Machine tool, coolant control method, and program for machine tool

Abstract

The present invention is provided with an operation panel (1) which is provided at a position at which an operator can observe the state inside a machine from outside the machine, or which is configured so as to be able to confirm the state inside the machine in an image, the operation panel (1) being provided with a reception device (2), a controller (C) is provided with a receiving device (2) for receiving an operation for changing a currently set setting value to a predetermined value or changing the currently set setting value to a predetermined magnification, and the controller (C) is provided with a setting value updating unit (41) for updating the currently set setting value to another value in accordance with the operation received by the receiving device (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a machine tool configured to control, for example, the pressure of coolant ejected into the machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, there is a method of supplying coolant to the inside of a machine tool, which is called Through Spindle Coolant, in which a through path is formed in a tool and a spindle, and coolant is ejected from the front end of the tool. In such a coolant supply method, coolant stored in a tank is sucked and pressurized by a pump device, and then supplied to the tool side, whereby the coolant is ejected from the tool. At this time, if the pressure of the coolant becomes too high, a large amount of coolant returns to the tank from a relief valve provided on the ejection side of the pump device, resulting in a waste of energy.

[0003] In the invention described in Patent Literature 1, the pressure of coolant ejected from the pump device is controlled to constantly maintain the pressure of the coolant at a target pressure that is slightly lower than a threshold pressure at which the coolant returns to the tank from the relief valve, thereby reducing the amount of wasted coolant. Specifically, a pressure sensor is provided in the flow path, and the frequency of the current applied to the motor of the pump device is changed by pressure feedback control based on the measured pressure. In addition, since the frequency at which the above-mentioned target pressure can be achieved differs depending on the tool diameter and the like, the frequency set initially is changed according to the tool mounted on the spindle, by experimentally determining the frequency at which the coolant starts to return from the relief valve for each tool in advance.

[0004] That is, the above-mentioned coolant control method can only achieve a state in which the coolant is ejected most forcefully from the front end of the tool, since it is always maintained at one target pressure set in advance.

[0005] In addition, depending on the machining conditions and the like, it is sometimes not desirable to eject the coolant in the above-mentioned most forceful state, but rather to adjust the ejection force of the coolant to a more appropriate state by weakening it. In such a case, the value of the coolant pressure set in the M code in the NC program is edited, and then the supply of coolant is performed, whereby the desired ejection force can be obtained. In addition, as in the invention described in Patent Literature 1, the value of the frequency of the current applied to the motor is changed in an editing screen provided by software, and the change in the frequency is reflected by pressing a decision button, and then the supply of coolant is performed again, whereby the same result can be obtained.

[0006] However, since editing work of the NC program and the driving frequency of the motor is required, it is difficult to, for example, increase and decrease the pressure of the coolant while confirming the state of the ejection of the coolant in the machine during the machining, and to achieve the ejection of the coolant most suitable for the machining condition. In other words, since the user interface cannot be sufficiently studied due to the conventional adjustment work related to the supply of the coolant to the machine, the operability is poor for the operator.

[0007] Prior Art Documents

[0008] Patent Documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5269955 SUMMARY

[0010] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a machine tool in which it is easy to confirm the state of the supply of the coolant to the machine while adjusting the pressure and the flow rate of the coolant to values suitable for the machining condition and other objects, and the operability is good.

[0012] Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] That is, the machine tool according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an ejection mechanism that ejects a coolant into a machine; a tank that stores the coolant supplied to the ejection mechanism; a pump device that is provided on a flow path connecting the tank and the ejection mechanism, and that pressurizes and sends the coolant; a fluid sensor that is provided on the flow path, and that measures the pressure or the flow rate of the coolant flowing in the flow path; a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or the flow rate of the coolant and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor; and an operation panel that is provided at a position where an operator can observe the state of the machine from outside the machine, or that is configured to enable the state of the machine to be confirmed in an image, wherein the operation panel comprises an accepting device that accepts an operation for changing the set value that is currently set to a prescribed value, or for changing the set value that is currently set to a prescribed multiple, and the controller comprises a set value updating portion that updates the set value that is currently set to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the accepting device.

[0014] According to such a configuration, the operator can appropriately change the set value to the accepting device provided to the operation panel while observing the state of the supply of the coolant to the machine, and thus it is easy to set the state of the pressure or the flow rate of the coolant compared to the past, and it is easy to use. Therefore, it is easy to achieve the state of the supply of the coolant corresponding to the machining condition, the flow without remaining of the chips, and other objects.

[0015] It is preferable that the reception device receive a touch operation or a rotation operation from the operator, and the set value updating section is configured to update the set value immediately when an operation to the reception device is received, so that the operator's operation to the reception device can be made simple to omit a final approval action related to the operation, and the setting work can be easily performed while confirming the supply state of the coolant in the machine.

[0016] It is preferable that the reception device be a decrease operation key for decreasing the set value and a physically-form increase operation key for increasing the set value, and the decrease operation key and the increase operation key receive a press operation, so that even in a case where the operator performs the adjustment work of the set value while confirming the supply state of the coolant in the machine, an error in the operation or the like is less likely to occur.

[0017] It is preferable that the operation panel further have a speed operation key or an operation dial that receives an operation for changing a speed related to the table or the spindle, and the reception device be provided separately from the speed operation key or the operation dial, so that it is easy to prevent the spindle or the table from being operated by mistake when the operation for adjusting the supply state of the coolant is performed.

[0018] As a specific way in which the operator can easily adjust the set value while directly confirming the supply state of the coolant in the machine, a way in which an observation window for observing the inside of the machine from the outside of the machine is further provided, the observation window is formed in a cover or a door that separates the inside of the machine from the outside of the machine, and the operation panel is provided in the vicinity of the observation window is given.

[0019] As a way in which the operator can easily confirm the supply state of the coolant in the machine while observing only the operation panel and adjust the set value to an appropriate value, and in which the degree of freedom of the setting position of the operation panel can be improved or the observation window can be canceled for safety, a way in which a camera provided in the inside of the machine is further provided, and the operation panel further has a display that displays a moving image captured by the camera is given.

[0020] It is preferable that the setting value storage section, which stores at least the setting value in the initial setting and outputs the setting value to the setting value updating section, stores the changed setting value, which is the setting value changed by the operation of the reception device, and the process data, which indicates information about the machining process using the changed setting value, in pairs, and outputs the changed setting value to the setting value updating section when the changed setting value corresponding to the input process data exists, so that the setting value adjusted previously is automatically set when the same machining process is performed, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and further improving the usability or easily achieving automation.

[0021] As a specific means for controlling the pressure or flow rate of the coolant, a means is cited in which the pump device is provided with a pump and a motor that drives the pump, and the controller is provided with an inverter that supplies the motor with an electric current of a set frequency, and a frequency setting section that sets the frequency of the electric current output from the inverter so that the deviation of the set value from the measured value becomes small.

[0022] For example, it is preferable that the fluid sensor is a pressure sensor provided at a position between the ejection mechanism and the pump device in the flow path, and the controller is configured to perform pressure feedback control on the pump device so that the coolant is reliably ejected even in a case where the coolant is difficult to be ejected unless high pressure is applied, like in spindle center cooling.

[0023] It is preferable that the fluid sensor is a flow rate sensor provided at a position between the ejection mechanism and the pump device in the flow path, and the controller is configured to perform flow rate feedback control on the pump device so that the amount of coolant supplied into the machine is limited to a prescribed amount or less while the machining conditions or the like are satisfied, thereby reducing the consumption amount of coolant and energy and easily achieving energy saving.

[0024] The cooling liquid control method according to the present application is characterized by being a cooling liquid control method for a machine tool including: a spraying mechanism that sprays a cooling liquid into a machine interior; a tank that stores the cooling liquid supplied to the spraying mechanism; a pump device provided on a flow path connecting the tank and the spraying mechanism, for pressure-feeding the cooling liquid; a fluid sensor provided on the flow path, for measuring a pressure or a flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing in the flow path; a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or the flow rate of the cooling liquid and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor; and an operation panel provided at a position where an operator can observe a state of the machine interior, or configured to enable confirmation of the state of the machine interior in an image, wherein the operation panel includes an accepting device that accepts an operation for changing the set value currently set by a prescribed value or a prescribed rate, and the controller updates the set value currently set to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the accepting device.

[0025] For example, in order to be able to enjoy the same effect as the machine tool according to the present application by replacing an operation panel provided in an existing machine tool and upgrading a program, a program for a machine tool can be used, the program for a machine tool being characterized by being a program for a machine tool including: a spraying mechanism that sprays a cooling liquid into a machine interior; a tank that stores the cooling liquid supplied to the spraying mechanism; a pump device provided on a flow path connecting the tank and the spraying mechanism, for pressure-feeding the cooling liquid; a fluid sensor provided on the flow path, for measuring a pressure or a flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing in the flow path; a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or the flow rate of the cooling liquid and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor; and an operation panel provided at a position where an operator can observe a state of the machine interior, or configured to enable confirmation of the state of the machine interior in an image, wherein the operation panel includes an accepting device that accepts an operation for changing the set value currently set by a prescribed value or a prescribed rate, and the program for a machine tool causes the controller to function as a set value updating portion that updates the set value currently set to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the accepting device. Further, the program for a machine tool can be a program distributed electronically, or a program recorded in a program recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, a flash memory, or the like.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] Thus, according to the machine tool related to the present application, the set value can be adjusted while confirming the coolant supply state in the machine, so that the coolant supply state corresponding to the machining conditions and other purposes can be easily achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the machine tool related to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the operation panel of the machine tool of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the operation key group in the operation panel of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the structure related to the coolant circuit of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic view showing the pressure control structure of the coolant of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the flow control structure of the coolant in the machine tool of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, the machine tool 100 related to the first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the appearance of the machine tool 100. The "machine tool" in the present specification is a concept including various devices having a function of machining a workpiece. In the present specification, as an example of the machine tool 100, a horizontal machining center is exemplified and described, but the machine tool 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the machine tool 100 can be a vertical machining center. In addition, the machine tool 100 can be a turning center, a five-axis machining machine, or a composite machining machine. Furthermore, the machine tool 100 can be a grinding machine, or other cutting machine. In addition, the concept of machining includes not only subtractive machining but also additive machining.

[0035] As Figure 1As shown, the machine tool 100 is provided with a cover body CV that separates the inside from the outside, a plurality of openable doors DR1, DR2, and an operation panel 1. The inside of the machine tool 100 is configured to be divided into a machining area for performing cutting machining inside and a standby area separated from the machining area by an inner door, in which a next workpiece waiting is placed on a pallet. One door is a machining area door DR1 for entering the machining area from the outside, and the other door is a standby area door DR2 for entering the standby area from the outside. Each door is formed with an observation window OW that enables observation of the inside from the outside. The operation panel 1 is provided near the machining area door DR1. The operator becomes in a state of standing in front of the machining area door DR1 in a state of standing in front of the operation panel 1. That is, the operator can visually confirm the situation inside, particularly the supply state of the coolant, through the observation window OW by slightly turning the body toward the machining area side while operating the operation panel 1.

[0036] The cover body CV is also called a splash guard, constitutes the appearance of the machine tool 100, and separates the inside from the outside.

[0037] The operation panel 1 is constituted, for example, by a general-purpose computer, and is provided with an upper case and a lower case that are connected in a rotatable manner by a hinge mechanism of a central portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper case of the operation panel 1 is provided with a display 11 for displaying various information related to machining. The display 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and is constituted as a touch panel display. Various operations related to the machine tool 100 can also be performed by touch operation of the display 11 by the operator. Figure 2

[0038] The lower case of the operation panel 1 is provided with at least a keyboard 12 for performing, for example, editing of an NC program, various operations, a first operation dial 13 for adjusting the feed speed of a table (not shown), a second operation dial 14 for adjusting the override for the feed speed, and an operation key group 15 arranged in three rows in the lateral direction and in a bar shape for performing operations of each device constituting the machine tool 100.

[0039] The operation key group 15 is constituted by combining a physical key and an LCD, as shown in FIG. 2. The operation key group 15 is constituted by a plurality of keys 15a and a plurality of LCDs 15b. The keys 15a are arranged in three rows in the lateral direction, and the LCDs 15b are arranged in three rows in the lateral direction. Figure 3 ​As shown, when a function item in use is selected in the function change region 16 composed of a plurality of operation keys of the lowermost row, the display of each operation key and the function assigned thereto are changed with respect to the operation region 17 composed of a plurality of operation keys of the upper two rows. That is, if the corresponding operation keys are assigned one by one in order to select the respective functions with respect to a plurality of items, the number becomes large and becomes a very difficult-to-understand structure, but is set to assign different functions to each operation key in the operation region 17 for each of a plurality of items, and the display of each operation key is also changed.

[0040] In Figure 3 , a state in which the coolant button for performing an operation relating to the supply of coolant and the like is selected in the function change region 16 is shown. Therefore, the respective operation keys in the operation region 17 are assigned the switching function of the on / off of the coolant, the function for selecting which of a plurality of coolant ejection mechanisms 2 provided in the machine to eject coolant from, and the display of each operation key is also changed to the display corresponding to the case where the coolant button is selected. In particular, in the state in which the operation key of the coolant is selected in the function change region 16, an operation key for changing the set value of the pressure of the coolant ejected into the machine appears. That is, in Figure 3 , in the operation region 17, a decrease operation key 18 for decreasing the set value of the pressure of the coolant and an increase operation key 19 for increasing the set value of the pressure are provided. The decrease operation key 18 and the increase operation key 19 in the first embodiment correspond to the reception device in the technical solution, and receive an operation from the operator for changing the set value currently set by a predetermined value. In the first embodiment, the set value can be changed by 5 bar each time the operation key is pressed. Furthermore, the manner of changing the set value is not limited thereto, and the amount of change can be made proportional or related to the time of pressing the operation key. In addition, it can be set to change the set value currently set by a predetermined multiple according to the number of times or the time of pressing each operation key.

[0041] Next, the structure relating to the coolant circuit in the machine tool 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4 . Furthermore, in Figure 4 , in order to easily understand the functional connection, sometimes a description different from the actual arrangement of the devices is made. Therefore, Figure 4 , there are cases where the configuration, size, position, and the like of each device are not accurately represented. In addition, regarding the worktable, the ATC, the CNC, and the like in the machine tool 100, the mechanisms generally used for machine tools are omitted from the description, and for example, existing mechanisms can be used.

[0042] As Figure 4As shown, the coolant circuit is used to circulate coolant between inside and outside of the machine tool 100, and is configured to recover contaminated coolant (hereinafter also referred to as dirty coolant) containing chips, lubricating oil, etc. used inside the machine, to make it coolant from which chips, lubricating oil, etc. have been removed (hereinafter also referred to as clean coolant), and to supply it again to the inside of the machine.

[0043] The coolant circuit is provided with: a spouting mechanism 2 that spouts coolant into the inside of the machine; a chip removal machine 3 that removes chips, etc. from coolant used and recovered inside the machine and discharges it to the outside; a recovery tank TN1 that stores coolant from which chips have been removed in the chip removal machine 3; a vertical storage tank TN2 into which coolant from which chips have been removed from the recovery tank TN1 is transferred and stored; and a pump device PP that pressurizes clean coolant purified by the storage tank TN2 or various separation mechanisms (not shown) provided at a subsequent stage thereof and supplies it to each spouting mechanism 2. Also, coolant is configured to circulate within such a coolant circuit.

[0044] Each part is described in detail. The spouting mechanism 2 provided inside the machine tool 100 is provided in a manner corresponding to various purposes of use. If explained by taking several as representative, with respect to the spouting mechanism 2, there are spouting mechanisms provided at the top and supplying spouting coolant, spouting mechanisms for causing chips located at a chip receiving portion provided at the lower portion of the machine tool 100 to flow to the chip removal machine 3, spouting mechanisms for spouting coolant from the front end portion of the tool TL to perform lubrication and cooling during machining, etc. There are various purposes in purposes not explained, and the spouting mechanism 2 is provided at a position corresponding to each of them. The spouting mechanism 2 is configured as a nozzle, for example, to spout coolant pressurized by the pump device PP into the inside of the machine. In the following explanation, the spindle center cooling mechanism ST in the spouting mechanism 2 is taken as an example for explanation. The spindle center cooling mechanism ST provides a through path in advance at the tool TL and the spindle S, and spouts coolant directly from the front end portion of the tool TL to a machining point, etc. In the first embodiment, it is configured so that an operator can adjust it so that coolant is spouted from the front end portion of the tool TL at an appropriate pressure in accordance with the machining process, machining conditions, etc.

[0045] The chip removal machine 3 scrapes chips contained in coolant with a conveyor housed in a housing and discharges it to a chip bucket, etc. disposed outside the machine, for example. In addition, a cylindrical metal filter 31 that filters fine metal pieces, etc. is provided in the chip removal machine 3. It is configured so that coolant that has passed through the metal filter 31 flows to the recovery tank TN1.

[0046] The recovery tank TN1 is arranged in the lower portion of the machine tool 100 in the width direction (the inside of the paper) of the chip removal machine 3, but in order to facilitate understanding, it is shown in the drawing as being arranged in the width direction of the machine tool 100. Figure 4It is described that the cooling liquid is connected along the longitudinal direction of the chip conveyor 3. The cooling liquid recovered in the recovery tank TN1 is pumped up to the upper side of the subsequent storage tank TN2 by a transfer pump.

[0047] The storage tank TN2 functions as a buffer for the coolant, and the clean coolant after passing through the storage tank TN2 is pressure-sent to each ejection mechanism 2 by the pump device PP. Figure 4 Only the flow path L between the spindle center mechanism ST and the pump unit PP is shown, but the other discharge mechanism 2 is connected to the storage tank TN2. A pressure sensor PS and a flow sensor FM are provided on the flow path L, respectively, to measure the pressure and flow rate of the coolant discharged by the spindle center cooling system.

[0048] The rotational speed of the pump device PP is controlled by varying the frequency of the current input from the inverter 5. In the first embodiment, the frequency of the inverter 5 output is controlled through pressure feedback control to minimize the deviation between the pressure measured by the pressure sensor PS and the set pressure, which serves as the set value. Here, the function of the controller C responsible for controlling the coolant pressure is implemented using the computational functions of the PLC 4. The PLC 4 is a so-called computer equipped with a CPU, memory, various input / output devices, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, etc. It executes a program for the machine tool 100 stored in the memory and, through the collaboration of these various devices, implements at least the function of the controller C described above.

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 5 The following describes a configuration related to pressure control of the coolant discharged into the machine and a coolant pressure adjustment operation performed by an operator.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the functions of the controller C are realized by cooperation of the setting value storage unit 43, setting value update unit 41, drive frequency setting unit 42, inverter 5, pump device PP, pressure sensor PS, operation panel 1, etc. whose functions are realized by PLC 4.

[0051] The set value storage section 43 stores at least an initial set pressure of the coolant sprayed as the spindle through coolant, for example, as a set value. The initial set pressure (set value in initial setting) is a value at the time of factory shipment, for example, which is determined by experiments under representative tools TL, machining conditions assumed. The initial set pressure is stored in pairs with process data indicating information on the machining process at the time of the experiments. In a case where there is no set pressure corresponding to the information on the machining process stored in the set value storage section 43 based on information on the machining process obtained by analyzing the NC program or the like, the initial set pressure is used. In a case where the set pressure corresponding to the machining process is stored, the set pressure is output to the set value updating section 41. Further, the set value storage section 43 changes the set pressure currently set by the operation of the operator to the operation panel 1 as described later, and in a case where the machining process ends, the changed value is stored in pairs with the process data again.

[0052] In a case where the decrease operation key 18 or the increase operation key 19 as the reception device is input by the operation of the operator, the set value updating section 41 changes the set pressure output from the set value storage section 43 and currently set by a prescribed value. In contrast, in a case where the operator does not input the decrease operation key 18 or the increase operation key 19, the set pressure output from the set value storage section 43 is continued to be maintained.

[0053] The drive frequency setting section 42 sets the frequency of the current output from the inverter 5 so that the deviation of the spray pressure of the coolant measured by the pressure sensor PS from the set pressure output by the set value updating section 41 is small. Here, the relationship between the drive frequency of the motor M and the spray pressure output from the pump P is acquired in advance, and an appropriate frequency is set based on the correspondence relationship.

[0054] The adjustment operation of the spray state of the spindle coolant by the operator in the machine tool 100 thus configured will be described. First, when the spindle coolant is made in the ON state by the operation of the operation panel 1, the controller C controls the pump device PP by pressure feedback control based on the initial set pressure stored in the set value storage section 43. The operator observes the inside of the machining area through the observation window OW provided to the machining area door DR1, and confirms whether the coolant is sprayed from the tip of the tool TL in the desired state. Here, in the case where the spray strength of the coolant is too strong compared to the spray strength required in the machining process or the like, the operator presses the decrease operation key 18 once or a plurality of times while observing the inside of the machine, to gradually lower the set pressure. At this time, at the time point when the decrease operation key 18 is pressed, the set value updating section 41 immediately lowers the set pressure, so the operator can adjust the set pressure without moving the line of sight from the inside of the machine. That is, the changing operation of the set pressure and the confirmation of the state inside the machine do not need to be alternately performed. Further, in the case where the operator excessively lowers the set pressure, the operator can also adjust by pressing the increase operation key 19 once or a plurality of times to raise the set pressure. Further, in the case where the set pressure is changed by the operator, at the time point when the machining process ends, the changed set pressure is stored in the set value storage section 43 in association with the process data. In the case where the same process data is detected when another NC program is executed, the set value storage section 43 initially outputs the corresponding changed set pressure instead of the initial set pressure.

[0055] Thus, according to the machine tool 100 related to the first embodiment, the operation panel 1 provided in the vicinity of the machining area door DR1 is provided with the decrease operation key 18 and the increase operation key 19 as the reception device for changing the set value related to the spray of the coolant, and is configured to immediately change the set pressure by the set value updating section 41 in the case where the reception device is operated, so the operator can simply adjust the set pressure while confirming the spray state of the coolant through the observation window OW formed in the machining area door DR1. Thus, the spray state of the coolant can be easily adjusted to a state suitable for the machining conditions, machining process, compared to the past.

[0056] Further, the set pressure changed by the operator is automatically stored in the set value storage section 43, and in the case where the same machining process exists next time, the application can be started from the beginning. That is, the more the machine tool 100 is used, the more the frequency of the adjustment of the spray state of the coolant by the operator can be reduced. Further, the automation of the machining process can be more easily realized.

[0057] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6The machine tool 100 of the second embodiment will be described. The machine tool 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the discharge state of the coolant is controlled by flow feedback control instead of pressure feedback control. As shown in FIG. 6, the set value stored in the set value storage section 43 is a set flow rate, and the set value updating section 41 updates the set flow rate in the presence of an operation of the receiving device of the operation panel 1. The drive frequency setting section 42 determines the frequency of the current output from the inverter 5 based on the deviation of the set flow rate from the measured flow rate. Further, the decrease operation key 18 and the increase operation key 19 of the operation panel 1 are configured to change the set flow rate by a prescribed value or a prescribed ratio each time. Figure 6

[0058] Even the machine tool 100 of the second embodiment enables the operator to adjust the set flow rate while confirming the state in the machine to simply adjust the discharge state of the coolant.

[0059] Other embodiments will be described. As examples of the receiving device, the example of the decrease operation key and the increase operation key is given, but is not limited thereto. For example, the receiving device can also be an operation dial for changing the set pressure or the set flow rate of the coolant. In addition, the receiving device is not limited to a physical key or a dial, but can also be a form realized by software on a touch panel display. In addition, it can also be that a camera capable of confirming the state in the machine is provided in advance, and the discharge state of the coolant is set to be able to be confirmed in the display of the operation panel, and the operator is able to confirm the change in the discharge state of the coolant by inputting an operation to the receiving device.

[0060] In each of the embodiments, an example in which the discharge state of the spindle coolant is changed is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be configured that the discharge state of the spray coolant and the chip flow coolant can also be adjusted by an operation of the receiving device of the operation panel by the operator. In addition, it is not limited to discharging the coolant to the machining area, but can also be discharged to the standby area.

[0061] It can also be configured to omit the vertical storage tank, and to pressure-feed the coolant from the recovery tank to each of the discharge mechanisms. As for the pump, a pump of various known working principles can also be used.

[0062] Further, various modifications can also be made, and a part of each of the embodiments can be combined with each other, as long as the gist of the present application is not violated.

[0063] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0064] ​100: machine tool; DR1: door for processing area; DR2: door for standby area; OW: observation window; 1: operation panel; CV: cover; 11: display; 12: keyboard; 13: first operation dial; 14: second operation dial; 15: operation key group; 16: function change area; 17: operation area; 18: decrease operation key (accepting device); 19: increase operation key (accepting device); 2: ejection mechanism; ST: spindle center cooling mechanism; 3: chip removal machine; 31: filter; TN1: recovery tank; TN2: storage tank; PP: pump device; PS: pressure sensor; FM: flow sensor; 4: PLC; 41: set value updating section; 42: drive frequency setting section; 43: set value storage section; 5: inverter.

Claims

1. A machine tool, characterized by Possessing: an ejection mechanism that ejects a coolant into a machine; a tank that stores the coolant supplied to the ejection mechanism; a pump device provided on a flow path connecting the tank and the ejection mechanism, for pressure-feeding the coolant; a fluid sensor provided on the flow path, for measuring the pressure or flow rate of the coolant flowing in the flow path; a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or flow rate of the coolant and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor; and an operation panel provided at a position where an operator can observe the state inside the machine from outside the machine, or configured to enable confirmation of the state inside the machine in an image, wherein the operation panel possesses an accepting device that accepts an operation for changing the currently set set value to a prescribed value or changing the currently set set value to a prescribed multiple, the controller possesses a set value updating section that updates the currently set set value to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the accepting device.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the accepting device accepts a touch operation or a rotation operation from the operator, the set value updating section is configured to update the set value immediately when the operation to the accepting device is accepted.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2, wherein the accepting device is a decrease operation key for decreasing the set value and a physically formed increase operation key for increasing the set value, the decrease operation key and the increase operation key accepting a press operation.

4. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel further possesses an operation key or an operation dial that accepts an operation for changing the speed related to the table or the spindle, the accepting device is provided separately from the operation key or the operation dial for the speed.

5. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein an observation window for observing the inside of the machine from the outside of the machine is further possessed, the observation window being formed in a cover or a door that separates the inside of the machine from the outside of the machine, the operation panel is provided in the vicinity of the observation window.

6. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein a camera provided in the inside of the machine is further possessed, the operation panel further possesses a display that displays a moving image captured by the camera.

7. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein a set value storage section that stores at least the set value in an initial setting and outputs the set value to the set value updating section is further possessed, the set value storage section is configured to store a changed set value, which is a set value changed by an operation to the accepting device, in association with process data that indicates information related to a machining process using the changed set value, the set value storage section is configured to output the changed set value to the set value updating section in a case where the changed set value corresponding to the input process data exists.

8. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the pump device possesses a pump and a motor that drives the pump, the controller possesses: ​ an inverter that supplies the motor with current of a set frequency; and a frequency setting section that sets the frequency of the current output from the inverter so as to make the deviation between the set value and the measured value smaller.

9. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sensor is a pressure sensor provided at a position between the ejection mechanism and the pump device in the flow path, the controller is configured to perform pressure feedback control on the pump device.

10. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the fluid sensor is a flow rate sensor provided at a position between the ejection mechanism and the pump device in the flow path, the controller is configured to perform flow rate feedback control on the pump device.

11. A coolant control method characterized by comprising: A coolant control method for a machine tool that includes an ejection mechanism that ejects coolant into a machine, a tank that stores coolant supplied to the ejection mechanism, a pump device provided on a flow path that connects the tank and the ejection mechanism, for pressurizing and delivering the coolant, a fluid sensor provided on the flow path, for measuring the pressure or flow rate of the coolant flowing in the flow path, a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or flow rate of the coolant and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor, and an operation panel provided at a position where an operator can observe the state of the machine from outside the machine, or configured to enable confirmation of the state of the machine in an image, wherein the operation panel includes an acceptance device that accepts an operation for changing the currently set set value by a prescribed value or changing the currently set set value by a prescribed multiple, in the coolant control method, the controller updates the currently set set value to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the acceptance device.

12. A program for machine tools, characterized in that, A program for a machine tool that includes an ejection mechanism that ejects coolant into a machine, a tank that stores coolant supplied to the ejection mechanism, a pump device provided on a flow path that connects the tank and the ejection mechanism, for pressurizing and delivering the coolant, a fluid sensor provided on the flow path, for measuring the pressure or flow rate of the coolant flowing in the flow path, a controller that controls the pump device based on a deviation between a set value related to the pressure or flow rate of the coolant and a measured value measured by the fluid sensor, and an operation panel provided at a position where an operator can observe the state of the machine from outside the machine, or configured to enable confirmation of the state of the machine in an image, wherein the operation panel includes an acceptance device that accepts an operation for changing the currently set set value by a prescribed value or changing the currently set set value by a prescribed multiple, the program for the machine tool causes the controller to function as a set value updating section that updates the currently set set value to another value in accordance with the operation accepted by the acceptance device.

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