Program editing device, machine tool, and program editing method

Abstract

A program editing device (90) is provided with: a mist amount acquisition unit (92) that acquires a mist amount (MA1); a period detection unit (94) that detects a first period (PE1) during which the mist collector (34) operates in a state in which the mist amount (MA1) is less than a first threshold value (TH1); and a program editing unit (96) that automatically edits the machining program (72) so that the mist collector (34) does not operate during the first period (PE1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a program editing device, a machine tool and a program editing method. Background Art

[0002] The mist collector collects mist generated in the processing area of ​​the machine tool (see also Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-76006). The mist collector collects mist in the processing area to prevent the mist from leaking out of the processing area. The mist is a fine particle coolant floating in the air. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to reliably prevent the mist from leaking out of the processing area, the mist collector is often driven for a long time. However, the mist collector consumes a lot of electricity due to the long-term operation.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A first embodiment of the present invention is a program editing device that edits a machining program for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool, wherein the machine tool includes a processing machine that processes a processing object and a mist collector that collects mist present in a processing area of ​​the processing machine, the program editing device including: a mist amount acquisition unit that acquires the amount of mist collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of a first fog sensor; a period detection unit that detects a first period in which the mist collector operates in a state in which the mist amount is less than a first threshold value; and a program editing unit that automatically edits the machining program so that the mist collector does not operate during the first period.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is a machine tool comprising: the program editing device of the first aspect; the processing machine; and the mist collector, the machine tool further comprising a control device that controls the processing machine and the mist collector based on the processing program.

[0007] A third embodiment of the present invention is a program editing method for editing a machining program for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool, wherein the machine tool (10) comprises a processing machine for processing a processing object and a mist collector for collecting mist existing in a processing area of ​​the processing machine, wherein the program editing method comprises the following steps: a mist amount acquisition step for acquiring the amount of mist collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of a first mist sensor; a first period detection step for detecting a first period in which the mist collector operates in a state in which the mist amount is less than a first threshold value; and a program editing step for automatically editing the machining program by a computer so that the mist collector does not operate in the first period.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress power consumption of a machine tool including a processing machine and a mist collector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a machine tool according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a control device (program editing device), a drive device, and a plurality of motors.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a control device (program editing device), a drive device, and a plurality of motors.

[0012] Figure 4 is a first graph illustrating the time transition of the fog amount.

[0013] Figure 5 is a second graph illustrating the time transition of the amount of fog.

[0014] Figure 6 is a first graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount.

[0015] Figure 7 is a second graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a flowchart illustrating a program editing method according to an embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination procedure.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of a machine tool according to Modification 1.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a block diagram of a control device according to Modification 2.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a block diagram of a control device according to Modification 3.

[0021] Fig.13 This is a block diagram of a program editing device according to variation 4.

[0022] Fig.14 This is a flowchart illustrating a program editing method according to Modification Example 5.

[0023] Fig.15 is a third graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount.

[0024] Fig.16 is a fourth graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] [Implementation Method]

[0026] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram of the machine tool 10 according to the embodiment.

[0027] in addition, Figure 1 The X direction and the Y direction shown are directions parallel to the horizontal plane. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. Figure 1 The Z direction shown is parallel to the gravity direction. Therefore, the Z direction is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. Figure 1 The Z direction shown indicates the direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0028] The machine tool 10 includes a processing machine 12 , a control device 14 , a coolant supply device 32 , and a mist collector 34 .

[0029] The processing machine 12 is a machine that processes a processing object using a tool 16. The processing machine 12 includes a main spindle 18, a main spindle head 20, a column 22, a base 24, a table 26, a table driving unit 28, and a cover 30.

[0030] A tool holder 36 (see FIG. 1 ) is mounted on the spindle 18. Figure 1 The tool holder 36 can be attached to and detached from the spindle 18. The tool holder 36 holds the tool 16. The tool 16 is, for example, a spring turning tool, a drill, an end mill, a milling cutter, or the like.

[0031] The processing machine 12 further includes a tool magazine 38. The tool magazine 38 detachably holds a plurality of tools 16. One tool 16 among the plurality of tools 16 held in the tool magazine 38 is mounted on the tool holder 36.

[0032] The spindle head 20 supports the spindle 18. The spindle head 20 includes a spindle motor 21 for rotating the spindle 18. The spindle motor 21 is, for example, a spindle motor. The spindle motor 21 includes a shaft (not shown) and an encoder 23.

[0033] The shaft of the spindle motor 21 rotates when power is supplied to the spindle motor 21. The spindle 18 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the shaft of the spindle motor 21. As the spindle 18 rotates, the tool 16 mounted on the spindle 18 via the tool holder 36 rotates.

[0034] The encoder 23 is a rotary encoder and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotational position of the shaft of the spindle motor 21 .

[0035] The column 22 is supported by a pedestal 24. The column 22 supports the spindle head 20. The column 22 includes a column motor 25. The column motor 25 is, for example, a servo motor. The column motor 25 includes a shaft and an encoder 27, which are not shown.

[0036] The shaft of the column motor 25 rotates when power is supplied to the column motor 25. The column 22 moves in the Z direction in accordance with the rotation of the shaft of the column motor 25. The column 22 moves in the Z direction, and thereby the spindle 18 supported by the column 22 moves in the Z direction.

[0037] The encoder 27 is a rotary encoder and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the rotational position of the shaft of the column motor 25 .

[0038] The pedestal 24 is provided on a setting surface. The setting surface is, for example, a floor of a factory. The setting surface may also be a support surface of a table provided on the floor. The setting surface extends, for example, parallel to a horizontal plane. The pedestal 24 may also have a plurality of legs 24a. Each leg 24a is, for example, a caster, a jack, or the like.

[0039] The table driving unit 28 is supported by the base 24. The table driving unit 28 includes a plurality of feed axis motors 47 (47X, 47Y), a first slide unit 42, a saddle 44, and a second slide unit 46.

[0040] The plurality of feed axis motors 47 are composed of a Y axis motor 47Y and an X axis motor 47X. The Y axis motor 47Y and the X axis motor 47X are servo motors, for example. The Y axis motor 47Y includes a rotating shaft 49Y. The X axis motor 47X includes a rotating shaft 49X.

[0041] The first slide part 42 is provided on the pedestal 24 . The first slide part 42 includes, for example, a guide rail extending in the Y direction. The first slide part 42 supports the saddle 44 .

[0042] The saddle 44 is connected to a Y-axis motor 47Y. The saddle 44 is driven by the Y-axis motor 47Y to move in the Y direction. The saddle 44 moves while being guided by the first slide portion 42 .

[0043] The second slide portion 46 is provided on the saddle 44 . The second slide portion 46 includes, for example, a guide rail extending in the X direction. The second slide portion 46 supports the table 26 .

[0044] The table 26 supports a processing object (not shown) below the spindle 18. The table 26 is connected to an X-axis motor 47X. The table 26 is driven by the X-axis motor 47X to move in the X direction. The table 26 moves while being guided by the second slide portion 46.

[0045] The cover 30 covers the spindle 18, the spindle head 20, the column 22, the pedestal 24, the table 26, and the table driving unit 28. Thus, the cover 30 forms a processing area 48. The processing object is processed in the processing area 48.

[0046] The cover 30 further includes a door (not shown) and a window (not shown). The operator can carry out work such as carrying the processing object into the processing area 48 through the door in an open state. In addition, the operator can easily check the state in the processing area 48 through the window.

[0047] The coolant supply device 32 is a device that supplies the coolant to the processing area 48. The coolant supply device 32 includes a coolant tank 50, a nozzle 52, a supply pipe 54, and a pump 56.

[0048] The coolant tank 50 stores the coolant and is disposed outside the processing area 48 .

[0049] The nozzle 52 is a discharge portion that discharges the coolant. The nozzle 52 is disposed in the processing area 48. The coolant supplier 32 may include a plurality of nozzles 52.

[0050] The supply pipe 54 is a pipe connecting the coolant tank 50 and the nozzle 52. The coolant supplier 32 may include a plurality of supply pipes 54. The number of supply pipes 54 is determined, for example, according to the number of nozzles 52. The supply pipe 54 connects the coolant tank 50 and the nozzle 52.

[0051] The pump 56 is connected to the supply pipe 54. The pump 56 draws the coolant in the coolant tank 50 and delivers it to the nozzle 52. Thus, the coolant is discharged from the nozzle 52 into the processing area 48.

[0052] The coolant discharged to the processing area 48 cools the tool 16 and the object to be processed. When processing is performed in the processing area 48, mist of the coolant is generated. The mist may leak out of the processing area 48 through a small gap generated in the processing machine 12.

[0053] The mist collector 34 is a device for collecting mist in the processing area 48. The mist collector 34 is provided outside the processing area 48. In addition, the mist collector 34 is connected to the cover 30 via a duct 58. The mist collector 34 collects mist by sucking air in the processing area 48. Thus, the mist is prevented from leaking out of the processing area 48.

[0054] When the tool 16 cuts the object to be processed, fine chips are generated as dust in the processing area 48. The dust, like mist, may leak out of the processing area 48 through a small gap generated in the processing machine 12. The mist collector 34 can also collect not only mist but also dust by sucking air in the processing area 48. This also prevents dust from leaking out of the processing area 48.

[0055] The mist collector 34 may be connected to the coolant tank 50. Thus, the mist collected by the mist collector 34 can be returned to the coolant tank 50 as the coolant.

[0056] When the mist collector 34 is connected to the coolant tank 50, it is preferred that the mist collector 34 and the coolant tank 50 are connected via a filtering device (filter) not shown. The filtering device removes impurities in the coolant transported from the mist collector 34 to the coolant tank 50. If the mist collector 34 and the coolant tank 50 are connected via the filtering device, the clean coolant can be returned from the mist collector 34 to the coolant tank 50. Impurities in the coolant are, for example, chips recovered together with the mist.

[0057] The control device 14 is a computer that controls the processing machine 12, the coolant supply device 32, and the mist collector 34. The control device 14 is, for example, a numerical control device. A more detailed description of the control device 14 will be given later.

[0058] The machine tool 10 further includes a drive device 82 , a first fog sensor 84A, a second fog sensor 84B, a temperature sensor 86 , a vibration amount sensor 88 , and a program editing device 90 . The program editing device 90 is provided in the control device 14 .

[0059] The drive device 82 includes a plurality of amplifiers. The plurality of amplifiers include, for example, an amplifier for the spindle motor 21, an amplifier for the column motor 25, an amplifier for the Y-axis motor 47Y, and an amplifier for the X-axis motor 47X. In addition, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the spindle motor 21, the column motor 25, the Y-axis motor 47Y, and the X-axis motor 47X, the spindle motor 21, the column motor 25, the Y-axis motor 47Y, and the X-axis motor 47X are also simply recorded as motors MO. In addition, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the encoder 23, the encoder 27, and the encoder 29, the encoder 23, the encoder 27, and the encoder 29 are also simply recorded as encoders EN.

[0060] The control device 14 outputs a command for driving each motor MO to the drive device 82 based on a machining program 72 (described later). The drive device 82 supplies power to each motor MO based on the command output by the control device 14. Each motor MO is driven using the power supplied from the drive device 82.

[0061] The encoder EN outputs a detection signal according to the driving of the motor MO equipped with the encoder EN. The drive device 82 calculates the error between the driving state of the motor MO and the instruction of the control device 14 based on the detection signal supplied from the encoder EN. Specifically, for example, the drive device 82 calculates the error between the rotation amount of the shaft 49X indicated by the control device 14 and the actual rotation amount of the shaft 49X. The drive device 82 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the motor MO to reduce the error. The drive device 82 adjusts the amount of power supplied to each motor MO to reduce the error in each motor MO. In addition, the control device 14 can also calculate the above error.

[0062] The first fog sensor 84A outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of fog MA1 which is the amount of fog collected by the fog collector 34. In addition, in the present embodiment, the amount of fog or the amount of fog refers to the fog concentration more specifically.

[0063] The first fog sensor 84A is disposed outside the processing area 48. More specifically, the first fog sensor 84A is disposed on a recovery path of the fog collected by the fog collector 34. Figure 1 As shown, a first fog sensor 84A is disposed in the duct 58 .

[0064] The second fog sensor 84B is provided in the processing area 48. The second fog sensor 84B outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of fog retained in the processing area 48. Unless otherwise specified, the above-mentioned amount of fog retained is also recorded as the retention amount MA2 in the following description. The retention amount MA2 is the amount of fog retained in the processing area 48. More specifically, the retention amount MA2 is the fog concentration in the processing area 48.

[0065] The temperature sensor 86 is provided in the processing area 48. The temperature sensor 86 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the air temperature in the processing area 48.

[0066] The vibration amount sensor 88 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the vibration amount of the rotating spindle 18. The vibration amount of the spindle 18 is the vibration amplitude of the spindle 18 when the spindle 18 rotates. More strictly speaking, the vibration amount of the spindle 18 is the vibration amplitude of the rotation axis of the tool 16 rotating with the spindle 18.

[0067] The vibration amount sensor 88 includes, for example, a vibration sensor, a camera (image sensor), etc. When the vibration amount sensor 88 is a vibration sensor, the vibration sensor is provided, for example, on the spindle 18. When the spindle 18 is provided with a vibration sensor, the vibration amount of the spindle 18 is calculated based on the vibration of the spindle 18, for example.

[0068] When the vibration amount sensor 88 is a camera, the camera is set so that the spindle 18 (tool 16) is located within the imaging range of the camera. It is preferred that the imaging range of the camera includes the tool 16 attached to the spindle 18. When a camera is used as the vibration amount sensor 88, the vibration amount of the spindle 18 is calculated based on the imaging data of the camera.

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing a control device 14 (program editing device 90), a drive device 82, and a plurality of motors MO. Figure 2 2 shows an example of a case where a pre-editing program 72A described later is used as the processing program 72. Figure 32 shows an example of a case where an edited program 72B described later is used as the machining program 72 .

[0070] The control device 14 includes a display unit 60 , an operation unit 62 , a storage unit 64 , and a calculation unit 66 .

[0071] The display unit 60 is a display device including a display screen 60d. The display unit 60 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display device.

[0072] The operation unit 62 is an input device that receives instructions from the operator to the control device 14. The operation unit 62 includes, for example, an operation panel 62a, a touch panel 62b, etc. The touch panel 62b is provided on the display screen 60d. The operation unit 62 (operation panel 62a) may also include a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0073] The storage unit 64 can be composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). As a volatile memory, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) can be cited. As a non-volatile memory, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc. can be cited. Data, etc., can be stored in a volatile memory, for example. Programs, data tables, maps, etc., can be stored in a non-volatile memory, for example. At least a part of the storage unit 64 can also be provided in a processor, an integrated circuit, etc. as described above. The storage unit 64 stores a control program 70, a processing program 72, a first threshold value TH1, and a second threshold value TH2.

[0074] The control program 70 is a program for causing the control device 14 to execute the program editing method of the present embodiment. A more detailed description of the program editing method will be given later.

[0075] The machining program 72 includes contents for the machine tool 10 to perform a predetermined machining. More specifically, the machining program 72 includes a plurality of control commands for controlling the machining machine 12 , the coolant supplier 32 , and the mist collector 34 .

[0076] For example, as described above, the machine tool 10 includes a plurality of electric motors MO for the processing machine 12 to process a processing object. The processing program 72 includes a plurality of control commands for causing each electric motor MO to perform a predetermined operation.

[0077] The plurality of control instructions for controlling the mist collector 34 include, for example, a start command and a stop command. The start command is a control command for starting the mist collector 34. For example, the start command is a command for starting the mist collector 34 when a predetermined time has passed after the processing machine 12 starts processing. The stop command is a control command for stopping the mist collector 34.

[0078] The plurality of control commands for controlling the coolant supplier 32 include, for example, a control command for starting the coolant supplier 32 (pump 56) and a control command for stopping the coolant supplier 32 (pump 56). Similar to the mist collector 34, the coolant supplier 32 can also be controlled according to the elapse of machining time or the progress of machining.

[0079] The first threshold TH1 is, for example, an upper limit value of the mist amount MA1 at which the mist does not leak out of the processing area 48 even if the mist collector 34 stops. The second threshold TH2 is, for example, an upper limit value of the retention amount MA2 at which the mist does not leak out of the processing area 48 even if the mist collector 34 stops. The first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 are predetermined by an operator or the like, for example, based on experiments. The first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 determined by the operator or the like are input to the control device 14, for example, via the operation unit 62. In addition, the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 may be set based on information provided by the manufacturer of the machine tool 10, for example.

[0080] The calculation unit 66 can be constituted by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In other words, the calculation unit 66 can be constituted by a processing circuit.

[0081] The operation unit 66 includes a processing control unit 74 and a collector control unit 76. The processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 are implemented by the operation unit 66 executing the control program 70. In addition, at least a part of the processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 can also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). In addition, at least a part of the processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 can also be composed of an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0082] The processing control unit 74 controls the processing machine 12 (drive device 82) and the coolant supplier 32 according to the processing program 72. Thus, the processing control unit 74 performs a predetermined processing based on the processing program 72. For example, the processing control unit 74 issues an instruction to the drive device 82 based on the processing program 72. Thus, the drive device 82 controls the plurality of motors MO based on the instruction of the processing control unit 74.

[0083] The collector control unit 76 controls the mist collector 34 based on the processing program 72. For example, the collector control unit 76 controls the mist collector 34 based on the above-mentioned activation command. As a result, the mist collector 34 is activated. The activated mist collector 34 collects mist in the processing area 48.

[0084] The operation unit 66 further includes a mist amount acquisition unit 92, a period detection unit 94, a program editing unit 96, a load acquisition unit 98, a temperature acquisition unit 100, a vibration amount acquisition unit 102, and a determination unit 104. The load acquisition unit 98, the temperature acquisition unit 100, the vibration amount acquisition unit 102, and the determination unit 104 constitute the program editing device 90. The mist amount acquisition unit 92, the period detection unit 94, the program editing unit 96, the load acquisition unit 98, the temperature acquisition unit 100, the vibration amount acquisition unit 102, and the determination unit 104 are implemented by the operation unit 66 executing the control program 70. However, at least a part of the mist amount acquisition unit 92, the period detection unit 94, the program editing unit 96, the load acquisition unit 98, the temperature acquisition unit 100, the vibration amount acquisition unit 102, and the determination unit 104 may also be constituted by the above-mentioned integrated circuit, discrete device, etc.

[0085] The mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires information indicating the mist amount MA1. The mist amount MA1 is the amount of mist collected by the mist collector 34. In other words, the mist amount MA1 is the amount of mist sucked out of the processing area 48 and flowing toward the mist collector 34. The mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires information indicating the mist amount MA1 based on the detection signal of the first mist sensor 84A. The storage unit 64 may also store the information indicating the mist amount MA1.

[0086] Figure 4 : is a first graph illustrating the time transition of the mist amount MA1 . Figure 4 The vertical axis represents the mist amount MA1. As described above, the mist amount MA1 is, for example, the amount of mist detected by the first mist sensor 84A provided in the duct 58. Figure 4 The horizontal axis represents time.

[0087] The mist amount acquisition unit 92 successively acquires information indicating the mist amount MA1. Figure 4 The curve graph of Figure 4 , time point t1, time point t2, time point t3, and a predetermined time TM are shown. Time point t1 indicates the start time point of processing by the processing control unit 74. Time point t2 indicates the end time point of processing by the processing control unit 74. Time point t3 indicates a time point later than time point t2 by a predetermined time TM.

[0088] Figure 4 The working period PEA is also shown in FIG. The working period PEA is the period during which the mist collector 34 is driven based on the processing program 72. Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation period PEA is the period from time point t1 to time point t3. Figure 4 As shown, the mist collector 34 continues to operate for a predetermined time TM even after the processing is completed by the processing control unit 74. The processing control unit 74 continues to operate the mist collector 34 for a predetermined time TM even after the processing is completed, thereby suppressing insufficient collection of mist.

[0089] The period detection unit 94 detects the first period PE1. The first period PE1 is a period in which the mist amount MA1 is smaller than the first threshold value TH1 (condition 1-1) and the mist collector 34 is operating (condition 1-2).

[0090] The period detection unit 94 detects the first period PE1 based on the operating state of the mist collector 34, the mist amount MA1, and the first threshold value TH1. The operating state of the mist collector 34 is information indicating whether the mist collector 34 is working or stopped. The period detection unit 94 can obtain the operating state of the mist collector 34 based on the history of control performed by the collector control unit 76, for example. For example, the history of control performed by the collector control unit 76 is appropriately stored by the storage unit 64.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, two first periods PE1 are detected. Figure 4 In the following description, one of the two first periods PE1 is also described as a first period PE11. On the other hand, the other of the two first periods PE1 is also described as a first period PE12.

[0092] The storage unit 64 may store information indicating the detected first period PE1. In addition, the storage unit 64 may store information indicating the operation period PEA.

[0093] The program editing unit 96 automatically edits the machining program 72 based on the detected first period PE1. More specifically, the program editing unit 96 automatically edits the machining program 72 so that the mist collector 34 does not operate during the period corresponding to the first period PE1 in the period from the time point t1 to the time point t3.

[0094] The machining program 72 edited by the program editing unit 96 is also described as a post-editing program 72B. On the other hand, the machining program 72 before being edited by the program editing unit 96 is also described as a pre-editing program 72A.

[0095] Figure 5 2 is a second graph illustrating the time transition of the mist amount MA1. As described above, the mist amount MA1 is, for example, the amount of mist detected by the first mist sensor 84A provided in the duct 58. The graph is in the form of Figure 4 The form of the curve graph shall prevail.

[0096] When the edited program 72B is executed, for example, Figure 5 The curve diagram shown. Figure 5 The time point ta, the time point tb and the operating period PEB are shown. Figure 5 The time point ta and Figure 4 The time point ta in corresponds to . Figure 4 The time point ta in is the time point when the amount of mist MA1 which is smaller than the first threshold value TH1 increases to the first threshold value TH1. Figure 5 The time point tb corresponds to Figure 4 The time point tb. Figure 4 The time point tb in φ is the time point when the mist amount MA1 greater than the first threshold value TH1 decreases to the first threshold value TH1. The operation period PEB indicates the period during which the mist collector 34 is driven based on the edited program 72B.

[0097] The operation period PEB is the period from time point ta to time point tb. The period from time point ta to time point tb is a part of the period from time point t1 to time point t3. Therefore, the operation period PEB is shorter than the operation period PEA. By shortening the operation time of the mist collector 34, the power consumption of the mist collector 34 is suppressed. By suppressing the power consumption of the mist collector 34, the power consumption of the machine tool 10 is also suppressed.

[0098] The period other than the operating period PEB from time point t1 to time point t3 is a non-operating period of the mist collector 34. The smaller the first threshold TH1 is, the smaller the risk of mist leaking out of the processing area 48 during the non-operating period of the mist collector 34 is.

[0099] In addition, as described above, the period detection unit 94 may also detect a plurality of first periods PE1. However, it is more preferable that each first period PE1 is a period that is continuous for a predetermined time or longer. That is, even if the mist collector 34 is operating in a state where the mist amount MA1 is less than the first threshold value TH1, if the period is a short period, it is preferably not treated as the first period PE1. Thus, the frequency of the mist collector 34 being turned on and off is suppressed. As a result, the control load of the machine tool 10 is suppressed.

[0100] The load acquisition unit 98 acquires information indicating the load of at least one predetermined motor MO among the plurality of motors MO. The load acquisition unit 98 acquires information indicating the load of the motor MO, i.e., load information, based on a detection signal output by a load sensor according to the load of the motor MO. The load of the motor MO is, for example, the power consumption of the motor MO. Therefore, the load acquisition unit 98 may also acquire information indicating the power consumption of at least one predetermined motor among the plurality of motors MO as information indicating the load.

[0101] The power consumption of each of the plurality of motors MO is adjusted based on the detection signal of the encoder EN possessed by each motor MO through the above-mentioned drive device 82. In this case, the load acquisition unit 98 can obtain information indicating the power consumption of each motor MO from the drive device 82. Each encoder EN for adjusting the power consumption functions as a load sensor.

[0102] The load acquisition unit 98 successively acquires load information during the period (time point t1 to time point t2) during which the processing is performed by the processing control unit 74. The storage unit 64 cumulatively stores the load information successively acquired by the load acquisition unit 98.

[0103] The temperature acquisition unit 100 acquires information indicating the temperature in the processing area 48 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 86. The temperature acquisition unit 100 successively acquires information indicating the temperature during the period (time point t1 to time point t2) when the processing control unit 74 performs processing. The storage unit 64 cumulatively stores information indicating the temperature successively acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 100.

[0104] The vibration amount acquisition unit 102 acquires information indicating the vibration amount of the spindle 18 based on the detection signal of the vibration amount sensor 88. The vibration amount acquisition unit 102 sequentially acquires information indicating the vibration amount during the period (time point t1 to time point t2) when the machining control unit 74 performs machining. The storage unit 64 cumulatively stores the information indicating the vibration amount.

[0105] The determination unit 104 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied during machining performed after the program editing unit 96 edits the machining program 72. The determination unit 104 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when at least one of the following conditions 2-1 to 2-4 is satisfied.

[0106] Condition 2-1 is that the second load LO2 is greater than the first load LO1. Preferably, condition 2-1 is further supplemented with a condition that the difference between the first load LO1 and the second load LO2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0107] The first load LO1 is a load during processing based on the pre-edited program 72A. The second load LO2 is a load during processing based on the edited program 72B. The first load LO1 and the second load LO2 may also be loads during a predetermined period (predetermined process) during the processing, i.e., during the processing period. In addition, as described above, the load refers to the load (power consumption) of at least one predetermined motor MO among the multiple motors MO provided in the machine tool 10. In order to determine whether the above-mentioned condition 2-1 is met, the determination unit 104 compares the maximum value of the first load LO1 with the maximum value of the second load LO2, for example. The maximum value of the load of the motor MO refers to the instantaneous maximum power consumption of the motor MO.

[0108] By adding the case where the difference between the first load LO1 and the second load LO2 is greater than a predetermined value to the condition 2-1, the error between the first load LO1 and the second load LO2 is allowed. By allowing the error between the first load LO1 and the second load LO2, it is possible to prevent the case where the condition 2-1 is determined to be satisfied even though there is no large difference between the first load LO1 and the second load LO2.

[0109] Condition 2-2 is that the second temperature change dT2 is greater than the first temperature change dT1. Preferably, condition 2-2 is supplemented with a condition that the difference between the first temperature change dT1 and the second temperature change dT2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0110] The first temperature change amount dT1 is the change amount of the temperature in the processing area 48 when processing is performed based on the pre-editing program 72A. The second temperature change amount dT2 is the change amount of the temperature in the processing area 48 when processing is performed based on the edited program 72B. The first temperature change amount dT1 and the second temperature change amount dT2 may be the change amount of the temperature in the processing area 48 during a predetermined period (predetermined step) in the processing period, i.e., during the processing.

[0111] By adding the case where the difference between the first temperature change amount dT1 and the second temperature change amount dT2 is greater than a predetermined value as a condition for the above-mentioned condition 2-2 to be satisfied, an error between the first temperature change amount dT1 and the second temperature change amount dT2 is allowed. By allowing an error between the first temperature change amount dT1 and the second temperature change amount dT2, it is possible to prevent a situation where the above-mentioned condition 2-2 is determined to be satisfied even though there is no large difference between the first temperature change amount dT1 and the second temperature change amount dT2.

[0112] Condition 2-3 is that the second vibration amount RA2 is greater than the first vibration amount RA1. Preferably, condition 2-3 is supplemented with a condition that the difference between the first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0113] The first vibration amount RA1 is the vibration amount of the spindle 18 when machining is performed based on the pre-editing program 72A. The second vibration amount RA2 is the vibration amount of the spindle 18 when machining is performed based on the post-editing program 72B. The first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2 may be the vibration amounts of the spindle 18 during a predetermined period (predetermined process) during the machining period, i.e., during the machining period. In order to determine whether the above-mentioned condition 2-3 is satisfied, the determination unit 104 compares, for example, the maximum value of the first vibration amount RA1 with the maximum value of the second vibration amount RA2.

[0114] By adding the case where the difference between the first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2 is greater than a predetermined value to the conditions for the above-mentioned condition 2-3 to be satisfied, the error between the first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2 is allowed. By allowing the error between the first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2, it is possible to prevent the situation where the above-mentioned condition 2-3 is determined to be satisfied even though there is no large difference between the first vibration amount RA1 and the second vibration amount RA2.

[0115] Condition 2-4 is that the second period PE2 (PE22) when processing is performed based on the edited program 72B is longer than the second period PE2 (PE21) when processing is performed based on the pre-edited program 72A. Preferably, the following condition is added to condition 2-4: the difference between the second period PE21 when processing is performed based on the pre-edited program 72A and the second period PE22 when processing is performed based on the edited program 72B is greater than a predetermined value.

[0116] The second period PE2 is a period during which the retention amount MA2 is greater than the second threshold value TH2 during processing. The second period PE2 is detected by the period detection unit 94 based on the retention amount MA2 and the second threshold value TH2. The retention amount MA2 used by the period detection unit 94 to detect the second period PE2 is obtained by the mist amount acquisition unit 92 based on the detection signal of the second mist sensor 84B. In addition, the second period PE2 may also include the period from the time point t2 (refer to Figure 4 ) to time point t3 (refer to Figure 4 ) for at least part of the period.

[0117] Figure 6 is a first graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount MA2. Figure 6 The vertical axis represents the retention amount MA2. As described above, the retention amount MA2 is the amount of mist retained in the processing area 48. Figure 6 The horizontal axis represents time.

[0118] The second period PE21 is a period during which the retention amount MA2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 when processing is performed based on the pre-editing program 72A. Figure 6 FIG. 4 illustrates the time transition of the retention amount MA2 and the second period PE21 when the pre-editing program 72A is used. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the retention amount MA2 increases after the processing starts. The reason for this is that fog is generated in the processing area 48 by processing the processing object. Figure 6 As shown, the retention amount MA2 decreases after the time point t1. The reason for this is that the mist collector 34 starts to collect the mist in the processing area 48 at the time point t1.

[0119] also, Figure 6The retention amount MA2 shown in FIG. 1 starts to increase after the processing starts, and reaches the second threshold value TH2 at a time point before the time point t1. However, according to the content of the pre-editing program 72A, the retention amount MA2 does not exceed the second threshold value TH2 before the processing ends (see also the modified example described later). Fig.15 ). In this case, the length of the second period PE21 is zero.

[0120] Figure 7 is a second graph illustrating the time transition of the retention amount MA2. Figure 6 The form of the curve graph shall prevail.

[0121] The second period PE22 is a period during which the retention amount MA2 is greater than or equal to the second threshold value TH2 when processing is performed based on the edited program 72B. Figure 7 2 shows an example of the time transition of the retention amount MA2 and the second period PE22 when the edited program 72B is used. Figure 7 The retention volume MA2 and Figure 6 The reason for this is that fog is generated in the processing area 48 by processing the processing object. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the retention amount MA2 also increases during the period from time point t1 to time point ta. The reason for this is that by editing the processing program 72, the mist collector 34 does not work during the period from time point t1 to time point ta. Figure 7 As shown, the retention amount MA2 decreases after the time point ta.

[0122] By adding the case where the difference between the second period PE21 and the second period PE22 is greater than a predetermined value to the conditions for the above condition 2-4 to be satisfied, the error between the second period PE21 and the second period PE22 is allowed. By allowing the error between the second period PE21 and the second period PE22, it is prevented that the above condition 2-4 is determined to be satisfied when the difference between the second period PE21 and the second period PE22 is not large.

[0123] The second period PE2 is preferably a period lasting for a predetermined time or longer. That is, even when the retention amount MA2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, it is preferably not treated as the second period PE2 if the period is short.

[0124] When at least one of the above conditions 2-1 to 2-4 is satisfied, the program editing unit 96 returns the machining program 72 to the state before editing. That is, when the determination unit 104 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the program editing unit 96 returns the machining program 72 used during machining from the edited program 72B to the pre-edited program 72A.

[0125] The reason why the machining program 72 used during machining is returned from the post-editing program 72B to the pre-editing program 72A when a predetermined condition is satisfied is as follows.

[0126] When processing is performed, the air in the processing area 48 is heated by the heat generated by the processing. The heated air in the processing area 48 is discharged to the outside of the processing area 48 together with the mist by the operation of the mist collector 34. That is, the mist collector 34 not only plays the role of collecting the mist, but also plays the role of ventilating the processing area 48.

[0127] The program editing unit 96 edits the machining program 72 to shorten the operating period of the mist collector 34. When the operating period of the mist collector 34 is shortened, the power consumption of the mist collector 34 is suppressed as described above, but heat is easily accumulated in the machining area 48.

[0128] The heat in the processing area 48 causes thermal expansion of items and equipment of the processing machine 12. For example, the heat in the processing area 48 causes thermal expansion of the processing object, the tool 16, etc. Due to the thermal expansion of the processing object, the tool 16, etc., the way the tool 16 bites into the processing object changes. Since the way the tool 16 bites into the processing object changes, the power consumption of the multiple motors MO of the processing machine 12 changes. Since the power consumption of the multiple motors MO changes, as a result, the power consumption of the machine tool 10 when performing processing based on the edited program 72B may be greater than the power consumption of the machine tool 10 when performing processing based on the pre-edited program 72A. In addition, due to the thermal expansion of the processing object, the tool 16, etc., the processing accuracy changes.

[0129] Based on the above reasons, when the above conditions 2-1, 2-2, etc. are satisfied, it is highly possible that the power consumption of the machine tool 10 can be suppressed by using the pre-editing program 72A for machining compared to using the post-editing program 72B for machining. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the above conditions 2-1, 2-2, etc. are satisfied, the machining program 72 used during machining is returned from the post-editing program 72B to the pre-editing program 72A.

[0130] Furthermore, changes in cutting load also affect the vibration amount of the spindle 18. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned conditions 2-3 are satisfied, the machining program 72 used during machining is returned from the post-editing program 72B to the pre-editing program 72A.

[0131] Furthermore, when fog is retained in the processing area 48, heat is more likely to be retained in the processing area 48 than when there is no fog in the processing area 48. In addition, an increase in the retention amount MA2 increases the risk of fog leaking out of the processing area 48. Based on this, in the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned conditions 2-4 are satisfied, the post-editing program 72B is also returned to the pre-editing program 72A.

[0132] Figure 8 It is a flowchart illustrating a program editing method according to an embodiment.

[0133] The program editing device 90 can execute, for example, Figure 8 The program editing method illustrated. The program editing method includes a fog amount acquisition step S1, a first retention amount acquisition step S2, a first load acquisition step S3, a first temperature change acquisition step S4, and a first vibration amount acquisition step S5. In addition, the program editing method also includes a first period detection step (period detection step) S6, a first retention period detection step S7, and a program editing step S8. The execution order from the fog amount acquisition step S1 to the first retention period detection step S7 can also be changed appropriately. However, the first period detection step S6 is executed after the fog amount acquisition step S1. In addition, the first retention period detection step S7 is executed after the first retention amount acquisition step S2.

[0134] In the mist amount acquisition step S1, the mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the mist amount MA1 based on the detection signal of the first mist sensor 84A. The mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the mist amount MA1 based on the operation period PEA of the pre-editing program 72A.

[0135] In the first accumulation amount acquisition step S2, the mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the accumulation amount MA2 based on the detection signal of the second mist sensor 84B. The mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the accumulation amount MA2 from time t1 to time t3 when the mist collector 34 is controlled based on the pre-editing program 72A.

[0136] In the first load acquisition step S3, the load acquisition unit 98 acquires the load (first load LO1) of at least one motor among the plurality of motors MO. As described above, the load is, for example, the power consumption of the motor MO.

[0137] In the first temperature change acquisition step S4 , the temperature acquisition unit 100 acquires the temperature change amount (first temperature change amount dT1 ) in the processing region 48 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 86 .

[0138] In the first vibration amount acquisition step S5 , the vibration amount acquisition unit 102 acquires the vibration amount (first vibration amount RA1 ) of the main shaft 18 based on the detection signal of the vibration amount sensor 88 .

[0139] In the first period detection step S6 , the period detection unit 94 detects the first period PE1 based on the mist amount MA1 acquired in the mist amount acquisition step S1 .

[0140] In the first accumulation period detection step S7, the period detection unit 94 detects the second period PE21 based on the accumulation amount MA2 acquired in the first accumulation amount acquisition step S2.

[0141] In the program editing step S8, the program editing unit 96 automatically edits the pre-editing program 72A according to the first period PE1. The program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A so that the mist collector 34 does not operate when the mist amount MA1 is less than the first threshold TH1. Thus, the program editing unit 96 creates the edited program 72B.

[0142] Figure 8 The program editing method shown further includes a second retention amount acquisition step S9, a second load acquisition step S10, a second temperature change acquisition step S11, a second vibration amount acquisition step S12, and a second retention period detection step S13. In addition, the program editing method further includes a determination step S14 and a recovery step S15.

[0143] In the second accumulation amount acquisition step S9, the mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the accumulation amount MA2 based on the detection signal of the second mist sensor 84B. The mist amount acquisition unit 92 acquires the accumulation amount MA2 during the period from time t1 to time t3 when the mist collector 34 is controlled based on the edited program 72B.

[0144] In the second load acquisition step S10, the load acquisition unit 98 acquires the load (second load LO2) of at least one of the plurality of electric motors MO.

[0145] In the second temperature change acquisition step S11 , the temperature acquisition unit 100 acquires the temperature change amount (second temperature change amount dT2 ) in the processing region 48 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 86 .

[0146] In the second vibration amount acquisition step S12 , the vibration amount acquisition unit 102 acquires the vibration amount (second vibration amount RA2 ) of the main shaft 18 based on the detection signal of the vibration amount sensor 88 .

[0147] In the second accumulation period detection step S13, the period detection unit 94 detects the second period PE22 based on the accumulation amount MA2 acquired in the second accumulation amount acquisition step S9.

[0148] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination step S14.

[0149] In the determination step S14, the determination unit 104 determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied. The determination step S14 includes a load determination step S141, a temperature change determination step S142, a vibration amount determination step S143, and a retention period determination step S144. The order of the load determination step S141, the temperature change determination step S142, the vibration amount determination step S143, and the retention period determination step S144 is different.

[0150] In the load determination step S141 , the determination unit 104 determines whether the second load LO2 is greater than the first load LO1 .

[0151] In the temperature change determination step S142 , the determination unit 104 determines whether the second temperature change amount dT2 is greater than the first temperature change amount dT1 .

[0152] In the vibration amount determination step S143 , the determination unit 104 determines whether the second vibration amount RA2 is greater than the first vibration amount RA1 .

[0153] In the stay period determination step S144 , the determination unit 104 determines whether the second period PE22 based on the post-editing program 72B is longer than the second period PE21 based on the pre-editing program 72A.

[0154] If the load determination step S141, the temperature change determination step S142, the vibration amount determination step S143, and the retention period determination step S144 all determine "No", the determination unit 104 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (S14: No). At this time, the program editing device 90 ends the program editing method.

[0155] If the result of determination in at least one of the load determination step S141, the temperature change determination step S142, the vibration amount determination step S143, and the retention period determination step S144 is “yes”, the determination unit 104 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied ( Figure 8 In this case, the program editing unit 96 starts the restoration step S15 after the determination step S14.

[0156] In the restoring step S15, the program editing unit 96 returns the edited program 72B to the pre-editing program 72A. When the restoring step S15 is completed, the program editing device 90 ends the program editing method.

[0157] According to the present embodiment, the program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A so as to reduce the power consumption of the mist collector 34 . Thus, the edited program 72B is obtained. By using the edited program 72B, the control device 14 can reduce the power consumption of the mist collector 34 .

[0158] However, even if the edited program 72B is used, the power consumption of the entire machine tool 10 may not be suppressed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when any of the above-mentioned conditions 2-1 to 2-4 is satisfied, the program editing unit 96 returns the edited program 72B to the pre-edited program 72A. In this way, the power consumption of the entire machine tool 10 can be suppressed.

[0159] [Modifications]

[0160] The following describes a modified example of the above embodiment. However, in the following description, the description repeated with the above embodiment is appropriately omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment are given to the elements described in the above embodiment.

[0161] (Variant 1)

[0162] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of a machine tool 10 ( 10A) according to Modification 1.

[0163] The machine tool 10A further includes a sub-controller 78 .

[0164] The sub-controller 78 is a computer different from the control device 14. The sub-controller 78 includes, for example, a processor and a memory. The sub-controller 78 may include an integrated circuit, a discrete device, or the like.

[0165] When the control device 14 stops, the sub-control device 78 controls the mist collector 34 instead of the collector control unit 76. Therefore, even when the control device 14 stops, the mist collector 34 is controlled by the sub-control device 78 in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0166] For example, when the main power supply of the control device 14 is turned off before the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34 , the sub-controller 78 can stop the mist collector 34 instead of the control device 14 .

[0167] In addition, it is preferred that the sub-control device 78 and the control device 14 communicate appropriately and share data required for controlling the mist collector 34. For example, the sub-control device 78 shares the progress of processing with the control device 14. As a result, the sub-control device 78 can smoothly take over the control performed by the collector control unit 76. According to this modification, even after the control device 14 stops, the control of the mist collector 34 can be continued by the sub-control device 78.

[0168] (Variant 2)

[0169] Fig.11 This is a block diagram of the control device 14 (14B) according to the second modification.

[0170] The control device 14B further includes a backup power supply unit 68 .

[0171] The backup power supply unit 68 is a power supply different from the main power supply of the control device 14B. The backup power supply unit 68 includes, for example, a battery. The backup power supply unit 68 is built into the control device 14B. However, the backup power supply unit 68 may also be provided in the machine tool 10 as an external power supply of the control device 14B. In addition, the main power supply of the control device 14B is omitted from the illustration.

[0172] When the main power supply of the control device 14B is turned off during the operation of the mist collector 34, the backup power supply unit 68 supplies power to each unit of the control device 14B. Thus, the collector control unit 76 can continue to control the mist collector 34 even after the main power supply is turned off.

[0173] For example, the main power supply of the control device 14B may be disconnected before the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34. In such a case, the collector control unit 76 can automatically stop the mist collector 34 even after the main power supply of the control device 14B is disconnected by supplying power from the backup power supply unit 68. Thus, unnecessary power consumption of the mist collector 34 is suppressed.

[0174] (Variant 3)

[0175] Fig.12 This is a block diagram of the control device 14 (14C) according to the third modification.

[0176] The control device 14C further includes an alarm output unit 80 .

[0177] When an abnormality occurs in the machine tool 10, the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm. For example, the machine tool 10 is appropriately equipped with sensors (not shown) for detecting failures in various parts such as the spindle 18, the spindle head 20, and the table drive unit 28. The alarm output unit 80 determines whether a failure has occurred in the machine tool 10 based on the signals output by the sensors. When a failure in various parts of the machine tool 10 is detected, the alarm output unit 80 notifies the operator of the failure, for example, via the display unit 60.

[0178] Before the start of processing, when the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm, the processing control unit 74 does not start processing until the cause of the alarm is eliminated. In addition, after the start of processing, when the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm, the processing control unit 74 interrupts the processing based on the processing program 72 until the cause of the alarm is eliminated.

[0179] In addition, when the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm, the collector control unit 76 prohibits the operation of the mist collector 34 until the cause of the alarm is eliminated, regardless of the content of the processing program 72. When the mist collector 34 is in operation at the time of outputting the alarm, the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34 regardless of the content of the processing program 72.

[0180] According to the present modification, mist collector 34 is prevented from operating when an abnormality occurs in machine tool 10 .

[0181] (Variant 4)

[0182] Fig.13 It is a block diagram of a program editing device 90 (90D) according to a fourth modification.

[0183] The program editing device 90D further includes a communication control unit 106 .

[0184] When the program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A, the communication control unit 106 communicates with another machine tool (10) and transmits the editing content performed by the program editing unit 96 to the other machine tool.

[0185] For example, the storage unit 64 of each of the plurality of machine tools 10 stores the pre-editing program 72A. At least one of the plurality of machine tools 10 is equipped with a program editing device 90D. In the machine tool 10 equipped with the program editing device 90D, the pre-editing program 72A is edited. In such a case, the communication control unit 106 sends the edited program 72B to other machine tools 10. In addition, there are sometimes a plurality of machine tools 10 that can receive the edited program 72B. In this case, the communication control unit 106 preferably sends the edited program 72B to all machine tools 10 that can receive the edited program 72B.

[0186] According to this modification, not only the machine tool 10 having the program editing device 90D but also a machine tool (10) different from the machine tool 10 can use the edited program 72B. That is, the power consumption of the machine tool (10) other than the machine tool 10 having the program editing device 90D can also be reduced.

[0187] (Variant 5)

[0188] Fig.14 This is a flowchart illustrating a program editing method according to Modification Example 5.

[0189] Fig.14 The determination step S14 at least includes a stay period determination step S144. Fig.14 The program editing method further includes a program re-editing step S16. The program re-editing step S16 is started after the restoring step S15.

[0190] In the program re-editing step S16, the program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A so that the mist collector 34 does not operate during the first period PE1.

[0191] However, the program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A so that the mist collector 34 operates during the second period PE22. If there is an overlapping period between the first period PE1 and the second period PE22, the program editing unit 96 edits the pre-editing program 72A so that the mist collector 34 operates during the overlapping period.

[0192] The program editing unit 96 uses, for example, the following Fig.15 , Fig.16 As described above, the pre-editing program 72A is edited.

[0193] Fig.15 3 is a third graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount MA2. Fig.16 is a fourth graph illustrating the temporal transition of the retention amount MA2. Fig.15 , Fig.16 The respective curves are in the form of Figure 6 The form of the curve graph shall prevail.

[0194] exist Fig.15 2 shows an example of the transition of the retention amount MA2 when the pre-editing program 72A is used. Fig.15 The retention amount MA2 of is partially omitted, but it does not exceed the second threshold value TH2 during the period from the start time point (origin) of the processing to the time point t3. Fig.16 exemplifies the change in the retention amount MA2 when the edited program 72B is used. Fig.16 The edited program 72B is edited by the program editing unit 96. Fig.15 obtained by pre-editing program 72A.

[0195] Fig.16 The retention amount MA2 reaches the second threshold value TH2 at time point tc between time point t1 and time point ta. Fig.16 The retention amount MA2 becomes smaller than the second threshold value TH2 at time point td after time point ta. In this case, Fig.16 The second period PE22 is a period from time point tc to time point td.

[0196] In this case, the determination unit 104 determines that the length of the second period PE22 is longer than the length (zero) of the second period PE21. In addition, the program editing unit 96 edits the machining program 72 so that the mist collector 34 is operated not only during the operation period PEB but also during the period from time point tc to time point ta.

[0197] In this case, a processing program 72 is obtained that drives the mist collector 34 during the period from time point tc to time point t3. The period from time point tc to time point t3 is shorter than the operation period PEA. Therefore, when the processing program 72 obtained by the program re-editing step S16 is used, the power consumption of the mist collector 34 can be suppressed compared with the case of using the pre-editing program 72A. In addition, the retention amount MA2 can be suppressed from exceeding the second threshold value TH2.

[0198] As described above, according to the present modification, the processing program 72 is obtained which can not only suppress the power consumption of the mist collector 34 but also suppress the accumulation amount MA2 from exceeding the second threshold value TH2.

[0199] In addition, in the program re-editing step S16, the program editing unit 96 may also set the time point of starting the mist collector 34 to a time point that is a predetermined time earlier than the time point tc. Thus, the risk that the retention amount MA2 reaches the second threshold value TH2 is reduced. In this case, the predetermined time is determined within the range of the time difference between the time point t1 and the time point tc, for example.

[0200] In addition, the determination step S14 includes a part of the steps from Fig.14 Specifically, Fig.14 The load determination step S141 to the vibration determination step S143 are omitted in the flowchart. However, the program editing method of this variant may also include at least one of the load determination step S141 to the vibration determination step S143. In this case, the program editing method of this variant also appropriately includes the first load acquisition step S3 to the first vibration acquisition step S5, and the second load acquisition step S10 to the second vibration acquisition step S12. However, even if at least one of the determination results of the load determination step S141 to the vibration determination step S143 is "yes", the retention period determination step S144 is performed.

[0201] (Combination of multiple variations)

[0202] The above-mentioned multiple modified examples may be appropriately combined within a range not inconsistent with each other.

[0203] [Modified embodiment]

[0204] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0205] For example, according to the embodiment, the first fog sensor 84A is provided in the duct 58 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first fog sensor 84A may be provided in the fog suction port of the fog collector 34 (the connection portion between the fog collector 34 and the duct 58 ).

[0206] In addition, for example, the first fog sensor 84A may be provided in the processing area 48. In this case, the first fog sensor 84A may also serve as the second fog sensor 84B.

[0207] In addition, for example, at least a part of the driving device 82 may be provided in the control device 14 .

[0208] In addition, for example, the start command included in the processing program 72 may be a command to start the mist collector 34 when the processing progress reaches a predetermined step. The stop command included in the processing program 72 may be a command to start the mist collector 34 when the processing progress reaches a predetermined step.

[0209] In addition, for example, the load acquisition unit 98 may also calculate the power consumption of at least one of the plurality of motors MO. In this case, at least one of the plurality of encoders EN may input a detection signal not only to the drive device 82 but also to the control device 14.

[0210] According to the embodiment, the period detection unit 94 obtains the operating state of the mist collector 34 from the collector control unit 76 in order to detect the first period PE1. However, the period detection unit 94 may detect the operation period PEA in advance based on the processing program 72. In this case, the period detection unit 94 may further detect the first period PE1 using the detected operation period PEA.

[0211] In addition, for example, after the processing is completed, the mist collector 34 collects the mist during the period ( Figure 4 The time point t2 to the time point t3) can also be excluded from the detectable range of the first period PE1. For example, the period detection unit 94 can also not detect Figure 4 The first period PE12 is shown. Thus, during the period from time point t2 to time point t3, the mist collector 34 works reliably. As a result, insufficient recovery of mist after the processing can be more reliably prevented. For the same reason, the program editing unit 96 can also exclude the period during which the mist collector 34 recovers mist after the processing is completed from the editing object regardless of the detection result of the period detection unit 94.

[0212] According to the embodiment, the determination unit 104 compares the maximum value of the first load LO1 with the maximum value of the second load LO2 in order to determine whether the above condition 2-1 is satisfied. However, the determination method of whether the above condition 2-1 is satisfied is not limited to the comparison of the maximum value of the first load LO1 with the maximum value of the second load LO2. For example, the determination unit 104 may compare the average value of the first load LO1 with the average value of the second load LO2 in order to determine whether the above condition 2-1 is satisfied. The average value of the load of the motor MO refers to the average power consumption of the motor MO.

[0213] According to the embodiment, the determination unit 104 compares the maximum value of the first vibration amount RA1 with the maximum value of the second vibration amount RA2 to determine whether the above condition 2-3 is satisfied. However, the method of determining whether the above condition 2-3 is satisfied is not limited to the comparison of the maximum value of the first vibration amount RA1 with the maximum value of the second vibration amount RA2. For example, the determination unit 104 may also compare the average value of the first vibration amount RA1 with the average value of the second vibration amount RA2 to determine whether the above condition 2-3 is satisfied.

[0214] At least one of the plurality of motors MO may also include a torque sensor. The torque sensor outputs a detection signal corresponding to the output torque of the corresponding motor MO. The load acquisition unit 98 may also acquire the output torque of the motor MO as the load of the motor MO. In this case, the torque sensor functions as a load sensor.

[0215] At least one of the plurality of motors MO may also include a current sensor. The current sensor outputs a detection signal corresponding to the drive current of the corresponding motor MO. The load acquisition unit 98 may also acquire the drive current of the motor MO as the load of the motor MO. In this case, the current sensor functions as a load sensor.

[0216] At least one of the load acquisition unit 98, the temperature acquisition unit 100, and the vibration amount acquisition unit 102 may be omitted from the program editing device 90. In this case, the determination unit 104 uses at least one of the load (power consumption) of the motor MO, the temperature in the machining area 48, and the vibration amount of the spindle 18 to determine whether the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0217] The determination unit 104 may be omitted from the program editing device 90. In this case, not only the determination unit 104 but also all of the load acquisition unit 98, the temperature acquisition unit 100, and the vibration amount acquisition unit 102 may be omitted from the program editing device 90.

[0218] The discharge method of the coolant is not limited to the embodiment. The coolant may be discharged, for example, by a center straight method. In this case, the coolant supplier 32 supplies the coolant to the spindle 18. In addition, the coolant may flow along the inner wall of the cover 30 (processing area 48).

[0219] In addition, for example, the processing machine 12 may also be provided with a recovery component (not shown) for recovering the coolant that falls under the workbench 26. The recovery component is, for example, an oil pan provided on the pedestal 24. A portion of the coolant supplied to the processing area 48 does not become mist and falls to a position below the workbench 26. According to this variation, the coolant that falls under the workbench 26 can be recovered. The recovered coolant can also be returned to the coolant tank 50. Thus, the coolant supplier 32 can reuse the recovered coolant. Here, it is preferred to configure a filtering device (filter) between the recovery component and the coolant tank 50. Thus, the clean coolant can be returned to the coolant tank 50.

[0220] According to the embodiment, the plurality of motors MO are rotary motors, but are not limited thereto. At least one motor MO may also be a direct-acting motor (linear motor). For example, at least one of the column motor 25, the X-axis motor 47X, and the Y-axis motor 47Y may also be a linear motor. When the column motor 25 is a linear motor, the encoder 27 is a linear encoder. When the X-axis motor 47X is a linear motor, the encoder 29X is a linear encoder. When the Y-axis motor 47Y is a linear motor, the encoder 29Y is a linear encoder.

[0221] The communication control unit 106 may transmit the edited program 72B to at least one of the plurality of machine tools 10 that can receive the edited program 72B. In other words, the communication control unit 106 may not transmit the edited program 72B to all of the plurality of machine tools 10 that can receive the edited program 72B.

[0222] The communication control unit 106 may be provided in an electronic device separate from the program editing device 90D. The separate electronic device is, for example, a communication control device that can be externally mounted on the program editing device 90. The communication control device is externally mounted on the program editing device 90 to provide the program editing device 90 with the functions of the communication control unit 106.

[0223] The program editing unit 96 of Modification 5 may edit the edited program 72B based on the second period PE22. In this case, the program editing unit 96 edits the edited program 72B so that the mist collector 34 operates in the second period PE22. In this case, the restoration step S15 is omitted.

[0224] [Inventions that can be grasped based on disclosure]

[0225] Inventions that can be grasped based on the above disclosure are described below.

[0226] <First Invention>

[0227] The first invention is a program editing device (90) that edits a machining program (72) for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool (10), wherein the machine tool (10) includes a processing machine (12) for processing an object to be processed and a mist collector (34) for collecting mist present in a processing area (48) of the processing machine, wherein the program editing device (90) includes: a mist amount acquisition unit (92) that acquires the amount of mist (MA1) collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of a first mist sensor (84A); a period detection unit (94) that detects a first period (PE1) in which the mist collector operates in a state in which the amount of mist is less than a first threshold value (TH1); and a program editing unit (96) that automatically edits the machining program so that the mist collector does not operate during the first period.

[0228] This can reduce power consumption of a machine tool including a processing machine and a mist collector.

[0229] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the mist amount acquisition unit acquires the mist amount based on a detection signal of the first mist sensor arranged in the duct (58).

[0230] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the processing program includes content for the machine tool to perform predetermined processing, and the machine tool performs the predetermined processing based on the processing program. The program editing device also has: a judgment unit (104), which judges whether a predetermined condition is met in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program. If the predetermined condition is met in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program, the program editing unit returns the processing program to the state before editing.

[0231] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the machine tool has a plurality of motors (MO) for performing processing, and the program editing device has: a load acquisition unit (98) which acquires a predetermined load of at least one of the motors based on a detection signal of a load sensor (EN), and when the load in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is greater than the load in the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is met.

[0232] The above-mentioned program editing device is provided with: a temperature acquisition unit (100), which acquires the temperature in the processing area based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor (86), and when the change in the temperature in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is greater than the change in the temperature in the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program, the judgment unit judges that the predetermined condition is met.

[0233] The above-mentioned program editing device is provided with: a vibration amount acquisition unit (102), which acquires the vibration amount of the spindle (18) of the processing machine based on the detection signal of the vibration amount detection sensor (88), and when the vibration amount in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is greater than the vibration amount in the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is met.

[0234] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the fog amount acquisition unit also acquires the fog retention amount (MA2) in the processing area based on the detection signal of the second fog sensor (84B), and the period detection unit also detects a second period (PE2) in which the retention amount becomes above a second threshold value (TH2). When the second period in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is longer than the second period in the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is met.

[0235] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the fog amount acquisition unit also acquires the fog retention amount (MA2) in the processing area based on the detection signal of the second fog sensor (84B), and the period detection unit also detects a second period (PE2) in which the retention amount becomes greater than a second threshold value (TH2). When the second period in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is longer than the second period in the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program, the program editing unit edits the processing program based on the second period.

[0236] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the mist amount acquisition unit acquires the accumulated amount based on a detection signal of the second mist sensor disposed in the processing area.

[0237] In the above-mentioned program editing device, the program editing device further comprises: a communication control unit (106) for transmitting the edited machining program to the other machine tools when the machining program is edited by the program editing unit.

[0238] <Second Invention>

[0239] The second invention is a machine tool (10) comprising the program editing device, the processing machine and the mist collector, and further comprising: a control device (14) which controls the processing machine and the mist collector based on the processing program.

[0240] This can reduce the power consumption of the machine tool.

[0241] In the above-mentioned machine tool, the program editing device is provided in the control device.

[0242] The machine tool further comprises a sub-controller (78) for controlling the mist collector in place of the control device when the control device stops. Thus, the mist collector is automatically controlled even when the control device stops.

[0243] <Third Invention>

[0244] The third invention is a program editing method for editing a machining program (72) for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool (10), wherein the machine tool (10) includes a processing machine (12) for processing a processing object and a mist collector (34) for collecting mist existing in a processing area (48) of the processing machine, wherein the program editing method includes the following steps: a mist amount acquisition step (S1), for acquiring the amount of mist (MA1) collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of a first mist sensor (84A); a first period detection step (S6), for detecting a first period (PE1) in which the mist collector operates in a state in which the amount of mist is less than a first threshold value (TH1); and a program editing step (S8), for automatically editing the machining program by a computer so that the mist collector does not operate during the first period.

[0245] This can reduce power consumption of a machine tool including a processing machine and a mist collector.

[0246] Description of Reference Numerals

[0247] 10, 10A…Machine tools

[0248] 12…Processing machine

[0249] 14, 14B, 14C…control device

[0250] 18…Spindle

[0251] 34…Mist Collector

[0252] 48…Processing area

[0253] 72…Processing procedures

[0254] 78…Auxiliary control device

[0255] 84A…First Fog Sensor

[0256] 84B…Second fog sensor

[0257] 86…Temperature sensor

[0258] 88…Vibration sensor

[0259] 90, 90D…Program editing device

[0260] 92…Mist volume acquisition unit

[0261] 94…Period Inspection Department

[0262] 96…Program Editing Department

[0263] 98…Load acquisition unit

[0264] 100…Temperature acquisition unit

[0265] 102 ...Vibration amount acquisition unit

[0266] 104…Judgment Department

[0267] 106…Communication Control Unit

[0268] EN...Encoder (Load Sensor)

[0269] MA1…Mist volume

[0270] MA2…holdup

[0271] MO…Electric Motor

[0272] PE1…First Period

[0273] PE2…Second period

[0274] TH1…First threshold

[0275] TH2...second threshold.

Claims

1. A program editing device (90) for editing a processing program (72) for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool (10), wherein the machine tool (10) comprises a processing machine (12) for processing a processing object and a mist collector (34) for collecting mist existing in a processing area (48) of the processing machine, characterized in that: The program editing device (90) comprises: A mist amount acquisition unit (92) that acquires the amount of mist (MA1) collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of the first mist sensor (84A); a period detection unit (94) for detecting a first period (PE1) during which the mist collector operates in a state where the amount of mist is less than a first threshold value (TH1); and A program editing unit (96) automatically edits the processing program so that the mist collector does not operate during the first period.

2. The program editing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mist amount acquisition unit acquires the mist amount based on a detection signal of the first mist sensor disposed in a duct (58).

3. The program editing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The machining program includes content for the machine tool to perform a predetermined machining process, and the machine tool performs the predetermined machining process based on the machining program. The program editing device further comprises: a determination unit (104) for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program. The program editing unit returns the machining program to a state before editing, if the predetermined condition is satisfied during the predetermined machining performed after the program editing unit has edited the machining program.

4. The program editing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The machine tool includes a plurality of electric motors (MO) for performing machining. The program editing device comprises: a load acquisition unit (98) for acquiring a predetermined load of at least one of the motors based on a detection signal of a load sensor (EN); The determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the load in the predetermined machining performed after the program editing unit edits the machining program is greater than the load in the predetermined machining performed before the program editing unit edits the machining program.

5. The program editing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The program editing device comprises: a temperature acquisition unit (100) for acquiring the temperature in the processing area based on a detection signal of a temperature sensor (86); The determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the amount of change in the temperature during the predetermined processing performed after the program editing unit edits the processing program is greater than the amount of change in the temperature during the predetermined processing performed before the program editing unit edits the processing program.

6. The program editing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The program editing device comprises: a vibration amount acquisition unit (102) for acquiring the vibration amount of the main shaft (18) of the processing machine based on a detection signal of a vibration amount detection sensor (88); The determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the vibration amount in the predetermined machining performed after the program editing unit edits the machining program is greater than the vibration amount in the predetermined machining performed before the program editing unit edits the machining program.

7. The program editing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The mist amount acquisition unit further acquires the mist accumulation amount (MA2) in the processing area based on the detection signal of the second mist sensor (84B). The period detection unit further detects a second period (PE2) during which the retention amount becomes greater than a second threshold value (TH2), The determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the second period in the predetermined machining performed after the program editing unit edits the machining program is longer than the second period in the predetermined machining performed before the program editing unit edits the machining program.

8. The program editing device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The mist amount acquisition unit further acquires the mist accumulation amount (MA2) in the processing area based on the detection signal of the second mist sensor (84B). The period detection unit further detects a second period (PE2) during which the retention amount becomes greater than a second threshold value (TH2), When the second period in the predetermined machining performed after the program editing unit edits the machining program is longer than the second period in the predetermined machining performed before the program editing unit edits the machining program, the program editing unit edits the machining program based on the second period.

9. The program editing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The mist amount acquisition unit acquires the accumulated amount based on a detection signal of the second mist sensor disposed in the processing area.

10. The program editing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The program editing device further includes: a communication control unit (106) for transmitting the edited machining program to the other machine tools when the machining program is edited by the program editing unit.

11. A machine tool (10), characterized in that: The machine tool comprises the program editing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the processing machine, and the mist collector. The machine tool further includes: a control device (14) that controls the processing machine and the mist collector based on the processing program.

12. The machine tool according to claim 11, characterized in that The program editing device is arranged on the control device.

13. The machine tool according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The machine tool further includes: a sub-controller (78) which controls the mist collector in place of the control device when the control device stops.

14. A program editing method for editing a processing program (72) for controlling the operation of a mist collector of a machine tool (10), wherein the machine tool (10) comprises a processing machine (12) for processing a processing object and a mist collector (34) for collecting mist existing in a processing area (48) of the processing machine, characterized in that: The program editing method comprises the following steps: A mist amount acquisition step (S1), acquiring the amount of mist (MA1) collected by the mist collector based on a detection signal of a first mist sensor (84A); A first period detection step (S6), detecting a first period (PE1) during which the mist collector operates in a state where the amount of mist is less than a first threshold value (TH1); as well as In the program editing step (S8), the processing program is automatically edited by a computer so that the mist collector does not work during the first period.

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