Control device

The control device allows operators to manage power consumption by collectively turning off devices and changing settings in machine tools, addressing the inflexibility of existing systems and improving power efficiency.

JP2026002306APending Publication Date: 2026-01-08BROTHER KOGYO KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024100207
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-21
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing control devices for machine tools in power saving mode do not allow operators to selectively turn on desired devices, limiting flexibility and efficiency in power consumption management.

Method used

A control device that enables operators to collectively turn off multiple devices in power saving mode and allows easy change of settings for desired devices by receiving first and second instructions, with defined conditions and states for device operation.

Benefits of technology

Enables operators to efficiently manage power consumption by collectively turning off devices and easily changing settings, enhancing flexibility and reducing power usage in machine tool operations.

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Abstract

To provide a control device capable of collectively performing the operation of turning off a plurality of devices for reducing the power consumption of a machine tool by the operation of an operator, and allowing the operator to easily change the setting of a desired device among the plurality of devices.SOLUTION: The control device receives a first instruction for driving the machine tool in the power saving mode (S11: YES). When receiving the first instruction, the control device turns off a first target device based on first setting information stored in the storage unit among devices provided in the machine tool, thereby driving the machine tool in the power saving mode (S27). The control device receives the second instruction while the machine tool is driven in the power saving mode. The control device changes a device to be turned off from the first target device to a second target device based on the second instruction received in the second reception processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that can be set to a power consumption reduction priority mode. The power consumption reduction priority mode is an operating mode in which a machine tool is controlled to minimize power consumption. The control device is set to the power consumption reduction priority mode by an operator operating a switch. When set to the power consumption reduction priority mode, the control device turns off a device among multiple devices that is determined according to the operating state of the machine tool. Note that which device is turned off is defined in advance for each operating state of the machine tool by a parameter set stored in ROM. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5997220 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the power saving priority mode, an operator may want to turn on a desired device among multiple devices. However, in the above-described control device, the device determined based on the parameter set is always turned off. Therefore, there is a problem that the operator cannot turn on the desired device in the power saving priority mode.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a control device that allows an operator to collectively turn off multiple devices in order to reduce the power consumption of a machine tool, and that allows the operator to easily change the settings of a desired device among the multiple devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention is a control device capable of operating a machine tool in a power saving mode, which is an operating mode that reduces the power consumption of the machine tool, and is characterized in that it is capable of executing a first reception process that receives a first instruction to operate the machine tool in the power saving mode, a drive process that, when the first instruction is received by the first reception process, operates the machine tool in the power saving mode by turning off a first target device among the devices provided on the machine tool based on first setting information stored in a memory unit, a second reception process that receives a second instruction while the machine tool is operating in the power saving mode by the drive process, and a change process that changes the device that is turned off by the drive process from the first target device to a second target device based on the second instruction received by the second reception process.

[0007] The control device can collectively perform operation in the power saving mode in which the first target devices are turned off based on a first instruction received through operation by the operator. Also, the operator can perform settings to change the devices that are turned off in the power saving mode by inputting a second instruction. Therefore, the operator can easily change the devices that are turned off when the machine tool is operating in the power saving mode.

[0008] In the present invention, the storage unit may further store second setting information that defines conditions for changing the first target device to the second target device by the change process, and the change process may change the device that is turned off by the drive process from the first target device to the second target device by switching the device on and off within the range of the conditions defined by the second setting information. The control device can limit the devices that can be switched on and off in the power saving mode to the range of conditions defined by the second setting information.

[0009] In the present invention, the first setting information may define the first target device for each operating state of the machine tool, and the device may further include an acquisition process for acquiring the operating state, wherein the drive process determines, based on the first setting information, the first target device to be turned off in the operating state acquired by the acquisition process, and drives the machine tool in the power saving mode by turning off the determined first target device. The control device can define the device to be turned off in the power saving mode for each operating state of the machine tool.

[0010] In the present invention, the storage unit may further store second setting information that defines, for each operating state of the machine tool, conditions for changing the first target device to the second target device by the change process, and the change process may change the device that is turned off by the drive process from the first target device to the second target device by switching the device on and off within the range of the conditions defined by the second setting information in the operating state acquired by the acquisition process. The control device can define, for each operating state of the machine tool, devices that can be changed by an operator among the devices that are turned off.

[0011] In the present invention, the control device may further include a termination process for terminating driving in the power saving mode by the drive process when the second reception process receives the second instruction not to designate any of the devices as the second target devices. When the control device receives an instruction not to turn off all of the devices during operation in the power saving mode, the control device can terminate the power saving mode.

[0012] The present invention may further include a display process for displaying on a display unit a notification image notifying that the machine tool has been driven in the power saving mode by the drive process. An operator can recognize that the machine tool is in the power saving mode by visually checking the display unit.

[0013] The present invention may further include a setting process for setting the first target device in the first setting information, where an operator can set which device is to be turned off when operation in power saving mode starts.

[0014] In the present invention, the first reception process may receive the first instruction in response to selection of a first switch for operating the machine tool in the power saving mode. By performing an operation to select the first switch, the operator can operate the machine tool in the power saving mode in which first target devices are collectively turned off.

[0015] In the present invention, the second receiving process may receive the second instruction in response to selection of a second switch corresponding to the second target device. By selecting the second switch, the worker can change the device to be turned off in the power saving mode from the first target device to the second target device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine tool 1 as seen from the rear. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a machine tool 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the machine tool 1 and the numerical control device 30. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen 120A. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing first setting information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen 120B. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing second setting information. [Figure 8] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen 120C. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a switching process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a status acquisition process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a change process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] <Overview of Machine Tool 1> An overview of a machine tool 1 and a numerical control device 30 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The machine tool 1 comprises a base 2, a machine body 3, a cover 4, a control box 15, and the like.

[0018] The base 2 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped iron base. The machine body 3 is provided at the upper rear of the base 2. The machine body 3 comprises a column 5, a spindle head 6, a spindle, etc. The column 5 is erected at the upper rear of the base 2. The spindle head 6 can be raised and lowered in the Z-axis direction along the front surface of the column 5 by a Z-axis motor 51 (see Figure 3) and a Z-axis movement mechanism. The spindle head 6 rotatably supports the spindle inside. A tool is attached to the lower end of the spindle. The tool is rotated by driving a spindle motor 52 (see Figure 3).

[0019] A table is provided on top of base 2. The table can be moved in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by an X-axis motor 53 (see FIG. 3), a Y-axis motor 54 (see FIG. 3), an X-axis guide mechanism, a Y-axis guide mechanism, etc. A workpiece is held on the top surface of the table. Machine tool 1 performs cutting on the workpiece by relative movement between the workpiece held on the table and a tool attached to the spindle.

[0020] The cover 4 is provided on top of the base 2 and covers the periphery of the machine body 3 and the top of the base 2. The cover 4 has a front wall 41, a left wall 42, a right wall 43, a left rear wall 44, and a right rear wall 45. The left rear wall 44 and the right rear wall 45 form the rear walls of the cover 4. The left rear wall 44 is fixed to the front end of the left side of the column 5 and extends to the left. The right rear wall 45 is fixed to the front end of the right side of the column 5 and extends to the right. The cover 4 covers the machining area of ​​the machine tool 1. The machining area is the area required for the machine tool 1 to machine the workpiece, and includes at least the range of movement of the spindle head 6 and the spindle in the Z-axis direction and the range of movement of the table in the X and Y directions. The cover 4 prevents chips generated during the cutting process of the workpiece from scattering to the outside.

[0021] The front wall 41 has an opening 46, an opening / closing door 47, and an operation panel 10. The opening 46 is located approximately in the center of the front wall 41 and is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front. The opening / closing door 47 is provided so as to be movable left and right within the opening 46. The operation panel 10 is provided on the right side of the opening 46. The operation panel 10 is connected to the numerical control device 30 (see FIG. 3) by a harness. The operation panel 10 has an input unit 11, a display unit 12, and a touch panel 13 (see FIG. 3). The input unit 11 includes various switches for making various settings of the machine tool 1. The input unit 11 includes at least a motor switch, a shower switch, a coolant switch, a fan switch, and a key switch, which will be described later. The display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying operation screens 120A (see FIG. 4), 120B (see FIG. 6), 120C (see FIG. 8), etc. The touch panel 13 is provided on the surface of the display unit 12. The touch panel 13 detects the position touched by the worker.

[0022] A nozzle and chip shower are provided inside the cover 4. The nozzle sprays cutting fluid toward the top surface of the table. The chip shower is provided on the inner surface of the cover 4 and has multiple nozzles for spraying cutting fluid downward.

[0023] The cutting fluid stored in the tank 20 is pumped up by the shower pump 22 and the nozzle pump 23. The cutting fluid pumped up by the shower pump 22 is supplied to the chip shower via hoses 25 and 27. The cutting fluid supplied to the chip shower is sprayed downward from the nozzle. The sprayed cutting fluid washes away chips that adhere to and accumulate on the inside of the cover 4. The cutting fluid pumped up by the nozzle pump 23 is supplied to the nozzle via hoses 26 and 28. The cutting fluid supplied to the nozzle is sprayed toward the top surface of the table. The sprayed cutting fluid washes away chips adhering to the machined portion of the workpiece and also increases the lubrication between the workpiece and the tool.

[0024] An interior light 61 (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the cover 4. The interior light 61 functions as a light that illuminates the inside of the cover 4.

[0025] The control box 15 is provided on the rear side of the cover 4. The control box 15 houses a numerical control device 30 (see FIG. 3). The numerical control device 30 controls the operation of the machine tool 1. A fan 62 (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the control box 15. The fan 62 cools the numerical control device 30 by sending air inside the cover 4.

[0026] <Electrical configuration> 3, the electrical configuration of numerical control device 30 and machine tool 1 will be described. Numerical control device 30 includes CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, nonvolatile storage device 34, input / output unit 35, motor control units 51A to 55A, drive control units 56A to 59A, etc.

[0027] The CPU 31 performs overall control of the numerical control device 30. The ROM 32 stores a control program, etc. The CPU 31 executes various processes (see Figures 9 to 12) described below by operating based on the control program. The RAM 33 temporarily stores various data. The non-volatile storage device 34 stores a machining program, first setting information (see Figure 5), second setting information (see Figure 7), etc. The machining program is made up of a plurality of blocks including various commands. The CPU 31 controls the machine tool 1 based on the machining program, causing the machine tool 1 to perform a machining operation to machine a workpiece with a tool.

[0028] The control program stored in ROM 32 may be stored in a readable external storage medium (USB memory, CD-ROM, etc.). CPU 31 may read the program from the storage medium, store it in nonvolatile storage device 34, and execute the control program stored in nonvolatile storage device 34. Machine tool 1 may also be capable of communicating with other devices (servers, etc.) via a communication line. The control program may be stored in a storage device of the other devices. CPU 31 may store a control program acquired by communicating with the other devices in nonvolatile storage device 34.

[0029] The motor control units 51A to 55A are connected to the CPU 31 via the input / output unit 35. The motor control unit 51A is connected to the Z-axis motor 51 and the encoder 51B. The motor control unit 52A is connected to the spindle motor 52 and the encoder 52B. The motor control unit 53A is connected to the X-axis motor 53 and the encoder 53B. The motor control unit 54A is connected to the Y-axis motor 54 and the encoder 54B. The motor control unit 55A is connected to the magazine motor 55 and the encoder 55B. The magazine motor 55 drives a tool magazine that replaces tools attached to the spindle. The Z-axis motor 51, the spindle motor 52, the X-axis motor 53, the Y-axis motor 54, and the magazine motor 55 are collectively referred to as motors 50. The motors 50 are servo motors.

[0030] The motor control units 51A to 55A receive commands from the CPU 31 and output drive currents to the corresponding motors 50. The motor control units 51A to 55A receive feedback signals from the encoders 51B to 55B and perform feedback control of the position and speed.

[0031] The drive control units 56A to 59A are connected to the CPU 31 via the input / output unit 35. The drive control unit 56A is connected to the shower pump 22. The drive control unit 57A is connected to the nozzle pump 23. The drive control units 56A and 57A receive commands from the CPU 31 and output drive currents to the corresponding shower pump 22 and nozzle pump 23, respectively. The shower pump 22 and nozzle pump 23 are each driven by the drive current. When the shower pump 22 is driven, cutting fluid is ejected from the chip shower. When the nozzle pump 23 is driven, cutting fluid is ejected from the nozzle. The drive control unit 58A is connected to an interior light 61. When the drive control unit 58A receives commands from the CPU 31, it outputs a drive current to the interior light 61. The interior light 61 is turned on upon receiving the drive current. The drive control unit 59A is connected to a fan 62. When the drive control unit 59A receives commands from the CPU 31, it outputs a drive current to the fan 62. The fan 62 rotates upon receiving a drive current and sends air into the inside of the control box 15 .

[0032] The input unit 11, the display unit 12, and the touch panel 13 are connected to the CPU 31 via the input / output unit 35. The input unit 11 outputs a signal indicating that an input operation has been performed to the CPU 31. The display unit 12 displays a screen upon receiving a command from the CPU 31. The touch panel 13 outputs a signal indicating that a touch operation has been performed to the CPU 31.

[0033] The input unit 11 includes at least a motor switch, a shower switch, a coolant switch, and a fan switch as physical switches. The motor switch is pressed when switching the motor 50 between a driven state and a non-driven state. The shower switch is pressed when switching the shower pump 22, which sprays cutting fluid from the chip shower, between a driven state and a non-driven state. The coolant switch is pressed when switching the nozzle pump 23, which sprays cutting fluid from the nozzle, between a driven state and a non-driven state. The fan switch is pressed when switching the fan 62 between a driven state and a non-driven state.

[0034] <Operation screen> 4 shows an example of an operation screen 120A displayed on the display unit 12. The operation screen 120A includes at least an interior light switch 12A, a screen switch 12B, a mode changeover switch 12C, and a parameter setting switch 12D.

[0035] The interior light switch 12A is selected when switching between a state in which the interior light 61 is on and a state in which it is not on. The screen switch 12B is selected when switching between a state in which a screen is displayed on the display unit 12 and a state in which it is not displayed. The mode changeover switch 12C is selected when switching the machine tool 1 between a normal mode and a power saving mode. The normal mode and the power saving mode will be described in detail later. The parameter setting switch 12D is selected when setting the operating conditions in the power saving mode.

[0036] Hereinafter, the motor switch, shower switch, coolant switch, and fan switch of input unit 11, and interior light switch 12A and screen switch 12B of operation screen 120A will be collectively referred to as "ON / OFF switches." Motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62, the driving states of which are switched by the ON / OFF switches, will be collectively referred to as "target devices." Switching the target devices to a driving state will be referred to as "turning the target devices ON," and switching the devices to a non-driving state will be referred to as "turning the target devices OFF."

[0037] For example, if the target device is shower pump 22, communication with CPU 31 is possible while power is supplied to drive control unit 56A that drives shower pump 22, and power is not supplied to shower pump 22, this is referred to as "turning off shower pump 22." Alternatively, power is not supplied to drive control unit 56A, which is referred to as "turning off shower pump 22."

[0038] <Power saving mode> Machine tool 1 can be operated in a power saving mode in addition to a normal mode, which is a normal operating mode. The power saving mode is an operating mode in which at least one of the target devices, motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62, which are specified by first setting information (see FIG. 5) described below, is turned off. When machine tool 1 operates in the power saving mode, power consumption is reduced compared to when machine tool 1 operates in the normal mode.

[0039] The first setting information shown in Fig. 5 specifies target devices (hereinafter referred to as "first target devices") that are turned OFF when the machine tool 1 operates in the power saving mode. The target devices associated with "OFF" in Fig. 5 correspond to the first target devices. The target devices associated with "-" in Fig. 5 are turned ON even when the machine tool 1 operates in the power saving mode.

[0040] The first target device is defined for each operating state of the machine tool 1. The operating states of the machine tool 1 include at least an automatic operation state, a setup state, and a stopped state. Details of each operating state are as follows.

[0041] In the automatic operation state, a machining program is read from nonvolatile storage device 34 and stored in RAM 33. Thereafter, instructions are sequentially read and executed from the machining program stored in RAM 33, thereby automatically executing machining operations in machine tool 1. For example, when an operation to select and execute a machining program is performed via input unit 11, the operating state of machine tool 1 becomes the automatic operation state.

[0042] In the setup state, an operator adjusts the machine tool 1 by operating the machine tool 1 using a test program or by manually operating the machine tool 1. For example, when a physical key switch included in the input unit 11 is turned on, the operating state of the machine tool 1 becomes the setup state.

[0043] In the stopped state, the driving of the machine tool 1 is stopped. When the operating state of the machine tool 1 is neither the automatic operation state nor the setup state, the operating state of the machine tool 1 is the stopped state.

[0044] According to the first setting information shown in Fig. 5, when machine tool 1 is in an automatic operation state, interior light 61 and display unit 12, which are associated with "OFF," correspond to the first target devices. When machine tool 1 is in a setup state, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, and display unit 12, which are associated with "OFF," correspond to the first target devices. When machine tool 1 is in a stopped state, motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62 are all associated with "OFF," and therefore all of the target devices correspond to the first target devices.

[0045] When the mode selector switch 12C on the operation screen 120A shown in Fig. 4 is selected while the machine tool 1 is operating in the normal mode, the numerical control device 30 switches the operation mode of the machine tool 1 to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the numerical control device 30 determines the first target devices according to the operation state based on the first setting information, and turns off all of the determined first target devices at once. In addition, the numerical control device 30 switches to the operation screen 120B, in which a pictogram 12E indicating that the operation mode of the machine tool 1 is the power saving mode is displayed in the upper right portion, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0046] On the other hand, when mode selector switch 12C on operation screen 120B shown in Fig. 6 is selected while machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode, numerical control device 30 returns the operation mode of machine tool 1 to the original normal mode. The normal mode is an operation mode in which all target devices, for example, motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62, are turned on regardless of the operating state of machine tool 1. Furthermore, numerical control device 30 ends the display of pictogram 12E and returns to operation screen 120A shown in Fig. 4.

[0047] <Individual setting changes (in power saving mode)> When the ON / OFF switch is operated while the machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode, the numerical control device 30 switches the target device between ON and OFF. The target devices that can be switched ON and OFF by operating the ON / OFF switch are specified for each operating state of the machine tool 1 by the second setting information shown in FIG. 7. Target devices associated with "enabled" in FIG. 7 can be switched ON and OFF. On the other hand, target devices associated with "disabled" in FIG. 7 cannot be switched ON and OFF.

[0048] For example, when machine tool 1 is in an automatic operation state, if an operation to turn off shower pump 22 is performed on shower switch 12A, “enabled” is associated with shower pump 22 in the automatic operation state of the second setting information, so numerical control device 30 turns off shower pump 22. For example, when machine tool 1 is in an automatic operation state, if an operation to turn on interior light 61 is performed on interior light switch 12A, “enabled” is associated with interior light switch 12A in the automatic operation state of the second setting information, so numerical control device 30 turns on interior light 61. On the other hand, for example, when machine tool 1 is in an automatic operation state, if an operation to turn off motor 50 is performed on motor switch 12A, “disabled” is associated with motor 50 in the automatic operation state of the second setting information, so numerical control device 30 does not turn off motor 50.

[0049] For example, when machine tool 1 is in a setup state, if an operation to turn on nozzle pump 23 is performed on nozzle switch 12A, "enabled" is associated with nozzle pump 23 in the setup state of the second setting information, so numerical control device 30 turns on nozzle pump 23. On the other hand, for example, when machine tool 1 is in a setup state, if an operation to turn off interior light 61 is performed on interior light switch 12A, because "disabled" is associated with interior light 61 in the setup state of the second setting information, numerical control device 30 does not turn off interior light 61.

[0050] In the second setting information, when the operating state is a stopped state, "enabled" is associated with all the target devices. Therefore, when the machine tool is stopped and an operation to turn on at least one of the target devices is performed on the corresponding ON / OFF switch, the numerical control device 30 turns on the corresponding target device. Also, when the machine tool is stopped and an operation to turn off at least one of the target devices is performed on the corresponding ON / OFF switch, the numerical control device 30 turns off the corresponding target device.

[0051] For target devices associated with "disabled" in the second setting information, the ON / OFF switch may be hidden so that it cannot be switched ON or OFF.

[0052] <Parameter settings (energy saving mode)> When an operation to select the parameter setting switch 12D (see FIG. 4) on the operation screen 120A is performed, the screen switches to an operation screen 120C shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation screen 120C has a selection switch that can select either "Do not turn OFF" or "Turn OFF" associated with each target device (motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62). For a target device for which an operation to select the "Turn OFF" selection switch has been performed, "OFF" is set in the first setting information. Note that FIG. 5 shows a case where the "Turn OFF" selection switches corresponding to all of the target devices in FIG. 8 have been selected.

[0053] <Various processing> 9 to 12, the switching process (see FIG. 9), change process (see FIG. 11), and setting process (see FIG. 12) executed in numerical control device 30 will be described. CPU 31 starts the switching process, change process, and setting process by reading and executing a control program stored in ROM 32. The switching process is a process for switching the operation mode of machine tool 1 between normal mode and power saving mode. The change process is a process for changing from a first target device to a second target device. The setting process is a process for setting first setting information. The switching process, change process, and setting process are executed in parallel.

[0054] <Switching process> The switching process will be described with reference to FIG. 9. At the start of the switching process, machine tool 1 is operating in normal mode. CPU 31 displays operation screen 120A (see FIG. 4) on display unit 12. CPU 31 determines whether an operation to select mode selector switch 12C on operation screen 120A has been performed (S11). If CPU 31 determines that an operation to select mode selector switch 12C has not been performed (S11: NO), the process returns to S11. CPU 31 continues to wait for an operation to select mode selector switch 12C. If CPU 31 determines that an operation to select mode selector switch 12C has been performed (S11: YES), it executes status acquisition process (see FIG. 10) to acquire the operation mode of machine tool 1 (S13).

[0055] The status acquisition process will be described with reference to Figure 10. CPU 31 determines whether machine tool 1 is in automatic operation (S51). Here, for example, if an operation to select and execute a machining program is performed via input unit 11, CPU 31 reads the machining program from non-volatile storage device 34 and stores it in RAM 33. Thereafter, CPU 31 sequentially reads and executes instructions from the machining program stored in RAM 33, thereby performing automatic operation with machine tool 1. If CPU 31 determines that machine tool 1 is in automatic operation (S51: YES), it acquires the automatic operation status as the operating status (S53). CPU 31 ends the status acquisition process and returns the process to the switching process (see Figure 9).

[0056] If CPU 31 determines that machine tool 1 is not in automatic operation (S51: NO), it determines whether the key switch of input unit 11 is ON (S55). If CPU 31 determines that the key switch is ON (S55: YES), it acquires the setup state as the operating state (S57). CPU 31 ends the state acquisition process and returns the process to the switching process (see FIG. 9).

[0057] If the CPU 31 determines that the key switch is not turned on (S55: NO), it acquires the stopped state as the operating state (S59). The CPU 31 ends the state acquisition process and returns the process to the switching process (see FIG. 9).

[0058] As shown in Fig. 9, after completing the state acquisition process (S13), the CPU 31 determines whether the operating state acquired by the state acquisition process is the automatic driving state (S15). If the CPU 31 determines that the acquired operating state is the automatic driving state (S15: YES), the CPU 31 determines a first target device in the automatic driving state based on the first setting information (see Fig. 5) (S17). Specifically, the cabin light 61 and the display unit 12, which are associated with "OFF" in the automatic driving state in the first setting information shown in Fig. 5, are determined as the first target device. The CPU 31 proceeds to S25.

[0059] When the CPU 31 determines that the operating state acquired by the state acquisition process is not the automatic operation state (S15: NO), it determines whether the acquired operating state is the setup state (S19). When the CPU 31 determines that the acquired operating state is the setup state (S19: YES), it determines the first target devices in the setup state based on the first setting information (see FIG. 5) (S21). Specifically, the shower pump 22, the nozzle pump 23, and the display unit 12, which are associated with "OFF" in the setup state in the first setting information shown in FIG. 5, are determined as the first target devices. The CPU 31 proceeds to S25.

[0060] When the CPU 31 determines that the operating state acquired by the state acquisition process is not the setup state (S19: NO), the acquired operating state is the stopped state, and therefore the CPU 31 identifies the first target devices in the stopped state based on the first setting information (see FIG. 5) (S23). Specifically, the motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 1.2, and fan 62, which are associated with "OFF" in the stopped state in the first setting information shown in FIG. 5, are determined as the first target devices. The CPU 31 proceeds to S25.

[0061] CPU 31 switches the operation mode of machine tool 1 from normal mode to power saving mode (S25). CPU 31 turns off the first target device determined in any one of S17, S21, and S23 (S27). CPU 31 displays operation screen 120B including pictogram 12E (see FIG. 6) on display unit 12 (S29).

[0062] CPU 31 determines whether an operation to select mode selector switch 12C on operation screen 120B has been performed while machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode (S31). When CPU 31 determines that an operation to select mode selector switch 12C has been performed (S31: YES), CPU 31 switches the operation mode of machine tool 1 from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S35). CPU 31 causes display unit 12 to display operation screen 120A (see FIG. 4) that does not include pictogram 12E (S37). CPU 31 returns the process to S11.

[0063] When CPU 31 determines that no operation to select mode selector switch 12C on operation screen 120B has been performed while machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode (S31: NO), it determines whether an operation to turn on all of the target devices has been performed on the ON / OFF switches (S33). Specifically, if an operation to turn on motor 50 has been performed on the motor switch, an operation to turn on shower pump 22 has been performed on the shower switch, an operation to turn on nozzle pump 23 has been performed on the coolant switch, an operation to turn on interior light 61 has been performed on interior light switch 12A, an operation to turn on display unit 12 has been performed on screen switch 12B, and an operation to turn on fan 62 has been performed on the fan switch, CPU 31 determines that an operation to turn on all of the target devices has been performed on the ON / OFF switches (S33: YES). In this case, CPU 31 switches the operating mode of machine tool 1 from the power saving mode to the normal mode (S35) and ends the power saving mode.

[0064] On the other hand, if CPU 31 determines that no operation has been performed to turn on all of the target devices (S33: NO), it returns the process to S13. In this case, the power saving mode continues in machine tool 1. Furthermore, if the operation mode of machine tool 1 changes while operating in the power saving mode, a first target device is determined from the first setting information based on the changed operation mode, and the first target device is turned off.

[0065] The change processing will be described with reference to Figure 11. CPU 31 determines whether machine tool 1 is operating in normal mode (S71). If CPU 31 determines that machine tool 1 is operating in normal mode (S71: YES), it returns the processing to S71. If CPU 31 determines that machine tool 1 is not operating in normal mode (S71: NO), it means that machine tool 1 is operating in power saving mode, and so determines whether any ON / OFF switch has been operated (S73). If CPU 31 determines that no ON / OFF switch has been operated (S73: NO), it returns the processing to S71.

[0066] When CPU 31 determines that any of the ON / OFF switches has been operated (S73: YES), it executes a status acquisition process (see FIG. 10) to acquire the operation mode of machine tool 1 (S75). The status acquisition process is the same as the status acquisition process executed in S13 of the switching process (see FIG. 9), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The CPU 31 identifies the target device whose operating state is changed by operating the ON / OFF switch (S77).

[0068] The CPU 31 determines whether "enabled" is associated with the information of the target device identified in S77 in the second setting information (see FIG. 7) in the operating status acquired in S75 (S79). If the CPU 31 determines that "disabled" is associated (S79: NO), the process returns to S71. In this case, the target device to be turned off in the power saving mode remains the first target device based on the first setting information.

[0069] On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that "enabled" is associated (S79: YES), it determines whether an operation to turn off has been performed on the ON / OFF switch (S81). If an operation to turn off has been performed (S81: YES), the CPU 31 turns off the target device identified in S77 (S83). The CPU 31 returns the process to S71. On the other hand, if an operation to turn on has been performed (S81: NO), the CPU 31 turns on the target device identified in S77 (S85). The CPU 31 returns the process to S71.

[0070] As a result, the target device that is turned OFF in power saving mode is changed from the first target device, which is the target device associated with "OFF" in the first setting information, to the second target device, which is the target device that is turned OFF as a result of S83 and S85.

[0071] For example, when machine tool 1 is in a stopped state, if an operation to turn on shower pump 22 is performed on shower switch 12A, numerical controller 30 turns on shower pump 22 because “enabled” is associated with shower pump 22 in the stopped state in the second setting information. In this case, the first target devices (motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62) based on the first setting information are changed to second target devices (motor 50, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62) when shower pump 22 is turned on. Next, if an operation to turn on interior light 61 is performed on interior light switch 12A, numerical controller 30 turns on interior light 61 because “enabled” is associated with interior light switch 12A in the stopped state in the second setting information. In this case, the first target equipment (motor 50, shower pump 22, nozzle pump 23, interior light 61, display unit 12, and fan 62) based on the first setting information is changed to the second target equipment (motor 50, nozzle pump 23, display unit 12, and fan 62) when the shower pump 22 is turned ON and the interior light 61 is turned ON.

[0072] <Settings process> The setting process will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The CPU 31 determines whether an operation to specify the operating state to be set and an operation to the parameter setting switch 12D on the operation screen 120A have been performed (S91). When the CPU 31 determines that the parameter setting switch 12D has not been operated (S91: NO), the process returns to S91. When the CPU 31 determines that the parameter setting switch 12D has been operated (S91: YES), the CPU 31 causes the display unit 12 to display an operation screen (for example, the operation screen 120C (see Fig. 8)) for setting information on the specified operating state out of the first setting information.

[0073] The operator performs an operation on the operation screen to select either "Turn OFF" or "Do Not Turn OFF" from the selection switches associated with all the target devices. The CPU 31 identifies whether "Do Not Turn OFF" or "Turn OFF" has been set for each target device (S93).

[0074] The CPU 31 selects one of the plurality of target devices (S95). The CPU 31 determines whether an operation to select the "Turn OFF" selection switch has been performed (S97). If the CPU 31 determines that an operation to select the "Turn OFF" selection switch has been performed (S97: YES), the CPU 31 sets the information of the target device selected in S95, which corresponds to a stopped state, in the first setting information to "OFF" (S99). On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that an operation to select the "Do not turn OFF" selection switch has been performed (S97: NO), the CPU 31 sets the information of the target device selected in S95, which corresponds to all operating states, in the first setting information to "-" (S101). The CPU 31 proceeds to the process of S103.

[0075] The CPU 31 determines whether all target devices have been selected in S95 (S103). When the CPU 31 determines that all target devices have not been selected (S103: NO), the process returns to S95. The CPU 31 selects one of the unselected target devices (S95) and repeats the processes of S97 to S101. When the CPU 31 determines that all target devices have been selected in S97 (S103: YES), the process returns to S91. As a result, the first target device, which is the target device associated with "OFF" in the first setting information, is set in accordance with the operation on the operation screen.

[0076] <Actions and Effects of This Embodiment> When the operator selects mode selector switch 12C, numerical control device 30 can place machine tool 1 in the power saving mode by collectively turning off the first target devices specified by the first setting information (S25, S27). This allows the operator to easily switch the operation mode of machine tool 1 from normal mode to the power saving mode, which can reduce power consumption. Furthermore, by operating the ON / OFF switch of machine tool 1 operating in the power saving mode, the operator can change the target devices that are turned off in the power saving mode from the first target devices to the second target devices (S83, S85). Therefore, the operator can easily change the target devices that are turned off in the power saving mode.

[0077] When an ON / OFF switch is operated in the power saving mode, the numerical control device 30 switches ON / OFF for the target device corresponding to the operated ON / OFF switch if "enabled" is associated with the switch in the second setting information (S79). In this case, the numerical control device 30 can limit the target devices that can be switched ON / OFF in the power saving mode to the range of conditions defined by the second setting information.

[0078] The numerical control device 30 acquires the operating state (automatic operation state, setup state, stopped state) of the machine tool 1 (S13), and determines the first target device from the first setting information based on the acquired operating state (S17, S21, S23). This allows the numerical control device 30 to specify the first target device to be turned off in the power saving mode for each operating state of the machine tool 1.

[0079] The second setting information defines target devices that can be switched ON / OFF in the power saving mode for each operating state of the machine tool 1. The numerical control device 30 switches the target devices ON / OFF based on the setting ("enabled" or "disabled") in the second setting information that corresponds to the operating state of the machine tool 1. This allows the numerical control device 30 to define target devices that can be switched ON / OFF in the power saving mode for each operating state of the machine tool 1.

[0080] When an operation to turn on all target devices is performed on the ON / OFF switch (S33: YES), the numerical control device 30 ends the power saving mode and returns to the normal mode (S33: YES). As a result, the numerical control device 30 can end the power saving mode when it receives an instruction not to turn off all target devices even though it is operating in the power saving mode.

[0081] When machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode, numerical control device 30 causes display unit 12 to display operation screen 120B, on which pictogram 12E is displayed in the upper right portion (S29). The operator can recognize that machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode by visually checking display unit 12.

[0082] When the parameter setting switch 12D is selected (S91: YES), the numerical control device 30 changes the first setting information (S99, S101). This allows the operator to change the setting of which target device is to be turned off when the power saving mode is started.

[0083] When the operation of selecting mode selector switch 12C is performed while machine tool 1 is operating in normal mode, numerical control device 30 switches machine tool 1 to the power saving mode. By simply performing the operation of selecting mode selector switch 12C, the operator can operate machine tool 1 in the power saving mode in which all first target devices are turned off collectively.

[0084] When an operation to select an ON / OFF switch is performed while machine tool 1 is operating in the power saving mode, numerical control device 30 switches the corresponding target equipment ON and OFF. By performing an operation to select an ON / OFF switch, the operator can change the target equipment that is turned OFF in the power saving mode from the first target equipment specified by the first setting information to the second target equipment that is turned ON and OFF by the ON / OFF switch.

[0085] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible. The operator's operation required to change the first target device to the second target device is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the numerical control device 30 may display the operation screen 120C on the display unit 12 while operating in the power-saving mode. The operator may select either "Do not turn OFF" or "Turn OFF" on a selection switch associated with each target device. In this case, the numerical control device 30 may identify the target device for which the "Turn OFF" selection switch is selected as the second target device. The numerical control device 30 may change the target device to be turned OFF in the power-saving mode from the first target device specified based on the first setting information to the second target device identified by an operation on the operation screen 120C.

[0086] The operating states of the machine tool 1 are not limited to the automatic operation state, the setup state, and the stopped state, but may be only two of these, or may further include other operating states. The first setting information may store common settings ("OFF" and "-") that are applied regardless of the operating state. The second setting information may store common settings ("enabled" and "disabled") that are applied regardless of the operating state.

[0087] In addition to operating the ON / OFF switch, the operator may input a standby time via the touch panel 13. After switching to the power saving mode, when the standby time input via the touch panel 13 has elapsed, the numerical control device 30 may switch ON / OFF of the corresponding target device in accordance with the operation of the ON / OFF switch.

[0088] Even if an operation to turn on all the target devices is performed on the ON / OFF switches (S33: YES), the numerical control device 30 may continue the power saving mode without terminating it.

[0089] The notification image notifying that the machine is operating in the power saving mode is not limited to pictogram 12E on operation screen 120B. For example, another notification image may be displayed on display unit 12, or an LED or rotating light (not shown) provided on machine tool 1 may be turned on.

[0090] The mode changeover switch 12C may be a physical switch of the input unit 11. The ON / OFF switches may all be configured by selection switches displayed on the display unit 12, or may be physical switches included in the input unit 11.

[0091] The first setting information and the second setting information may be stored in a storage unit of an external device that can communicate with the numerical control device 30. The numerical control device 30 may communicate with the external device and execute various processes by referring to the first setting information and the second setting information stored in the storage unit of the external device. Furthermore, the numerical control device 30 may communicate with the external device and set the first setting information stored in the storage unit of the external device.

[0092] <Other> The numerical control device 30 is an example of a "control device" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processing of S11 is an example of a "first reception processing" of the present invention. The motor 50, the shower pump 22, the nozzle pump 23, the interior light 61, the display unit 12, and the fan 62 are examples of "devices" of the present invention. The non-volatile storage device 34 storing the first setting information and the second setting information is an example of a "storage unit" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processing of S27 is an example of a "drive processing" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processing of S73 is an example of a "second reception processing" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processing of S83 and S85 is an example of a "change processing" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the status acquisition processing is an example of an "acquisition processing" of the present invention. The processing of S35 is an example of a "termination processing" of the present invention. The pictogram 12E is an example of a "notification image" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processing of S29 is an example of a "display processing" of the present invention. The CPU 31 performing the processes of S99 and S101 is an example of the "setting process" of the present invention. The mode changeover switch 12C is an example of the "first switch" of the present invention. The ON / OFF switches (motor switch, shower switch, coolant switch, fan switch, and interior light switch 12A and screen switch 12B on the operation screen 120A) are an example of the "second switch" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Machine tool 12A: Cabin light switch 12B: Screen switch 12C: Mode switch 12D: Parameter setting switch 12E: Pictogram 22: Shower pump 23: Nozzle pump 30: Numerical control device 31: CPU 34: Non-volatile storage device 50: Motor 61: Cabin light 62: Fan

Claims

1. A control device capable of driving a machine tool in a power saving mode, which is an operation mode that reduces power consumption of the machine tool, a first reception process for receiving a first instruction to operate the machine tool in the power saving mode; a drive process for driving the machine tool in the power saving mode by turning off a first target device among devices provided on the machine tool based on first setting information stored in a storage unit when the first instruction is received by the first reception process; a second reception process for receiving a second instruction while the machine tool is being driven in the power saving mode by the drive process; a change process of changing the device to be turned off by the drive process from the first target device to a second target device based on the second instruction received by the second reception process; A control device capable of executing the above.

2. the storage unit further stores second setting information that defines a condition when the first target device is changed to the second target device by the change process; The change process includes: The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device that is turned off by the drive processing is changed from the first target device to the second target device by switching the device on and off within the range of the conditions specified by the second setting information.

3. In the first setting information, the first target device is defined for each operating state of the machine tool, further comprising an acquisition process for acquiring the operating status; The driving process includes: The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first target device to be turned off in the operating state acquired by the acquisition process is determined based on the first setting information, and the determined first target device is turned off to operate the machine tool in the power saving mode.

4. the storage unit further stores second setting information that defines conditions for changing the first target device to the second target device by the change process for each operating state of the machine tool; The change process includes: The control device described in claim 3, characterized in that the device that is turned OFF by the drive process is changed from the first target device to the second target device by switching the device ON and OFF within the range of conditions specified by the second setting information in the operating state acquired by the acquisition process.

5. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a termination process for terminating operation in the power saving mode by the drive process when the second reception process receives the second instruction that does not designate all of the devices as the second target devices.

6. 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display process for displaying on a display unit a notification image notifying that the machine tool is being driven in the power saving mode by the drive process.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting process for setting the first target device in the first setting information.

8. The first reception process includes:

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first instruction is received in response to selection of a first switch for operating the machine tool in the power saving mode.

9. The second reception process includes: The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device accepts the second instruction in response to a selection of a second switch corresponding to the second target device.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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