant differential pressure. And a second pressure control means for controlling the pressure to a predetermined value.

By configuring the mist generation device as described above, the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port is automatically adjusted to an appropriate pressure (from a gas supply pressure to a constant value) with a change in the gas supply pressure to the injector. Since the pressure difference is reduced), it is not necessary to adjust the supply pressure of the carrier gas to the carrier gas ejection port, and the usability of the mist generator can be improved. In addition, this makes it possible to eliminate processing defects due to erroneous setting of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port.
The differential pressure between the gas supply pressure to the injector (secondary pressure of the first pressure control means) and the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port (secondary pressure of the second pressure control means) is Although it slightly varies depending on the characteristics of the mist generating device, it is preferable to set the pressure to about 0.15 to 0.25 MPa.

  The first pressure control means may include a pressure reducing valve. In this way, by configuring the first pressure control means with a pressure reducing valve, it is possible to simplify the configuration and reduce the cost of the device.

  The first pressure control means may include a plurality of pressure reducing valves set at different pressures and arranged in parallel, and a plurality of solenoid valves respectively installed downstream of the pressure reducing valves. . Thus, by selectively operating the solenoid valve, the pressure can be controlled stepwise by remote control. According to such a mist generating device, the setting change of the gas supply pressure to the injector can be automatically performed in association with automatic tool change (ATC) of a machine tool, etc., thereby enabling continuous machining and improving productivity. be able to.

  The first pressure control means may be a proportional pressure control valve. Since the first pressure control valve is constituted by the proportional pressure control valve as described above, the gas supply pressure to the injector can be controlled continuously (arbitrarily) with high accuracy. The setting change of the gas supply pressure to the injector according to the tool change (ATC) or the like can be automatically changed with high accuracy, and continuous processing can be performed, thereby improving productivity and energy saving.

  The carrier gas supply path is formed by branching off from the gas supply path on the secondary side of the first pressure control means, and the second pressure control means comprises a constant ratio pressure reducing valve or a constant difference pressure reducing valve. You may do so. As a result, the configuration can be simplified and the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

  The second pressure control means may comprise a proportional pressure control valve controlled by a signal from a pressure sensor for detecting a secondary pressure of the first pressure control means. This makes it possible to control the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port with high accuracy, thereby achieving energy saving.

  Still another mist generation device of the present invention is an injector that receives supply of a gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container to generate a mist and injects the mist into the container, and the mist in the container from the container. A mist generating device provided with a conduit for leading out, wherein an internal pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure in the container is provided.

FIG. 2 shows the characteristic curve of the mist generating device when the pressure in the container is reduced by the internal pressure reducing means when the resistance of the transfer passage is too large, as in the case shown in FIG. 3 shows a system curve including a resistance curve. The gas supply pressure P ₁ to the injector, the carrier gas supply pressure P ₂ to the carrier gas ejection port, and the resistance of the transfer channel (resistance curve R ₂ ) are the same as those shown in FIG. The resistance curve R ₃ in the drawing is a combined resistance curve combined resistance (resistance curve R ₂₎ resistor and conveyance passage of said internal pressure-reducing means. At this time, the mist generating device is driven at a driving point C _4, container pressure of the mist generating apparatus mist air volume to be injected into the container from P _6, the injector is Q _6. Also, through the transfer passage from the mist generator, for example, mist air volume to be injected from the oil hole of the tool, such as a small diameter drill, the air volume of intersection between the container internal pressure P ₆ in the mist generating device and the resistance curve R ₂ Q It becomes ₇ . Here, the air volume difference Q ₆ -Q ₇ is the air volume of the gas discharged from the internal pressure reducing means to the outside of the container. Comparing reference to Figures 2 and 14, the case of FIG. 2, the mist air volume Q ₇ ejected from the oil hole of the tool such as a small-diameter drill through the conveyance passage from the mist generating device is slightly lower than the case of FIG. 14 Suruga, mist air volume Q ₆ to be injected into the container from the injector increases, effective mist is generated high concentration from the injector. As a result, the discharge amount of mist (liquid fine particles) ejected from an oil hole of a tool such as a small-diameter drill through the transport flow path from the mist generation device (such as a small-diameter drill through the transport flow path from the mist generation apparatus) The product of the mist air volume and the concentration injected from the oil hole of the tool) increases. As a result, a sufficient mist discharge amount can be obtained for processing with a small-diameter drill or the like.

  According to such a mist generation device, even when the resistance of the transport flow path is too large, the effective pressure mist having a high concentration is generated by reducing the pressure in the container by the internal pressure reducing means. Minimum lubrication (MQL) processing can be performed satisfactorily.

  The internal pressure reducing unit includes, for example, a pressure reducing flow path that guides the mist in the space to a filter via a throttle mechanism, an exhaust port that releases gas separated from the mist by the filter, and a filter that removes the mist from the mist. A return channel for returning the separated liquid into the container. As a result, the mist guided to the filter via the decompression flow path is separated into gas and liquid, and only the gas is released so that the liquid returns to the inside of the container. Pollution can be prevented.

  An on-off valve for controlling the release of gas separated from the mist by the filter may be connected to the exhaust port. In this way, the opening and closing valve is opened when the resistance of the transfer passage is too large, and in other cases, the opening and closing valve is closed and the internal pressure reducing means is selectively operated. Can be operated at an appropriate operating point.

  The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. The pilot switching valve thus configured may be used. Thereby, when the resistance of the transfer passage is too large and the internal pressure of the container rises to a constant ratio to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the pilot switching valve is opened mechanically and the internal pressure reducing means is opened. In other cases, the internal pressure of the container does not increase to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, so that the pilot switching valve is not opened and the internal pressure reducing means can be prevented from functioning. Thus, the mist generating device can be automatically operated at an appropriate operating point in accordance with the resistance of the transport flow path with a simple configuration and at low cost. The ratio of the container internal pressure to the gas supply pressure to the injector slightly varies depending on the characteristics of the mist generator, but is preferably set to about 0.8 to 0.9.

  The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. A pilot switching valve may be used. As a result, if the resistance of the transfer passage is too large and the internal pressure of the container rises to a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the pilot switching valve is opened mechanically to reduce the internal pressure. The means will function, otherwise the vessel internal pressure will not rise to a pressure having a constant differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, so the pilot switching valve will not open and the internal pressure reducing means will not function Accordingly, the mist generating device can be automatically operated at an appropriate operating point in accordance with the resistance of the transport flow path with a simple configuration and at low cost. The differential pressure between the gas supply pressure to the injector and the internal pressure of the container slightly varies depending on the characteristics of the mist generator, but is preferably set to about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa.

  The pressure reducing flow path may be provided with a constant ratio relief valve that operates at a constant pressure relative to the gas supply pressure to the injector. Thereby, when the resistance of the transfer flow path is too large and the internal pressure of the container rises to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the constant ratio relief valve is opened mechanically to reduce the internal pressure. In other cases, the internal pressure of the container does not increase to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, so that the constant-pressure relief valve does not open and the internal pressure reducing means does not function. Thus, the mist generating device can be automatically operated at an appropriate operating point in accordance with the resistance of the transport channel with a simple configuration and at low cost.

  A constant pressure relief valve that operates at a constant pressure difference with respect to a gas supply pressure to the injector may be provided in the pressure reducing flow path. Accordingly, if the resistance of the transfer passage is too large and the internal pressure of the container rises to a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the constant differential relief valve is mechanically opened to increase the internal pressure. The pressure reducing means functions, and in other cases, the internal pressure of the container does not increase to a pressure having a constant differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, so that the constant pressure relief valve does not open and the internal pressure reducing means does not function. As a result, the mist generating device can be automatically operated at an appropriate operating point in accordance with the resistance of the transport flow path at a low cost with a simple configuration.

  The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a pressure sensor that detects a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the container. An electromagnetic valve may be provided which is controlled so that the pressure of the gas is a fixed ratio to the gas supply pressure to the injector. Thereby, when the resistance of the transport passage is too large and the internal pressure of the container increases to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the electromagnetic valve is opened and the internal pressure reducing means functions, When the internal pressure drops, the solenoid valve closes and the container internal pressure is controlled so as to maintain a constant ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector. The generator can be operated at an appropriate operating point.

  The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a pressure sensor that detects a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the container. May be provided with an electromagnetic valve which is controlled so that the pressure becomes a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector. Thereby, when the resistance of the transfer passage is too large and the internal pressure of the container rises to a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, the solenoid valve opens and the internal pressure reducing means functions. When the internal pressure of the container decreases, the solenoid valve closes and the internal pressure of the container is controlled so as to have a constant differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector. The mist generator can be operated at an appropriate operating point.

  The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a differential pressure switch that detects a differential pressure between a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure in the container. May be provided with an electromagnetic valve which is controlled so that the pressure becomes a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector.

The on-off valve opens when the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container are set as pilot pressures and the pressure in the container increases to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector. Thus, an air operated valve operated via a pilot switching valve may be used.
The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. Alternatively, an air operated valve operated via a pilot switching valve may be used.

According to the present invention, the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port automatically becomes an appropriate pressure with the change of the gas supply pressure to the injector, so that the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port is reduced. No complicated adjustment is required, and the usability of the mist generation device can be improved. In addition, this makes it possible to eliminate processing defects due to erroneous setting of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port.
In addition, by providing an internal pressure reducing means capable of controlling the internal pressure of the container to an appropriate pressure, for example, a small-diameter drill or the like can be used for a tool with an oil hole having a small outer diameter such as a small-diameter drill having an excessive flow path resistance. The application range of the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) processing can be expanded.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This mist generation device has a container 1 that accommodates a liquid supply source (oil source) 2 for supplying a liquid cooling lubricant such as oil, for example, at its lower part. This container 1 is configured as a pressure container covered by a cover 3. In the space 4 of the container 1 formed above the oil source 2, an injector 11 is provided fixedly to the cover 3, and is supplied with pressurized air (gas) and oil (liquid) to be injected. The mist sprayed from the vessel 11 stays. Supply of pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 is performed via a gas supply path 5. When the pressurized air passes through the throttle unit 12 provided in the injector 11, a suction force is generated as a result of the increase in the cross-sectional area, and the suction force causes oil to flow through the liquid supply path 7 through the oil source 2. From the injector 11.

  At the outlet 13 of the injector 11, the compressed air and oil are mixed and injected as a mist. Below the outlet 13 of the injector 11, a conical deflector 14 is disposed, and the surface of the deflector 14 is formed in a step structure having a plurality of continuous steps. The deflector 14 is provided with a conical top facing the outlet 13 of the injector 11 and is suspended from the cover 3 by a suspension rod 17 via a rod 15 and a mounting plate 16. . The cover 3 is provided with a conduit 9 for drawing out the mist in the space 4 from the container 1 and a carrier gas outlet 8 communicating with the conduit 9. The supply of pressurized air (carrier gas) to the carrier gas ejection port 8 is performed via a carrier gas supply path 6, and the pressurized air ejected from the carrier gas ejection port 8 transfers the mist of the space 4 to a conduit 9. Accelerates in the direction of derivation. Note that a plurality of conduits 9 and carrier gas outlets 8 may be provided.

  The liquid supply path 7 extending from the oil source 2 to the injector 11 is provided with a flow meter 10, and the flow meter 10 is provided with a flow indicator 10a and a backflow prevention mechanism 10b. Further, the injector 11 is provided with a variable throttle valve 18 for adjusting the flow rate of the oil supplied from the liquid supply path 7. As described above, by providing the flow meter 10 with the backflow prevention mechanism 10b, the oil in the liquid supply path 7 is prevented from returning to the oil source 2 when the mist generation device is stopped, and the oil in the liquid supply path 7 is always kept in the liquid supply path 7. Can be filled with. Further, by providing the injector 11 with the variable throttle valve 18, it is possible to generate mist immediately after the start of the operation of the mist generation device when the mist generation device is started. The liquid supply means to the injector 11 may be configured as a flow rate-controllable metering pump instead of the flow meter 10 and the variable throttle valve 18.

  The supply of gas (pressurized air) to the injector 11 extends from a gas supply source (pressurized air supply source) 20 and internally includes a filter 21, a pressure reducing valve 22, a pressure gauge 23, a two-port solenoid valve 24, and a check valve. This is performed through the gas supply path 5 provided with the gas supply line 25. Note that the two-port solenoid valve 24 is for operating the mist generation device to start and stop, and may be a two-port manual valve depending on the application. The supply of the carrier gas (pressurized air) to the carrier gas ejection port 8 branches off from the gas supply path 5 between the two-port solenoid valve 24 and the check valve 25, and has therein a constant ratio reducing valve 28 and a check valve 29 Is carried out through the carrier gas supply path 6 in which is installed.

  Here, the pressure reducing valve 22 serves as first pressure control means for controlling the secondary pressure of the gas (pressurized air) supplied from the gas supply source 20 to the injector 11, and serves as the constant pressure reducing pressure. The valve 28 serves as second pressure control means for controlling the secondary pressure of the carrier gas (pressurized air) supplied from the gas supply source 20 to the carrier gas ejection port 8. The constant-pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means) 28 reduces the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve (first pressure control means) 22 to a constant ratio, for example, about 0.5 to 0.7. It is configured to control the secondary pressure to the set pressure.

  As a result, the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port 8 automatically becomes an appropriate pressure (a pressure obtained by reducing the gas supply pressure at a constant ratio) with the change of the gas supply pressure to the injector 11. In addition, complicated adjustment of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port 8 is not required, and the usability of the mist generation device can be improved. In addition, this makes it possible to eliminate processing defects due to erroneous setting of the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port 8.

  Above the cover 3, an internal pressure reducing means 30 for reducing the pressure in the container 1, a pressure gauge 41, and a refueling stop valve 42 are provided. The internal pressure reducing unit 30 includes a filter 31, a pressure reducing passage 33 that guides the mist in the space 4 to the filter 31 via the variable throttle valve 32, an exhaust port 31 a that discharges air separated from the mist by the filter 31, The storage unit 31b temporarily stores the oil separated from the mist by the filter 31, and a return flow path 35 including a check valve 34 that returns the oil in the storage unit 31b into the container 1 when the mist generation device is stopped. ing. A two-port solenoid valve 36 and a silencer 37 are connected to the exhaust port 31a of the filter 31. Note that the variable throttle valve 32 of the pressure reducing flow path 33 may be a fixed throttle. Further, the two-port solenoid valve 36 connected to the exhaust port 31a of the filter 31 may be a two-port manual valve depending on the application.

  Thus, the internal pressure reducing means 30 for reducing the pressure in the container 1 is provided, and when the resistance of the transport passage is too large, the pressure in the container 1 is reduced by the internal pressure reducing means 30 as described below. In addition, by increasing the amount of mist discharged from the oil hole of a tool such as a small-diameter drill through the transfer channel from the mist generating device, a sufficient amount of mist is discharged for processing of a small-diameter drill or the like. , So that a minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) process such as a small diameter drill can be satisfactorily performed.

  When the mist generating device having such a configuration is used for cooling or lubricating a tool or a workpiece of a machine tool, a transfer channel 50 is connected to the conduit 9 and the mist generation device is connected through the transfer channel 50. Inject mist from the nozzle or the oil hole of the tool. In the example shown in FIG. 1, in order to facilitate understanding of the operation, the transport flow path 50 is further branched into three branch flow paths 52a, 52b, 52c and provided in the respective branch flow paths 52a, 52b, 52c. An example is shown in which the branch flow paths 52a, 52b, 52c can be selectively used depending on the application by the two-port switching valves 51a, 51b, 51c. This is the same in each of the following examples.

  In other words, the other end of the branch channel 52a is connected to the nozzle 53, and the mist 58a is ejected from the tip 53a of the nozzle 53 toward, for example, a processing point of the milling cutter 54a attached to the main shaft 55a of the machine tool. I can do it. Further, the other end of the branch flow path 52b is connected to a rotary joint 56b, and through a hollow main shaft 55b of the machine tool, for example, a drill 54b having an outer diameter of about 10 to 50 mm (flow resistance of the oil hole is appropriate). The mist 58b can be sprayed from the oil hole 57b of the above range to the processing point. Further, the other end of the branch flow path 52c is connected to a rotary joint 56c, and through a hollow main shaft 55c of the machine tool, for example, a small-diameter drill 54c having an outer diameter of 10 mm or less (the flow resistance of the oil hole is reduced). The mist 58c can be sprayed to the processing point from the oil hole 57c (excessive).

  Next, a case will be described in which the mist generating apparatus having the above-described configuration first performs processing using the drill 54b. First, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51b is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51b, the branch passage 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft. Injection can be made through the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b via the hole 55b. In a drill 54b having a flow path resistance of the oil hole 57b within an appropriate range, for example, an outer diameter of about 10 to 50 mm, the supply pressure (gas supply pressure) of the pressurized air to the injector 11 is empirically set to 0.5 to 0. 0.7 MPa is appropriate. For example, the pressure reducing valve 22 is set so that the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve (first pressure control means) 22 becomes 0.6 MPa, Pressure control means) 28 is set so that the secondary pressure is reduced to about 0.5 to 0.7 times the primary pressure. In the drill 54b, the flow path resistance of the oil hole 57b is exemplified as being in an appropriate range, and therefore the internal pressure reducing means 30 is not used while the two-port solenoid valve 36 is closed.

  Here, when the mist generator is operated by opening the two-port solenoid valve 24, pressurized air (gas) having the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22 flows into the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5, Pressurized air (carrier gas) reduced to a pressure at a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22 by the pressure reducing valve 28 is supplied to the carrier gas outlet 8 through the carrier gas supply path 6. When the pressurized air that has flowed into the injector 11 passes through the throttle unit 12, a suction force is generated due to the increase in the cross-sectional area, and the suction force causes oil to flow from the oil source 2 to the injector 11 through the liquid supply path 7. It is sucked. The injector 11 mixes the pressurized air and oil at the outlet 13 and injects it as a mist. Of the injected mist, the mist having a fine particle diameter floats in the space 4, and the mist having a relatively large particle diameter collides with and adheres to the surface of the deflector 14 having the step structure. The flow of the mist injected from the injector 11 flows at a high speed on the surface of the deflecting body 14 having the step structure, so that the oil mist attached to the surface of the deflecting body 14 is finely divided and atomized into fine particles. Generate a mist of Therefore, a mist in which the particle size distribution is concentrated at a very small diameter at a high density is generated. The amount of mist (liquid fine particles) generated can be changed by adjusting the variable throttle valve 18 while controlling the flow rate of the oil flowing into the injector 11 while observing the indicated value of the flow meter 10. Used in the minimum amount required for The transfer of the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is performed via the internal pressure of the container 1, and the pressurized air discharged from the carrier gas discharge port 8 accelerates the mist in the space 4 toward the discharge direction of the conduit 9. .

The system curve in this case is as shown in FIG. 12, and the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist with a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and the transfer flow path 50 and the two-port switching are performed. The mist 58b is injected from the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b to the processing point via the valve 51b, the branch flow path 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft 55b, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the two-port solenoid valve 24 is closed to stop the mist generation device, and then the two-port switching valve 51b is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52b.

  Subsequently, a case where processing is performed by external spraying using the nozzle 53 will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51a is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 passes through the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51a, and the branch flow path 52a. Injection can be made from the tip 53 a of the nozzle 53. In the case of the external spray using the nozzle 53, the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 is empirically appropriate at about 0.2 to 0.4 MPa. The setting of the pressure reducing valve 22 is changed so that the pressure becomes 0.3 MPa. Since the nozzle 53 is selected to have an appropriate flow path resistance, the internal pressure reducing means 30 is not used in this case also with the two-port solenoid valve 36 closed.

Here, when the mist generator is operated with the two-port solenoid valve 24 opened, pressurized air at the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22 flows into the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5 to generate mist. At this time, the pressure of the pressurized air supplied to the carrier gas outlet 8 is automatically reduced by the constant ratio reducing valve 28 to a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the reducing valve 22. There is no need for complicated adjustment of the supply pressure of the pressurized air to the carrier gas outlet 8 due to a change in the setting of the valve 22, and processing errors due to erroneous settings are eliminated. The system curve in this case is also as shown in FIG. 12, and the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, mist of a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and the transfer flow path 50 and the two-port switching valve The mist 58a is sprayed from the tip 53a of the nozzle 53 to the processing point of the milling cutter 54a via the branch passage 51a and the branch flow path 52a, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the two-port solenoid valve 24 is closed to stop the mist generating device, and then the two-port switching valve 51a is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52a.

  Lastly, a case in which machining is performed using the small diameter drill 54c will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generating device, the two-port switching valve 51c is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path 52c, the rotary joint 56c, Injection can be made from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c via the hollow main shaft 55c. For a drill having an outer diameter of about 10 mm or less, such as the small diameter drill 54c, the supply pressure of the pressurized air to the injector 11 is empirically set at about 0.6 to 0.9 MPa. The setting of the pressure reducing valve 22 is changed so that the secondary pressure becomes 0.8 MPa. In the small diameter drill 54c, since the flow resistance of the oil hole 57c is excessive, the two-port solenoid valve 36 is opened to allow the internal pressure reducing means 30 to function.

  Here, when the mist generator is operated with the two-port solenoid valve 24 opened, pressurized air at the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22 flows into the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5 to generate mist. Part of the mist injected into the space 4 from the injector 11 reaches the variable throttle valve 32 through the pressure reducing flow path 33 of the internal pressure reducing means 30, is reduced to near atmospheric pressure, and is guided to the filter 31. The mist is separated into air and oil by the filter 31, and the separated air is discharged from the silencer 37 through the exhaust port 31a and the two-port solenoid valve 36. The oil separated by the filter 31 is stored in the storage section 31b of the filter 31 during operation of the mist generation device. The remaining mist injected into the space 4 from the injector 11 is discharged from the conduit 9 and passes through the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c. It is injected from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c.

The system curve in this case is as shown in FIG. P ₁ in Figure 2, pressurized air (gas) supply pressure to the injector 11, P _2, pressurized air to a carrier gas ejection ports 8 (carrier gas) supply pressure, resistance curve R ₂ are small resistance curve of the total delivery flow path including a resistance of the oil holes 57c of the drill 54c, resistance curve R ₃ is a combined resistance curve obtained by combining the channel resistance and the resistance curve R ₂ of internal pressure-reducing means 30. At this time, the mist generating device is operated at the intersection (operating point C ₄ ) of the characteristic curve A ₃ and the resistance curve R ₃ of the mist generating device indicated by the solid line curve. P ₆ is the internal pressure of the container 1, and the pressure at a predetermined ratio of, for example, about 0.8 to 0.9 with respect to the pressurized air supply pressure to the injector 11 by the variable throttle valve 32 of the internal pressure reducing means 30. It is adjusted to have a pressure difference of about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa. Mist air volume to be injected into the space 4 from the injector 11 is Q _6. Further, the amount of mist blown from the oil hole 57c of the small-diameter drill 54c from the conduit 9 via the transfer flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c is as follows. the internal pressure _{P 6} with air volume _{Q 7} at the intersection of the resistance curve _{R 2.} Here, the air volume difference Q ₆ -Q ₇ is the air volume of the air discharged from the internal pressure reducing unit 30. Thus, even when the flow resistance excessively small diameter drill 54c, by an appropriate internal pressure in internal pressure-reducing means 30, it is possible to increase the mist air volume Q ₆ to be injected into the space 4 from the injector 11 , A dense effective mist is generated. As a result, mist (liquid fine particles) injected from the oil hole 57c of the small-diameter drill 54c from the conduit 9 via the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch passage 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c. Amount of discharge (the amount and concentration of mist air injected from the oil hole 57c of the small-diameter drill 54c from the conduit 9 via the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch passage 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c. ) Increases. As a result, a sufficient mist discharge amount can be obtained for processing with a small-diameter drill or the like.

  The secondary pressure of the constant-pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means) 28 is reduced to a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve (first pressure control means) 22. However, since the internal pressure of the container 1 is set to be higher than the secondary pressure of the constant-pressure reducing valve 28, after the transient immediately after the start, the check valve 29 is closed and the carrier gas outlet 8 is closed. No pressurized air is supplied. That is, when the engine is started, it rapidly rises, and thereafter, since the diameter of the oil hole 57c of the small-diameter drill 54c is very small, a sufficient mist injection speed can be obtained with a small amount of mist airflow, and the accelerated airflow from the carrier gas outlet 8 is It is not required.

  When the mist generation device is stopped by closing the 2-port solenoid valve 24 after processing is completed, the pressure in the container 1 is released from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c and the silencer 37, and the check valve 34 of the internal pressure reducing means 30 is opened. The oil in the storage section 31b of the filter 31 flows into the container 1 through the check valve 34 and the return flow path 35, drops, and returns to the oil source 2.

  The mist generating apparatus of this embodiment normally performs processing using a drill 54b, and sometimes uses the nozzle 53 or a small-diameter drill 54c in some cases. It is preferable when In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the example in which the drill 54b and the small-diameter drill 54c are machined using different machine tools has been described. However, in an actual machining site, one machine tool is used. In many cases, various processing is performed by changing tools.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mist generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding portions. The mist generation device of this embodiment is provided with a proportional flow control valve 19 in the liquid supply path 7 extending from the oil source 2 to the injector 11, so that the flow rate of oil can be controlled by remote control.

  The supply of pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 extends from a pressurized air supply source (gas supply source) 20 and has a filter 21 therein and a plurality of rows (three rows in the drawing) of decompression channels 43a, 43b, This is performed through the pressure control flow path 43 composed of 43c and the gas supply path 5 provided with the check valve 25. The pressure gauge 23 is provided downstream of the pressure control flow path 43 of the gas supply path 5. The pressure control channel 43 serves as first pressure control means for controlling the secondary pressure of the gas (pressurized air) supplied from the gas supply source 20 to the injector 11. The channels 43a, 43b, 43c are provided with pressure reducing valves 22a, 22b, 22c and two-port solenoid valves 24a, 24b, 24c, respectively. The pressure reducing valves 22a, 22b, and 22c are preset to appropriate pressures corresponding to different processes, respectively, and by selectively operating the two-port solenoid valves 24a, 24b, and 24c, the supply pressure is gradually increased by remote control. It can be controlled. The supply of the pressurized air (carrier gas) to the carrier gas outlet 8 branches between the pressure gauge 23 and the check valve 25 as in the first embodiment. Pressure control means 28) and a check valve 29.

  The internal pressure of the container 1 is reduced to the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the injector 11 at the exhaust port 31a of the internal pressure reducing means 30 by using the supply pressure of the compressed air (gas) to the injector 11 and the internal pressure of the container 1 as pilot pressure. On the other hand, a pilot switching valve 38 that opens when the pressure rises to a predetermined ratio, for example, a pressure of about 0.8 to 0.9, is connected. The internal pressure of the container 1 is reduced to an appropriate pressure.

  In the mist generating device according to this embodiment, a case in which processing is first performed using the drill 54b will be described. First, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51b is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51b, the branch passage 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft. Injection can be made through the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b via the hole 55b. The secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22a is, for example, 0.3 MPa for the nozzle 53, and the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22b is, for example, 0.6 MPa for the drill 54b. It is assumed that the side pressure is preset to, for example, 0.8 MPa for the small diameter drill 54c.

Here, when the mist generator is operated by opening the two-port solenoid valve 24b, the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22b for the drill 54b, for example, pressurized air (gas) of 0.6 MPa passes through the gas supply path 5. The mist flows into the injector 11 to generate mist. At this time, the pressure of the pressurized air supplied to the carrier gas injection port 8 is automatically reduced by the constant ratio pressure reducing valve 28 to a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22b. The generator is operated at an appropriate operating point, and a mist with a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9 and passes through the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51b, the branch passage 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft 55b. Then, the mist 58b is sprayed from the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b to the processing point, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the two-port solenoid valve 24b is closed to stop the mist generating device, and then the two-port switching valve 51b is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52b.

  Subsequently, a case where processing is performed by external spraying using the nozzle 53 will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51a is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 passes through the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51a, and the branch flow path 52a. Injection can be made from the tip 53 a of the nozzle 53.

Here, when the mist generator is operated by opening the two-port solenoid valve 24a, the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22a for the nozzle 53, for example, 0.3 MPa pressurized air is injected through the gas supply path 5 into the injector. 11 and mist is generated. At this time, the pressure of the pressurized air supplied to the carrier gas injection port 8 is automatically reduced by the constant ratio pressure reducing valve 28 to a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22a. The generator is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and is passed through the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51 a, and the branch passage 52 a, and the tip 53 a of the nozzle 53. The mist 58a is sprayed to the processing point of the milling cutter 54a to perform good processing.
After processing, the two-port solenoid valve 24a is closed to stop the mist generating device, and then the two-port switching valve 51a is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52a.

  Lastly, a case in which machining is performed using the small diameter drill 54c will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generating device, the two-port switching valve 51c is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path 52c, the rotary joint 56c, Injection can be made from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c via the hollow main shaft 55c.

Here, when the mist generator is operated by opening the two-port solenoid valve 24c, the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22c for the small diameter drill 54c, for example, 0.8 MPa pressurized air is injected through the gas supply path 5. Mist flows into the vessel 11 and mist is generated. At this time, the pressurized air, which is automatically reduced to a predetermined ratio pressure with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22c by the constant ratio pressure reducing valve 28, is supplied to the carrier gas outlet 8, so that the container 1 The internal pressure rises rapidly to that pressure. Thereafter, when the internal pressure of the container 1 further increases and reaches a predetermined ratio, for example, a pressure of about 0.8 to 0.9 times the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11, the pressure is automatically increased. The pilot switching valve 38 is opened, and the internal pressure reducing means 30 functions to maintain the internal pressure of the container 1 at an appropriate pressure. As a result, the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9 to the small-diameter drill, and the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, and the branch passage 52c The mist 58c is jetted from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c to the processing point via the rotary joint 56c and the hollow main shaft 55c, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the two-port solenoid valve 24c is closed to stop the mist generation device, and then the two-port switching valve 51c is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52c.

At this time, the pressure in the container 1 is released from the silencer 37, the check valve 34 of the internal pressure reducing unit 30 is opened, and the oil in the storage portion 31b of the filter 31 passes through the check valve 34 and the return flow path 35 into the container 1. It flows in, drops and is returned to the oil source 2.
The mist generation device of this embodiment is suitable for use when performing continuous processing by a remote device while frequently exchanging the nozzle 53, the drill 54b and the small diameter drill 54c, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 indicate the same or corresponding portions. The mist generating device according to this embodiment differs from the mist generating device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that a predetermined pressure is applied to the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 instead of the pilot switching valve 38. The constant-pressure relief valve 39 which operates at a pressure of the ratio is provided in the pressure reducing flow path 33. The mist generation device according to the third embodiment is an alternative to the mist generation device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and its operation is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same or corresponding portions. The mist generation device of this embodiment is provided with a proportional flow control valve 19 in the liquid supply path 7 extending from the oil source 2 to the injector 11, so that the flow rate of oil can be controlled by remote control.

  The pressurized air (gas) is supplied to the injector 11 from a pressurized air supply source (gas supply source) 20, and a gas supply path 5 in which a filter 21, a proportional pressure control valve 44, and a check valve 25 are installed. Is done through A pressure sensor 46 and a pressure gauge 23 are provided downstream of the proportional pressure control valve 44 in the gas supply path 5. The supply of pressurized air (carrier gas) to the carrier gas ejection port 8 branches off from the gas supply path 5 between the filter 21 and the proportional pressure control valve 44, and the proportional pressure control valve 45 and the check valve 29 are internally provided. This is performed through the installed carrier gas supply path 6.

  Here, the proportional pressure control valve 44 serves as first pressure control means for controlling the secondary pressure of the gas (pressurized air) supplied from the gas supply source 20 to the injector 11, and The pressure control valve 45 functions as a second pressure control unit that controls the secondary pressure of the carrier gas (pressurized air) supplied from the gas supply source 20 to the carrier gas outlet 8. That is, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 46 is transmitted as an electrical signal to a separately provided control panel (not shown) and is subjected to arithmetic processing. The control panel is configured such that the secondary pressure of the proportional pressure control valve (second pressure control means) 45 is a predetermined ratio to the secondary pressure of the proportional pressure control valve (first pressure control means) 44. The proportional pressure control valve 45 is controlled so that the pressure is reduced.

  A two-port solenoid valve 36 is connected to the exhaust port 31 a of the internal pressure reducing unit 30, and a pressure sensor 47 for detecting the internal pressure of the container 1 is provided above the cover 3. A separately provided control panel (not shown) calculates signals from the pressure sensors 46 and 47 so that the internal pressure of the container 1 can be adjusted to a predetermined value with respect to the supply pressure of pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11. The two-port solenoid valve 36 is controlled so that it opens when the pressure exceeds a ratio, for example, about 0.8 to 0.9, and closes when the pressure is less than 0.8 to 0.9. Then, the internal pressure of the container 1 is reduced to an appropriate pressure.

  In the mist generating device according to this embodiment, a case in which processing is first performed using the drill 54b will be described. First, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51b is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transfer passage 50, the two-port switching valve 51b, the branch passage 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft. Injection can be made through the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b via the hole 55b.

Here, when an electric signal corresponding to the set pressure for the drill 54b, for example, 0.6 MPa is output from the control panel (not shown) to the proportional pressure control valve 44, the proportional pressure control valve (first pressure control means) 44 Is operated, pressurized air having a pressure set for the drill 54b in the proportional pressure control valve 44 flows into the injector 11 via the gas supply path 5, and mist is generated. At this time, the proportional pressure control valve (second pressure control means) 45 is controlled by a control panel (not shown) to automatically supply the proportional pressure control valve 44 The mist generation device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and the transfer flow path The mist 58b is injected from the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b to the processing point via the 50, 2-port switching valve 51b, the branch flow path 52b, the rotary joint 56b, and the hollow main shaft 55b, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the signal output to the proportional pressure control valve 44 is turned off to stop the mist generating device. Thereafter, the two-port switching valve 51b is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52b.

  Subsequently, a case where processing is performed by external spraying using the nozzle 53 will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generation device, the two-port switching valve 51a is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 passes through the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51a, and the branch flow path 52a. Injection can be made from the tip 53 a of the nozzle 53.

Here, when an electric signal corresponding to the set pressure for the nozzle 53, for example, 0.3 MPa, is output from the control panel (not shown) to the proportional pressure control valve 44, the proportional pressure control valve 44 is operated, and the proportional pressure control is performed. Pressurized air at a pressure set for the nozzle 53 into the valve 44 flows into the injector 11 via the gas supply path 5 to generate mist. At this time, the proportional pressure control valve 45 is controlled by a control panel (not shown) to automatically supply the pressurized air supplied to the carrier gas jet port 8 to the secondary pressure of the proportional pressure control valve 44. Since the pressure is reduced to a predetermined ratio, the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and the transfer flow path 50, the 2-port switching valve 51a, The mist 58a is sprayed from the tip 53a of the nozzle 53 to the processing point of the milling cutter 54a via the branch channel 52a, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the signal output to the proportional pressure control valve 44 is turned off to stop the mist generating device. Thereafter, the two-port switching valve 51a is closed to shut off the branch flow path 52a.

  Lastly, a case in which machining is performed using the small diameter drill 54c will be described. In this case, prior to the operation of the mist generating device, the two-port switching valve 51c is opened, and the mist discharged from the conduit 9 is transferred to the transport flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path 52c, the rotary joint 56c, Injection can be made from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c via the hollow main shaft 55c.

  Here, when an electric signal corresponding to the set pressure for the small-diameter drill 54c, for example, 0.8 MPa is output from the control panel (not shown) to the proportional pressure control valve 44, the proportional pressure control valve 44 is operated, and the proportional pressure Pressurized air having a pressure set for the small-diameter drill 54c in the control valve 44 flows into the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5, and mist is generated. At this time, the proportional pressure control valve 45 is controlled by a control panel (not shown), and the compressed air automatically reduced to a predetermined ratio with respect to the secondary pressure of the proportional pressure control valve 44 is supplied to the carrier. Since the gas is supplied to the gas outlet 8, the internal pressure of the container 1 rapidly rises to that pressure.

Thereafter, when the internal pressure of the container 1 further increases and reaches a predetermined ratio, for example, a pressure of about 0.8 to 0.9 with respect to the supply pressure of the pressurized air to the injector 11, a pressure from a control panel (not shown) is applied. The two-port solenoid valve 36 is automatically opened by the command, the internal pressure reducing means 30 functions, and the internal pressure of the container 1 is maintained at an appropriate pressure. As a result, the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9 to the small diameter drill 54c, and the transfer flow path 50, the 2-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path The mist 58c is sprayed from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c to the processing point via the rotary joint 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c, so that good processing can be performed.
After the processing is completed, the signal output to the proportional pressure control valve 44 is turned off to stop the mist generating device, and then the two-port switching valve 51c is closed to shut off the branch flow channel 52c.

At this time, the pressure in the container 1 is released from the silencer 37, the check valve 34 of the internal pressure reducing unit 30 is opened, and the oil in the storage portion 31b of the filter 31 passes through the check valve 34 and the return flow path 35 into the container 1. It flows in, drops and is returned to the oil source 2.
The mist generation device of this embodiment is suitable for use when performing continuous processing by a remote device while frequently exchanging the nozzle 53, the drill 54b and the small diameter drill 54c, for example.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the mist generating device of this embodiment and the mist generating device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is that a constant pressure reducing valve 128 is used instead of the constant ratio reducing valve 28 in the mist generating device shown in FIG. The constant pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means) 128 is used to increase the secondary pressure of the constant pressure reducing valve 128 from the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve (first pressure control means) 22 via this constant pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means) 128. The point is that a constant pressure difference, for example, a pressure difference of about 0.15 to 0.25 MPa is reduced. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG.

  According to this example, with the change of the gas supply pressure to the injector 11, the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas ejection port 8 automatically becomes an appropriate pressure, that is, a constant pressure difference from the gas supply pressure, for example, The pressure is reduced from 0.15 to 0.25 MPa, so that complicated adjustment of the supply pressure of the carrier gas to the carrier gas jet port 8 is not required, and the usability of the mist generation device can be improved.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the mist generating device of this embodiment and the mist generating device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is that, as in the case of FIG. A constant pressure reducing valve 128 is used in place of the valve 28, and a pilot switching valve 138 connected to the exhaust port 31 a of the internal pressure reducing means 30 serves as a supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 and the container 1. The internal pressure of the container 1 is set as a pilot pressure, and the pressure in the container 1 is opened at a constant differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector 11, for example, a differential pressure of about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa. And the pilot switching valve 138 is opened when the pressure in the container 1 rises to a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector 11. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG.

  According to this example, as described above, when processing using the small-diameter drill 54c and operating the mist generation device by opening the two-port solenoid valve 24c, the pressure set by the pressure reducing valve 22c for the small-diameter drill 54c, For example, pressurized air of 0.8 MPa flows into the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5 to generate mist. At this time, the pressurized air automatically reduced by the constant pressure reducing valve 128 to a predetermined differential pressure, for example, a differential pressure of about 0.15 to 0.25 MPa with respect to the secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve 22c. Is supplied to the carrier gas jet port 8, so that the internal pressure of the container 1 rapidly rises to that pressure. Thereafter, when the internal pressure of the container 1 further increases and reaches a predetermined differential pressure, for example, a differential pressure of about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa with respect to the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11, The pilot switching valve 138 is automatically opened, and the internal pressure reducing means 30 functions to maintain the internal pressure of the container 1 at an appropriate pressure. As a result, the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, a mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9 to the small diameter drill 54c, and the transfer flow path 50, the 2-port switching valve 51c, the branch flow path The mist 58c is sprayed from the oil hole 57c of the small diameter drill 54c to the processing point via the rotary joint 52c, the rotary joint 56c, and the hollow main shaft 55c, so that good processing can be performed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the mist generating device of this embodiment and the mist generating device of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that the constant-pressure reducing valve 28 in the mist generating device shown in FIG. The pressure in the container 1 is changed to the pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 by using the differential pressure reducing valve 128 and in addition to the constant ratio relief valve 39 installed in the pressure reducing flow path 33 of the internal pressure reducing means 30. The point is that a constant pressure relief valve 139 that operates when the pressure is increased to a pressure having a constant differential pressure, for example, about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa, is provided. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the mist generating device of this embodiment and the mist generating device of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that the proportional pressure control valve 145 installed in the carrier gas supply path 6 (Second pressure control means) The secondary pressure of 145 is a predetermined pressure difference from the secondary pressure of proportional pressure control valve (first pressure control means) 44, for example, about 0.15 to 0.25 MPa. The pressure is controlled so as to have a pressure difference of. Further, a differential pressure switch 147 for detecting a differential pressure between the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 and the internal pressure of the container 1 is provided, and the two-port solenoid valve 36 of the internal pressure reducing means 30 is provided with a differential pressure switch. The signal from 147 is controlled so that the pressure in the container 1 becomes a pressure having a certain differential pressure with respect to the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG.

  According to this example, similarly to the above, when processing is performed by the drill 54b, an electric signal corresponding to the set pressure for the drill 54b, for example, 0.6 MPa is transmitted from the control panel (not shown) to the proportional pressure control valve 44. When output, the proportional pressure control valve (first pressure control means) 44 is operated, and pressurized air of the pressure set for the drill 54b is supplied to the injector 11 through the gas supply path 5 to the proportional pressure control valve 44. Inflow generates mist. At this time, the proportional pressure control valve (second pressure control means) 145 is controlled by a control panel (not shown) to automatically supply the pressurized air supplied to the carrier gas jet port 8 to the proportional pressure control valve 44. The pressure is reduced to a pressure having a predetermined pressure difference, for example, a pressure difference of about 0.15 to 0.25 MPa with respect to the secondary side pressure. In addition, a signal from the differential pressure switch 147 controls the pressure in the container 1 to be a pressure having a constant differential pressure with respect to the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11. As a result, the mist generating device is operated at an appropriate operating point, mist having a sufficient air volume and concentration is discharged from the conduit 9, and the transfer flow path 50, the two-port switching valve 51b, the branch flow path 52b, the rotary joint 56b, The mist 58b is sprayed from the oil hole 57b of the drill 54b to the processing point via the hollow main shaft 55b, so that good processing can be performed.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 indicate the same or corresponding portions. The mist generating device of this embodiment is different from the mist generating device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that instead of the pilot switching valve 38, the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 and the pressure of the container 1 Using the internal pressure as a pilot pressure, a pilot switching valve 238 that opens when the internal pressure of the container 1 increases to a predetermined ratio with respect to the pressure of the pressurized air supplied to the injector 11, for example, a pressure of about 0.8 to 0.9. An air operated valve 48 that operates via the air outlet 31a is connected to the exhaust port 31a. The mist generation device according to the ninth embodiment is an alternative example of the mist generation device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and its operation is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. is there.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a mist generation device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 7 indicate the same or corresponding portions. The mist generating device of this embodiment is different from the mist generating device of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 in that the pilot switching valve 138 is replaced with the supply pressure of the pressurized air (gas) to the injector 11 and the container 1. Pilot switching in which the internal pressure is set as a pilot pressure and the pressure in the container 1 is opened at a constant differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector 11, for example, a pressure having a differential pressure of about 0.05 to 0.1 MPa. An air operated valve 148 operated via a valve 338 is connected to the exhaust port 31a. The mist generation device according to the tenth embodiment is an alternative to the mist generation device according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and its operation is the same as that of the mist generation device shown in FIG. is there.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system curve in which a characteristic curve and a resistance curve of a transport passage when a pressure in a container is reduced by an internal pressure reducing unit of the mist generation device shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 7th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of an 8th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 9th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the mist generating device of a 10th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a system curve in which a characteristic curve of the mist generating device and a resistance curve of the transport flow path are described together when the mist generating device is operated under appropriate operating conditions. A system that describes both the characteristic curve of the mist generator and the resistance curve of the transport channel when the mist generator is operated when the gas supply pressure to the injector and the carrier gas supply pressure to the carrier gas outlet are inappropriate. It is a figure showing a curve. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a system curve in which a characteristic curve of the mist generation device and a resistance curve of the conveyance flow channel are shown when the mist generation device is operated in a state where the resistance of the conveyance flow channel is too large.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 container 2 oil source (liquid supply source)
4 Space 5 Gas supply path 6 Carrier gas supply path 7 Liquid supply path 8 Carrier gas outlet 9 Conduit 10 Flow meter 11 Injector 14 Deflector 18 Variable throttle valve 19 Proportional flow control valve 20 Gas supply source (pressurized air supply source) )
22 Pressure reducing valve (first pressure control means)
22a, 22b, 22c Pressure reducing valves 24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 36-port solenoid valves 25, 29, 34 Check valve 28 Constant-pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means)
30 internal pressure reducing means 31a exhaust port 31b storage section 32 variable throttle valve 33 pressure reducing flow path 37 silencer 38, 138, 238, 338 pilot switching valve 39 constant ratio relief valve 43 pressure control flow path (first pressure control means)
43a, 43b, 43c Pressure reducing flow path 44 Proportional pressure control valve (first pressure control means)
45,145 proportional pressure control valve (second pressure control means)
46, 47 Pressure sensor 48, 148 Air operated valve 50 Conveyance flow path 51a, 51b, 51c Port switching valve 52a, 52b, 52c Branch flow path 53 Nozzle 54b Drill 54a Milling cutter 54c Small diameter drill 55a Main shaft 55b, 55c Hollow main shaft 56b, 56c Rotary joints 57b, 57c Oil holes 58a, 58b, 58c Mist 128 Constant pressure reducing valve (second pressure control means)
139 Constant pressure relief valve 145 Proportional pressure control valve 147 Differential pressure switch

Claims (20)

An injector that receives a gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container to generate a mist and sprays the mist into the container, a conduit that leads the mist from the container out of the container, and a carrier that communicates with the conduit. In a mist generating device provided with a gas ejection port,
First pressure control means installed in a gas supply path for supplying gas from the gas supply source to the injector;
A pressure that is installed in a carrier gas supply path that supplies a carrier gas from the gas supply source to the carrier gas ejection port, and that reduces the secondary pressure at a fixed rate to the secondary pressure of the first pressure control unit. And a second pressure control means for controlling the mist generation. An injector that receives a gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container to generate a mist and sprays the mist into the container, a conduit that leads the mist from the container out of the container, and a carrier that communicates with the conduit. In a mist generating device provided with a gas ejection port,
First pressure control means installed in a gas supply path for supplying gas from the gas supply source to the injector;
It is installed in a carrier gas supply path that supplies a carrier gas from the gas supply source to the carrier gas ejection port, and reduces the secondary pressure by reducing the secondary pressure of the first pressure control unit by a constant differential pressure. A mist generating device, comprising: second pressure control means for controlling pressure.   The mist generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure control unit includes a pressure reducing valve.   The first pressure control means has a plurality of pressure reducing valves set at different pressures and arranged in parallel, and a plurality of solenoid valves respectively provided downstream of the pressure reducing valves. The mist generation device according to claim 1.   The mist generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure control means includes a proportional pressure control valve.   The carrier gas supply path is formed by branching off from the gas supply path on the secondary side of the first pressure control means, and the second pressure control means comprises a constant-pressure reducing valve. The mist generation device according to claim 1.   The carrier gas supply path is formed by branching from the gas supply path on the secondary side of the first pressure control means, and the second pressure control means comprises a constant pressure reducing valve. The mist generation device according to claim 2.   3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second pressure control means comprises a proportional pressure control valve controlled by a signal from a pressure sensor for detecting a secondary pressure of the first pressure control means. The mist generating device according to the above. A mist generating apparatus comprising: an injector configured to generate a mist by receiving supply of a gas from a gas supply source and a liquid in a container and to spray the mist into the container; and a conduit that leads the mist in the container from the container. At
A mist generating device comprising an internal pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure in the container.   The internal pressure reducing unit includes a pressure reducing flow path that guides the mist in the container to a filter through a throttle mechanism, an exhaust port that releases gas separated from the mist by the filter, and a filter that is separated from the mist by the filter. The mist generation device according to claim 9, further comprising: a return flow path for returning the discharged liquid into the container.   The mist generation device according to claim 10, wherein an on-off valve for controlling release of gas separated from the mist by the filter is connected to the exhaust port.   The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. The mist generator according to claim 11, wherein the pilot switching valve is configured as described above.   The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. The mist generation device according to claim 11, wherein the mist generation device is a pilot switching valve.   The mist generation device according to claim 10, wherein a constant ratio relief valve that operates at a constant pressure with respect to a gas supply pressure to the injector is provided in the pressure reducing flow path.   The mist generating device according to claim 10, wherein a constant pressure relief valve that operates at a constant pressure difference with respect to a gas supply pressure to the injector is provided in the pressure reducing flow path.   The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a pressure sensor that detects a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the container. The mist generator according to claim 10, further comprising an electromagnetic valve that is controlled so that a pressure of the gas is a constant ratio to a gas supply pressure to the injector.   The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a pressure sensor that detects a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the container. The mist generating device according to claim 10, further comprising an electromagnetic valve that is controlled so that a pressure of the gas is a pressure having a constant pressure difference with respect to a gas supply pressure to the injector.   The internal pressure reducing unit is provided in the exhaust port or the pressure reducing channel, and receives a signal from a differential pressure switch that detects a differential pressure between a gas supply pressure to the injector and a pressure in the container. The mist generating device according to claim 10, further comprising an electromagnetic valve that is controlled so that a pressure of the gas is a pressure having a constant pressure difference with respect to a gas supply pressure to the injector.   The on-off valve opens when the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container are set as pilot pressures and the pressure in the container increases to a certain ratio with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector. The mist generating device according to claim 11, wherein the mist generating device is an air operated valve operated via a pilot switching valve.   The on-off valve opens when the pressure in the container rises to a certain differential pressure with respect to the gas supply pressure to the injector, using the gas supply pressure to the injector and the pressure in the container as pilot pressure. The mist generating device according to claim 11, wherein the mist generating device is an air operated valve operated via a pilot switching valve.

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