Cutting machine and coolant discharge method

Abstract

This suppresses malfunctions during movement of the workpiece or gripping mechanism. [Solution] The cutting machine 10 includes a clamp 50, a gripping part 32, a moving mechanism 52, and a liquid discharge nozzle 36. The clamp 50, gripping part 32, moving mechanism 52, and liquid discharge nozzle 36 are located inside the machining chamber 19. The time measuring unit 91 of the control device 90 measures a predetermined time. When the time measured by the time measuring unit 91 has elapsed at a predetermined time interval, the discharge control unit 95 discharges coolant liquid CL into the machining chamber 19 using the liquid discharge nozzle 36.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting machine and a method for discharging coolant. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wet cutting machine that supplies coolant during cutting. In such a cutting machine, coolant is supplied to the area where the workpiece is being cut by the cutting tool. This allows for the suppression of friction and cooling of that area. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-6462 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, when cutting is performed using a cutting machine, cutting chips are generated from the workpiece. When coolant is supplied, the coolant hits the workpiece and splashes back, scattering inside the cutting machine. Since the coolant is supplied to the area being cut, the scattered coolant mixes with the cutting chips from the workpiece. When the scattered coolant dries, the cutting chips mixed in with the coolant and substances contained in the coolant solidify inside the cutting machine. For example, if solidification occurs in the gaps between parts of the moving mechanism that moves the workpiece or cutting tool, the operation of the moving mechanism when moving the workpiece or the gripping part that holds the cutting tool will deteriorate.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its object is to provide a cutting machine and a method for discharging coolant fluid that can suppress malfunctions during the movement of the workpiece or gripping part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cutting machine according to the present invention comprises: a holding member for holding a workpiece; a processing chamber in which the holding member is housed and the workpiece is processed; a gripping unit positioned in the processing chamber for selectively gripping either a cutting tool for cutting the workpiece or a dummy pin that does not cut the workpiece; a moving mechanism for moving the holding member and / or the gripping unit relative to the workpiece; a liquid discharge unit for discharging coolant liquid into the processing chamber; and a control device for controlling the liquid discharge unit. The control device comprises a time measuring unit for measuring a predetermined time interval; and a discharge control unit for discharging the coolant liquid into the processing chamber by the liquid discharge unit when the time measured by the time measuring unit has elapsed through the predetermined time interval.

[0007] According to the above cutting machine, when the time measured by the time measurement unit has elapsed at a predetermined time interval, the discharge control unit discharges coolant from the liquid discharge unit. Since coolant is discharged into the machining chamber periodically, the drying of coolant adhering to the inside of the machining chamber is suppressed. As a result, movement defects when moving the workpiece or gripping part by the moving mechanism are suppressed.

[0008] The method for discharging coolant liquid according to the present invention is a method for discharging coolant liquid in a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece. The cutting machine includes a holding member for holding the workpiece, a processing chamber in which the holding member is housed and the workpiece is processed, a gripping part which selectively grips either a cutting tool for cutting the workpiece or a dummy pin that does not cut the workpiece and is positioned in the processing chamber, a moving mechanism which moves the holding member and / or the gripping part relative to the workpiece, and a liquid discharge part which discharges the coolant liquid into the processing chamber. The method for discharging coolant liquid according to the present invention includes a time measurement step of measuring a predetermined time interval, and a discharge step in which, when the time measured by the time measurement step has elapsed the predetermined time interval, the liquid discharge part discharges the coolant liquid into the processing chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cutting machine and a method for discharging coolant fluid that can suppress malfunctions during the movement of the workpiece or gripping part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a cutting machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the cutting machine with the front top cover open. [Figure 3] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cutting machine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a workpiece attached to an adapter according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the area near the lower end of the spindle. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a tool magazine and clamp according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view of a tool magazine and clamp according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the spindle and the dummy pin housing hole. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram of a cutting machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a procedure when performing flushing regularly. [Figure 11A] It is a front view around a rotating part when coolant liquid is being discharged. [Figure 11B] It is a perspective view showing when moving a spindle, a liquid discharge nozzle, a tool magazine, and a clamp, and rotating the clamp. [Figure 11C] It is a partial cross-sectional view around a dummy pin when a gripping part is moved by a third movement control unit. [Figure 12] It is an equivalent diagram to FIG. 11C in a cutting machine according to another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described here are not intended to limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting machine 10. Figure 2 is a front view of the cutting machine 10. Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cutting machine 10. In the following description, when viewing the cutting machine 10 from the front, the direction away from the cutting machine 10 is considered the front, and the direction towards the cutting machine 10 is considered the rear. Left, right, up, and down refer to the left, right, up, and down directions when viewing the cutting machine 10 from the front, respectively. Also, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings refer to the front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. In this embodiment, the cutting machine 10 is arranged in an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. Here, the X-axis is an axis extending in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the X-axis is tilted by θ from the horizontal direction. Note that the X-axis may extend in the same direction as the horizontal direction. The Y-axis is an axis extending in the left-to-right direction. The Z-axis is an axis extending in the up-to-down direction. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the Z-axis is tilted by θ from the vertical. The Z-axis may also extend in the same direction as the vertical. The sign θ is also used. X θ Y θ Z These indicate the rotation directions around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. However, the directions described above are merely defined for the sake of explanation and do not limit the installation configuration of the cutting machine 10 or the present invention in any way.

[0013] The cutting machine 10 is a device that processes (e.g., cuts) and polishes the workpiece 5 (see Figure 2) as needed. The cutting machine 10 processes the workpiece 5 to produce dental molded products, such as crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and other dental prostheses, as well as artificial teeth, denture bases, etc. The shape of the workpiece 5 is, for example, block-shaped (e.g., prismatic). The workpiece 5 may also be disc-shaped. The workpiece 5 is formed from various materials, such as resins (resin materials) such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate resin), PEEK (polyether ether ketone resin), and hybrid resin, as well as ceramic materials such as glass ceramics and zirconia, wax, and gypsum. When zirconia is used as the material for the workpiece 5, for example, semi-sintered zirconia is used. However, the shape and material of the workpiece 5 are not particularly limited.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, an adapter 9 (also called a holder) is attached to the workpiece 5. With the adapter 9 attached, the workpiece 5 is placed in and machined by a cutting machine 10 (see Figure 1). Here, the adapter 9 comprises a plate-shaped member 9A and a connecting pin 9B. The plate-shaped member 9A is connected to the workpiece 5. The connecting pin 9B protrudes from the plate-shaped member 9A. The connecting pin 9B is inserted into the insertion hole 50A (see Figure 3) of the clamp 50, which will be described later. The adapter 9 holds the workpiece 5.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the cutting machine 10 is formed in a box shape. The cutting machine 10 comprises a case body 12, a front upper cover 20, and a front lower cover 25. The case body 12 is the housing of the cutting machine 10. The case body 12 is hollow. The case body 12 has a bottom wall 13, a left wall 14, a right wall 15, a rear wall 16, an upper wall 17, a front wall 18 (see Figure 2), a first compartment bottom wall 13S (see Figure 2), a compartment right wall 15S (see Figure 2), a first compartment rear wall 16S (see Figure 3), a compartment upper wall 17S (see Figure 3), a second compartment bottom wall 27 (see Figure 3), and a second compartment rear wall 28 (see Figure 3). As shown in Figure 3, a processing chamber 19 is formed in the case body 12. The machining chamber 19 is formed by a part of the left wall 14, the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment, the right wall 15S of the compartment, and the top wall 17S of the compartment. The workpiece 5 (see Figure 2) is machined inside the machining chamber 19. As shown in Figure 1, the left wall 14 extends upward from the left end of the bottom wall 13. The right wall 15 extends upward from the right end of the bottom wall 13. As shown in Figure 3, the rear wall 16 extends upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 13. The left end of the rear wall 16 is connected to the rear end of the left wall 14 (see Figure 1), and the right end of the rear wall 16 is connected to the rear end of the right wall 15 (see Figure 1). As shown in Figure 2, the front wall 18 extends upward from the front end of the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment. The left end of the front wall 18 is connected to the front end of the left wall 14, and the right end of the front wall 18 is connected to the front end of the right wall 15. The upper end of the front wall 18 is connected to the front end of the upper wall 17. As shown in Figure 1, the upper wall 17 is connected to the upper ends of the left wall 14, the right wall 15, the rear wall 16, and the front wall 18 (see Figure 2).

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment is located above the bottom wall 13. The bottom wall 13S of the first compartment slopes gradually downward from front to rear. A cover 13L is located behind the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment. The cover 13L is constructed in a mesh-like manner to allow coolant liquid to pass through in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 2, the right wall 15S of the compartment is located to the right of the left wall 14 and to the left of the right wall 15. The right wall 15S extends upward from the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment. As shown in Figure 3, the rear wall 16S of the first compartment is located in front of the rear wall 16 and behind the front wall 18 (see Figure 2). The rear wall 16S of the first compartment is connected to the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment, the left wall 14 (see Figure 2), the right wall 15S (see Figure 2), and the top wall 17S of the compartment. The upper wall 17S of the section is positioned above the bottom wall 13S of the first section and below the upper wall 17.

[0017] The bottom wall 27 of the second compartment is located below the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment and above the bottom wall 13. The bottom wall 27 of the second compartment extends parallel to the bottom wall 13. A drain port 27H is formed in the bottom wall 27 of the second compartment, penetrating vertically. The drain port 27H is always open. The drain port 27H does not have a valve body that can be switched between open and closed, for example. However, the drain port 27H may have a valve body that can be switched between open and closed. The rear wall 28 of the second compartment is located in front of the rear wall 16 and behind the front wall 18. The rear wall 28 of the second compartment is located below the rear wall 16S of the first compartment. The rear wall 28 of the second compartment extends parallel to the rear wall 16. The rear wall 28 of the second compartment extends upward from the bottom wall 13. The upper end of the rear wall 28 of the second compartment is connected to the bottom wall 27 of the second compartment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the case body 12 has an opening 18P on its side (in this case, the front wall 18). The opening 18P is formed by the left wall 14, the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment, the right wall 15S of the compartment, and the top wall 17S of the compartment. The opening 18P is formed into the processing chamber 19. The interior of the case body 12 is divided into left and right sections by the right wall 15S of the compartment. The processing chamber 19 is formed on the left side of the case body 12. On the right side of the case body 12, a first storage space A1 is formed, surrounded by the right wall 15S of the compartment, the bottom wall 13S of the first compartment, the right wall 15, the top wall 17S of the compartment, the rear wall 16S of the first compartment (see Figure 3), and the front wall 18. Furthermore, below the processing chamber 19, a second storage space A2 is formed, enclosed by the left wall 14, bottom wall 13, right wall 15, second compartment bottom wall 27 (see Figure 3), second compartment rear wall 28 (see Figure 3), and front lower cover 25. The second storage space A2 is constantly in communication with the processing chamber 19 through a drain port 27H formed in the second compartment bottom wall 27.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the front upper cover 20 is supported by a support arm 22. One end of the support arm 22 is attached to the case body 12. The front upper cover 20 moves vertically around the pivot axis (not shown) of the support arm 22, thereby covering the opening 18P (see Figure 2) in an open and closed manner. This allows the opening 18P of the case body 12 to be switched between an open and a closed state. When loading or unloading a workpiece 5 into or out of the cutting machine 10, or performing maintenance on the cutting machine 10, the user moves the front upper cover 20 upward to open the opening 18P. This allows the processing chamber 19 to communicate with the outside. On the other hand, when performing cutting, the user moves the front upper cover 20 downward to close the opening 18P. This isolates the processing chamber 19 from the outside.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the front upper cover 20 is provided with a window 21. The window 21 is formed of, for example, a transparent acrylic plate or a glass plate. The user can view the processing chamber 19 through the window 21 even when the front upper cover 20 is closed, for example, during machining.

[0021] The front lower cover 25 is slidable in the front-rear direction along support members (not shown) attached to the left wall 14 and the right wall 15. By moving the front lower cover 25 in the front-rear direction, the second storage space A2 is switched between an open state and a closed state. When attaching or detaching the storage tank 70 containing coolant liquid, the user moves the front lower cover 25 forward. On the other hand, when performing machining, the user slides the front lower cover 25 backward. This closes the second storage space A2.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cutting machine 10 includes a carriage 38, a Y-axis movement mechanism 56, a Z-axis movement mechanism 57, a tool magazine 40, a clamp 50, an X-axis movement mechanism 58, a storage tank 70, and a control device 90. The Y-axis movement mechanism 56, the Z-axis movement mechanism 57, and the X-axis movement mechanism 58 constitute a movement mechanism 52 that moves the clamp 50 and the gripping part 32 (described later) relative to the workpiece 5. As shown in Figure 2, the carriage 38 is positioned above the machining chamber 19. The carriage 38 is equipped with a spindle 30 and a liquid discharge nozzle 36. As shown in Figure 3, the spindle 30 penetrates the upper wall 17S of the compartment in the Z-axis direction. The tool magazine 40 and the clamp 50 are located inside the machining chamber 19. As shown in Figure 2, the X-axis movement mechanism 58 is located in the first storage space A1. The storage tank 70 is detachably located in the second storage space A2.

[0023] The carriage 38 is provided to be movable in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The carriage 38 comprises a first carriage 38A and a second carriage 38B. The first carriage 38A is supported by a pair of first guide shafts 39A extending in the Y-axis direction. The first carriage 38A is moved in the Y-axis direction by a Y-axis direction movement mechanism 56 (see Figure 3). The configuration of the Y-axis direction movement mechanism 56 is not particularly limited, but for example, it includes a motor and a screw feed mechanism. The left end of the first guide shaft 39A is connected to the left wall 14. The right end of the first guide shaft 39A penetrates the right wall 15S of the compartment and is connected to the right wall 15. The second carriage 38B is supported by a pair of second guide shafts 39B extending in the Z-axis direction. The second carriage 38B is moved in the Z-axis direction by a Z-axis direction movement mechanism 57 (see Figure 3). The configuration of the Z-axis movement mechanism 57 is not particularly limited, but like the Y-axis movement mechanism 56, it includes, for example, a motor and a screw feed mechanism. The second guide shaft 39B is provided on the first carriage 38A. Therefore, when the first carriage 38A moves in the Y-axis direction, the second carriage 38B also moves in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis movement mechanism 56 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57 are electrically connected to a control device 90 (see Figure 1) and are controlled by the control device 90.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the spindle 30 is mounted on the second carriage 38B. The spindle 30 moves in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system as the carriage 38 moves. More specifically, the spindle 30 moves in the Z-axis direction as the second carriage 38B moves, and moves in the Y-axis direction as the first carriage 38A moves. The spindle 30 rotatably supports the cutting tool 6 (also called a milling bar) or the dummy pin 7. In Figure 2, the state in which the dummy pin 7 is supported is illustrated. When the cutting tool 6 is gripped by the spindle 30, the spindle 30 rotates the cutting tool 6 to cut the workpiece 5. Unlike the cutting tool 6, the dummy pin 7 is not used when cutting the workpiece 5, and is a pin that does not cut the workpiece 5. The dummy pin 7 is basically held in place except when the cutting tool 6 is being gripped. The cutting tool 6 and dummy pin 7 are gripped on the spindle 30 so that their axial directions coincide with the Z-axis direction when gripped. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area near the lower end of the spindle 30. As shown in Figure 5, the spindle 30 comprises a gripping portion 32 (e.g., a collet chuck), a rotating portion 34, and a sealing portion 35 (see also Figure 2). The sealing portion 35 is cylindrical in shape. The sealing portion 35 extends in the vertical direction. The rotating portion 34 is provided at the lower end of the sealing portion 35. The rotating portion 34 rotates relative to the sealing portion 35. The radial length of the dummy pin 7 around its axis is length D1 (see Figure 8).

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, a gripping portion 32 is provided at the lower end of the rotating portion 34. The gripping portion 32 is located inside the machining chamber 19. The gripping portion 32 rotates together with the rotating portion 34. The gripping portion 32 grips either the cutting tool 6 or the dummy pin 7. The gripping portion 32 and the rotating portion 34 constitute the base portion of the spindle 30 that rotatably supports the cutting tool 6 or the dummy pin 7. The gripping portion 32 supports (gripping) the upper part of the cutting tool 6 or dummy pin 7 in the Z-axis direction, which is the axial direction. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the gripping portion 32 grips the shank portion 7a located at the upper part of the dummy pin 7 in the axial direction. The shank portion 7a is the part above the tool holder 8, which will be described later, in the Z-axis direction. When the first carriage 38A moves in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis direction movement mechanism 56 shown in Figure 3, the gripping portion 32 of the spindle 30 moves in the Y-axis direction inside the machining chamber 19. Similarly, when the second carriage 38B moves in the Z-axis direction by the Z-axis movement mechanism 57, the gripping portion 32 of the spindle 30 moves in the Z-axis direction inside the machining chamber 19. Therefore, the relative position of the gripping portion 32 with respect to the workpiece 5 changes due to the Y-axis movement mechanism 56 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57.

[0026] The rotating part 34 rotates the cutting tool 6 or dummy pin 7 supported by the gripping part 32. The rotating part 34 is located inside the machining chamber 19. A spindle motor 61 is connected to the rotating part 34. The rotating part 34 and the spindle motor 61 constitute the rotating mechanism of the present invention. The spindle motor 61 is electrically connected to a control device 90 and controlled by the control device 90. When the spindle motor 61 is driven, the rotating part 34 rotates around the Z axis θ Z It rotates. As the rotating part 34 rotates, the cutting tool 6 or dummy pin 7 rotates along the gripping part 32 around the Z axis θ. Z It rotates.

[0027] Here, as shown in Figure 5, the dummy pin 7 is gripped with the tool holder 8 attached. The tool holder 8 plays a role in determining the position of the dummy pin 7 relative to the gripping part 32 in order to properly attach the dummy pin 7 to the gripping part 32. The tool holder 8 is mounted at a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction of the dummy pin 7. In this embodiment, the tool holder 8 is mounted at approximately the midpoint in the Z-axis direction of the dummy pin 7. The dummy pin 7 is inserted into the gripping part 32 until the upper surface of the tool holder 8 contacts the gripping part 32. At this time, the shank portion 7a is inserted into the gripping part 32 and gripped. By mounting the tool holder 8 at the appropriate position in the axial direction of the dummy pin 7, the gripping part 32 can properly grip the dummy pin 7. The rotating part 34 rotates around the Z axis θ Z When rotated, the tool holder 8, together with the dummy pin 7, moves around the Z-axis θ Z It rotates. In this embodiment, the tool holder 8 is configured as a stepped cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the tool holder 8 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be configured as a cylindrical shape without a step, or it may be a retaining ring such as an E-ring. Similarly, when the cutting tool 6 (see Figure 2) is gripped by the gripping part 32, the tool holder 8 is attached to the cutting tool 6. The radial length of the tool holder 8 is length D2 (see Figure 8). In this embodiment, the radial length of the tool holder 8 differs depending on the position in the Z-axis direction, but here, length D2 is the length of the longest part of the radial length of the tool holder 8.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is provided on the spindle 30. The liquid discharge nozzle 36 is positioned to the side of the rotating part 34 of the spindle 30. When the carriage 38 is moved by the Y-axis movement mechanism 56 (see Figure 3) and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57 (see Figure 3), the liquid discharge nozzle 36 moves together with the spindle 30 in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. Therefore, the relative position of the liquid discharge nozzle 36 with respect to the workpiece 5 (see Figure 2) changes due to the Y-axis movement mechanism 56 and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57. In this embodiment, a total of four liquid discharge nozzles 36 are arranged in the front, back, left, and right of the rotating part 34 (in Figure 5, the liquid discharge nozzle 36 located behind the rotating part 34 is omitted from the illustration). However, the arrangement position and number of liquid discharge nozzles 36 are not particularly limited. As shown in Figure 2, the discharge port of the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is positioned above the dummy pin 7 (or cutting tool 6 if a cutting tool 6 is held by the gripping portion 32) gripped by the gripping portion 32. The liquid discharge nozzle 36 typically discharges coolant liquid toward the cutting tool 6 and / or workpiece 5 held by the gripping portion 32. The liquid discharge nozzle 36 is an example of a liquid discharge portion in the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is connected to the supply port 70S of the storage tank 70 via a liquid supply passage 36S. The configuration of the liquid supply passage 36S is not particularly limited, but for example, it is a deformable tube made of resin. A liquid pump 37 is located in the middle of the liquid supply passage 36S. The liquid pump 37 supplies coolant liquid from the storage tank 70 to the liquid discharge nozzle 36. The liquid pump 37 is controlled by a control device 90. The liquid supply passage 36S includes a first supply passage 36SA connecting the liquid discharge nozzle 36 and the liquid transfer pump 37, and a second supply passage 36SB connecting the liquid transfer pump 37 and the supply port 70S. The first supply passage 36SA penetrates the rear wall 16S of the first compartment and is connected to the liquid discharge nozzle 36 via the spindle 30. The second supply passage 36SB penetrates the rear wall 28 of the second compartment. The second supply passage 36SB is configured to be connectable to the supply port 70S.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50. Figure 7 is a front view of the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50. The tool magazine 40 is capable of storing multiple cutting tools 6. The tool magazine 40 is located between the clamp 50 and the X-axis movement mechanism 58 (see Figure 2) and is positioned inside the machining chamber 19. The tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 are moved in the X-axis direction by the X-axis movement mechanism 58. As shown in Figure 6, the tool magazine 40 comprises a first section 40A for storing cutting tools 6, a second section 40B located behind the first section 40A and connected to the axis 58A, and a third section 40C located behind the second section 40B. The first section 40A of the tool magazine 40 has multiple (in this case, six) tool storage holes 42 for storing cutting tools 6. The cutting tools 6 are inserted into the tool storage holes 42 with their upper parts exposed. When changing the cutting tool 6, the cutting tool 6, which is held by the gripping portion 32 (see Figure 5) of the spindle 30 (see Figure 5), is returned to the tool storage hole 42. Then, the spindle 30 is moved to a position above the cutting tool 6 to be used next, and the gripping portion 32 supports the upper end of the cutting tool 6 which is located below the gripping portion 32. A dummy pin storage hole 43 is formed in the third portion 40C of the tool magazine 40. The dummy pin storage hole 43 has a circular shape in plan view. The dummy pin 7 (see Figure 2) is inserted into the dummy pin storage hole 43 with its upper part exposed. When the dummy pin 7 is not used, the dummy pin 7, which is held by the gripping portion 32 of the spindle 30, is returned to the dummy pin storage hole 43. In this embodiment, the length of the dummy pin storage hole 43 in the Z-axis direction is shorter than the length of the tool storage hole 42 in the Z-axis direction. However, the shape of the dummy pin storage hole 43 is not limited to this. The tool storage hole 42 and the dummy pin storage hole 43 are examples of storage holes in the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the spindle 30 and the dummy pin storage hole 43. In FIG. 8, the cross-section of the dummy pin storage hole 43 is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the dummy pin storage hole 43 has a first hole 43a with a length D3 in the radial direction around the axis of the dummy pin 7 and a second hole 43b with a length D4 in the radial direction around the axis of the dummy pin 7. The first hole 43a is an example of the first part in the present invention. The second hole 43b is an example of the second part in the present invention. The second hole 43b is connected above the first hole 43a. The radial length D3 of the first hole 43a is slightly longer than the radial length D1 of the dummy pin 7 and shorter than the radial length D2 of the tool holder 8. Therefore, the dummy pin 7 can be housed inside the first hole 43a in the radial direction, but the tool holder 8 cannot be housed inside the first hole 43a in the radial direction. However, a portion of the tool holder 8 having a radial length shorter than D2 may be housed inside the first hole 43a. The radial length D4 of the second hole 43b is slightly longer than the radial length D2 of the tool holder 8. Therefore, the tool holder 8 can be housed inside the second hole 43b in the radial direction. The dummy pin storage hole 43 penetrates from the upper surface 40U to the lower surface 40D of the tool magazine 40 in the Z-axis direction by the first hole 43a and the second hole 43b. However, the dummy pin storage hole 43 may not penetrate the tool magazine 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, inside the shaft 58A, a rotating shaft 44 for rotatably supporting the clamp 50 is provided. The rotating shaft 44 extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the clamp 50 and the X-axis direction moving mechanism 58 (see FIG. 2). A drive motor 44A is provided on the rotating shaft 44. The drive motor 44A is an example of the drive unit in the present invention. The drive motor 44A is electrically connected to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90. The rotating shaft 44 is configured to be rotatable about the Y-axis by θ by the drive motor 44A. Y Since the rotating shaft 44 supports the clamp 50, the drive motor 44A rotates the rotating shaft 44 about the Y-axis by θ, Y thereby rotating the clamp 50 about the Y-axis by θ.Y It is rotated in a certain direction. The rotation axis 44 is configured to rotate independently of the axis 58A. That is, the rotation axis 44 rotates around the Y axis θ Y Even when rotated, axis 58A is θ around the Y axis. Y It does not rotate.

[0032] The X-axis movement mechanism 58 is a mechanism that moves the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 in the X-axis direction within the machining chamber 19. As shown in Figure 2, the X-axis movement mechanism 58 is located to the right of the tool magazine 40. The X-axis movement mechanism 58 has an axis 58A that extends in the Y-axis direction. The axis 58A penetrates the right wall 15S of the compartment. Part of the axis 58A (the right portion) is located in the second storage space A2, and the other part of the axis 58A (the left portion) is located in the machining chamber 19. The clamp 50 and the tool magazine 40 are provided at the left end of the axis 58A. The configuration of the X-axis movement mechanism 58 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may include a motor and a screw feed mechanism. The X-axis movement mechanism 58 is electrically connected to a control device 90 (see Figure 1) and controlled by the control device 90.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the clamp 50 is a member that detachably holds the adapter 9. Here, the clamp 50 holds the workpiece 5 to be machined by the cutting tool 6 via the adapter 9. The clamp 50 is housed inside the machining chamber 19. The clamp 50 is an example of a holding member according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the workpiece 5 is machined while the clamp 50 holds the workpiece 5 via the adapter 9. However, the clamp 50 may also be configured to directly hold the workpiece 5. The clamp 50 has a plurality of insertion holes 50A (see Figure 7). Here, three insertion holes 50A are arranged in the front-to-back direction. The connecting pins 9B of the adapter 9 (see Figure 4) are inserted into the insertion holes 50A. The connecting pins 9B inserted into the insertion holes 50A are fixed to the clamp 50 by screws 50B. The clamp 50 is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction together with the tool magazine 40 by an X-axis movement mechanism 58. Note that the clamp 50 moves around the Y-axis θ YEven when rotated, the tool magazine 40 rotates θ around the Y axis. Y It does not rotate.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the storage tank 70 recovers the coolant liquid discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36. Here, the coolant liquid discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 flows from the machining chamber 19 through the drain port 27H into the second storage space A2. That is, the storage tank 70 recovers the coolant liquid via the drain port 27H. The storage tank 70 is detachably positioned at a predetermined location in the second storage space A2. The storage tank 70 is located below the drain port 27H. The storage tank 70 comprises a storage case 72 and a supply port 70S. The storage case 72 is formed in a box shape with an open top. Although not shown in the figure, a filter or the like for separating cutting chips and the like mixed in with the coolant liquid may be provided inside the storage case 72. The supply port 70S is located at the rear of the storage case 72. The supply port 70S extends in the front-rear direction. The supply port 70S is connected to the second supply channel 36SB of the liquid supply channel 36S. The supply port 70S supplies the coolant liquid in the storage case 72 to the liquid discharge nozzle 36.

[0035] The control device 90 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a computer. The control device 90 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions for a control program, a ROM (read-only memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU, a RAM (random access memory) used as a working area for expanding programs, and a recording medium such as memory that stores various data. The control device 90 may be configured to perform control related to cutting processes using, for example, a program stored in the ROM. In this example, the control device 90 is located at the rear of the case body 12. However, part or all of the control device 90 may be located outside the case body 12.

[0036] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the cutting machine 10. As shown in Figure 9, the control device 90 is connected to the spindle motor 61, the drive motor 44A, the fluid supply pump 37, the Y-axis movement mechanism 56, the Z-axis movement mechanism 57, and the X-axis movement mechanism 58, and controls their operation. The control device 90 includes a time measurement unit 91, a determination unit 92, a time extension unit 93, a first rotation control unit 94, a discharge control unit 95, a first movement control unit 96, a second movement control unit 97, a second rotation control unit 98, and a third movement control unit 99. Each of the parts 91 to 99 of the control device 90 may be configured by software or by hardware. For example, each of the parts 91 to 99 of the control device 90 may be performed by one or more processors or incorporated into a circuit. Details of the control of each of the parts 91 to 99 of the control device 90 will be described later.

[0037] Here, when the workpiece 5 is cut by the cutting machine 10 shown in Figure 2, coolant liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36. When the workpiece 5 is cut while the coolant liquid is being discharged, the coolant liquid mixed with cutting chips from the workpiece 5 is scattered and adheres to the inside of the machining chamber 19. After the cutting of the workpiece 5 is completed and time has passed, the scattered coolant liquid dries, and the material of the workpiece 5 precipitates and solidifies. Alternatively, substances contained in the coolant liquid (for example, magnesium or calcium dissolved in the water contained in the coolant liquid) precipitate and solidify. For example, if the material of the workpiece 5 or substances contained in the coolant liquid solidify on parts such as the rotating part 34 or the shaft 58A, the rotation of the rotating part 34 or the shaft 58A may be hindered. Furthermore, if substances contained in the material of the workpiece 5 or the coolant fluid adhere to the inside of the machining chamber 19 or to parts placed inside the machining chamber 19, the movement of the cutting tool 6 (dummy pin 7) and clamp 50 by the Y-axis movement mechanism 56, the Z-axis movement mechanism 57, and the X-axis movement mechanism 58 may be hindered.

[0038] The inventors of this application considered that preventing the coolant liquid adhering to the inside of the machining chamber 19 from drying out would prevent the precipitation of materials from the workpiece 5 and substances contained in the coolant liquid. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coolant liquid is discharged into the machining chamber 19 at predetermined time intervals, separate from the cutting process, to prevent the precipitation of materials from the workpiece 5 and substances contained in the coolant liquid. In the following description, the operation of discharging the coolant liquid into the machining chamber 19, separate from the cutting process, will be referred to as flushing.

[0039] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for performing periodic flushing. The flowchart in Figure 10 will be explained in detail along with a detailed explanation of each part 91 to 99 (see Figure 9) of the control device 90. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the dummy pin 7 (see Figure 2) is being held by the gripping part 32 (see Figure 2), as shown in Figure 2.

[0040] In step S101 shown in Figure 10, the time measurement unit 91 (see Figure 9) measures a predetermined time interval. In this embodiment, the predetermined time interval is 12 hours. However, the predetermined time interval is not limited to this. The predetermined time interval may be set in advance by the user, for example. The time measurement unit 91 measures time while the power to the cutting machine 10 is turned on. For example, even if cutting is performed on the workpiece 5 during the predetermined time interval, the time measurement unit 91 continues to measure. When the predetermined time has been measured by the time measurement unit 91 (in this case, when 12 hours have elapsed), the process proceeds to step S102. Step S101 is an example of a time measurement process according to the present invention.

[0041] In step S102, the determination unit 92 (see Figure 9) determines whether the cutting machine 10 is able to start discharging coolant liquid from the liquid discharge nozzle 36. That is, it determines whether the cutting machine 10 is in a flushing-ready state. The conditions for determination by the determination unit 92 are predetermined by the user, for example. A flushing-ready state for the cutting machine 10 includes, for example, a state in which the opening 18P is closed by the front upper cover 20 shown in Figure 2, or a state in which the rotating part 34 of the spindle 30 is not rotating, which are relatively safe states for the user. Also, the cutting machine 10 is not in a flushing-ready state while it is performing cutting on the workpiece 5. However, the conditions for determination by the determination unit 92 are not limited to these. The conditions for determination by the determination unit 92 may be one, or a combination of multiple conditions. The cutting machine 10 may also be equipped with sensors to detect temperature, pressure, etc., and the results detected by these sensors may be used for determination by the determination unit 92. In step S102 shown in Figure 10, if it is determined that the cutting machine 10 is not in a state where it can be flushed, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S102, if it is determined that the cutting machine 10 is in a state where it can be flushed, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0042] In step S103, the time extension unit 93 (see Figure 9) extends a predetermined time interval. Here, the time extension unit 93 extends the predetermined time interval by 30 minutes. As described above, in this embodiment, the predetermined time interval is 12 hours, so when the time extension unit 93 performs the time extension, the predetermined time interval becomes 12 hours and 30 minutes. When the time is extended by the time extension unit 93, the process returns to step S101. Therefore, when the time extension unit 93 performs the time extension, the time measurement unit 91 measures a time interval of 12 hours and 30 minutes (i.e., 30 minutes after step S103 is executed for the first time). When the time measurement unit 91 has measured 12 hours and 30 minutes, the determination unit 92 performs the determination again (step S102). If it is determined that the device is not in a flushable state when the extended time interval has elapsed, the time extension unit 93 extends the time interval again. The length of time extended by the time extension unit 93 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, if the predetermined time interval is extended two or more times by the time extension unit 93, the length of the extended time does not have to be the same each time.

[0043] In step S104, the cutting machine 10 is flushed. At this time, the spindle 30 is moved in advance by the Y-axis movement mechanism 56 (see Figure 3) and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57 (see Figure 3) so that the dummy pin 7 shown in Figure 2 is positioned above and to the left of the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50. Step S104 includes steps S104a, S104b, S104c, and S104d. Step S104 is an example of the discharge process according to the present invention.

[0044] In step S104a (see Figure 10), the first rotation control unit 94 shown in Figure 9 drives the spindle motor 61. This causes the rotating part 34 to rotate, and the dummy pin 7 (see Figure 5) to rotate around its axis. When the dummy pin 7 is rotating, the discharge control unit 95 drives the liquid supply pump 37 to discharge coolant liquid from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 onto the dummy pin 7. Figure 11A is a front view of the area around the rotating part 34 when the coolant liquid is being discharged. As shown in Figure 11A, the coolant liquid CL is discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 towards the rotating dummy pin 7. The discharged coolant liquid CL collides with the rotating dummy pin 7, spreading radially around the dummy pin 7 and splashing downwards. At this time, the coolant liquid CL spills into the machining chamber 19. Here, in the following steps S104b and S104c, it is assumed that the coolant liquid CL is also discharged onto the rotating dummy pin 7.

[0045] In step S104b shown in Figure 10, the first movement control unit 96 (see Figure 9) moves the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 (see Figure 11A) in the Y-axis direction inside the machining chamber 19 (see Figure 11A) using the Y-axis direction movement mechanism 56 (see Figure 9). Here, as shown in Figure 11A, the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 are moved to the right until the dummy pin 7 is positioned approximately directly above the clamp 50. The discharge control unit 95 (see Figure 9) discharges coolant liquid CL from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 while the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is being moved by the first movement control unit 96. Because the coolant liquid CL is discharged while the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is moving, the area over which the coolant liquid CL is sprayed in a shower-like manner is moved in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the coolant liquid CL covers the tool magazine 40, the clamp 50, and the inside of the machining chamber 19. The distance and speed of movement when the first movement control unit 96 moves the first carriage 38A are not particularly limited. In Figure 11A, arrows are shown indicating that the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 move to the right, but the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 may also move to the left.

[0046] In step S104c (see Figure 10), the first movement control unit 96 (see Figure 9) moves the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 further to the right inside the machining chamber 19. The second movement control unit 97 (see Figure 9) moves the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 in the X-axis direction inside the machining chamber 19 using the X-axis movement mechanism 58 (see Figure 9). The second rotation control unit 98 (see Figure 9) controls the drive motor 44A to move the clamp 50 around the Y-axis θ Y The coolant liquid CL is discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 when the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 are moved by the first movement control unit 96, the clamp 50 is moved by the second movement control unit 97, and the clamp 50 is rotated by the second rotation control unit 98. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the spindle 30, liquid discharge nozzle 36, tool magazine 40 and clamp 50, and the rotation of the clamp 50. As shown in Figure 11B, the coolant liquid CL is discharged when the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 are moving in the Y-axis direction, so the coolant liquid CL adheres to the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 along the Y-axis direction. Also, the coolant liquid CL is discharged when the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 are moving in the X-axis direction, so the coolant liquid CL adheres to the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 along the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the clamp 50 rotates around the Y-axis θ Y As the coolant liquid CL is discharged while it is rotating, the clamp 50 rotates around the Y axis θ YCoolant liquid CL is applied to the surface along the line. In step S104b, the splashed coolant liquid CL also adheres to the inside of the machining chamber 19. The distance and speed of movement when the first movement control unit 96 moves the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36, and the distance and speed of movement when the second movement control unit 97 moves the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 are not particularly limited. The amount of rotation and rotational speed of the rotation axis 44 when the second rotation control unit 98 rotates the clamp 50 are also not particularly limited. In addition, although arrows are shown in Figure 11B indicating that the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 move to the right, the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 may also be moved to the left. In Figure 11B, arrows are shown indicating that the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 move forward, but the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 may also be moved backward. In Figure 11B, the clamp 50 is rotating in a clockwise direction when viewed from the left, but the direction of rotation of the clamp 50 may be reversed.

[0047] In step S104d (see Figure 10), the third movement control unit 99 (see Figure 9) moves the gripping unit 32 inside the machining chamber 19 using the Y-axis movement mechanism 56 (see Figure 9) and the Z-axis movement mechanism 57 (see Figure 9) so that at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 is housed in the first hole 43a (see Figure 11C) of the dummy pin housing hole 43, and at least a portion of the tool holder 8 is housed in the second hole 43b (see Figure 11C). In this embodiment, the third movement control unit 99 also moves the tool magazine 40 using the X-axis movement mechanism 58. Before moving the gripping unit 32, the third movement control unit 99 stops the rotation of the rotating unit 34. The discharge control unit 95 (see Figure 9) discharges coolant liquid CL from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 to the dummy pin 7 when at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 is positioned inside the dummy pin housing hole 43, as directed by the third movement control unit 99. Figure 11C is a partial cross-sectional view of the area around the dummy pin 7 when the gripping portion 32 is moved by the third movement control unit 99. Figure 11C also shows a cross-section of the tool magazine 40. As shown in Figure 11C, at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 is housed in the first hole 43a of the dummy pin housing hole 43, and at least a portion of the tool holder 8 is housed in the second hole 43b. At this time, a portion of the radially inward area of ​​the second hole 43b is blocked by the tool holder 8. Because a portion of the dummy pin 7 is housed in the first hole 43a of the dummy pin housing hole 43, when coolant liquid CL is discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 toward the dummy pin 7, a portion of the coolant liquid CL hits the upper surface 40U of the tool magazine 40 and bounces upward. The bounced coolant liquid CL comes into contact with the gripping portion 32 and the rotating portion 34. That is, the coolant liquid CL comes into contact with the base of the spindle 30. Furthermore, if the distance between the outer diameter of the dummy pin 7 and the inner diameter of the first hole 43a is relatively wide, and the distance between the outer diameter of the tool holder 8 and the inner diameter of the second hole 43b is also relatively wide, the dummy pin 7 and the tool holder 8 may be housed in the first hole 43a and the second hole 43b, respectively, while they are rotated around their axes.

[0048] The order of each step S104a to S104d (see Figure 10) included in step S104 is not particularly limited. For example, step S104d may be performed before step S104a. Also, each step S104a to S104d included in step S104 may be performed multiple times. For example, after step S104d is executed, steps S104a to S104c may be executed, and then step S104d may be executed again.

[0049] As described above, the travel distance of the spindle 30, liquid discharge nozzle 36, tool magazine 40, and clamp 50 in step S104 is not particularly limited. Also, the amount of rotation of the clamp 50 in step S104c is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of applying coolant liquid CL to a wider area of ​​the machining chamber 19 and the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50, it is preferable that in step S104, the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 move over the entire range from the left end to the right end in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, it is preferable that the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 move over the entire range from the rear end to the front end in the X-axis direction. Similarly, it is preferable that the clamp 50 moves around the Y-axis θ Y It is preferable to rotate it at least once. In addition, in step S104, the spindle 30 and the liquid discharge nozzle 36 may be moved in the Z-axis direction by the Z-axis direction movement mechanism 57.

[0050] In step S105 shown in Figure 10, the time measurement unit 91 (see Figure 9) resets the time that was being measured. Once the time has been reset, the flowchart in Figure 10 ends. After the flowchart ends, the time measurement unit 91 starts measuring time again, and the flow starts again from step S101. Therefore, flushing is performed at predetermined time intervals.

[0051] As described above, according to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, when the time measured by the time measurement unit 91 has elapsed at a predetermined time interval (in this case, 12 hours), the discharge control unit 95 discharges the coolant liquid CL. Since the coolant liquid CL is discharged into the machining chamber 19 periodically, the inside of the machining chamber 19 is kept wet with the coolant liquid CL. In other words, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the inside of the machining chamber 19 is suppressed. As a result, the deposition and adhesion of materials from the workpiece 5 and substances contained in the coolant liquid CL to the inside of the machining chamber 19 and to the gripping unit 32, tool magazine 40, clamp 50, etc., located inside the machining chamber 19 is suppressed. Therefore, when the workpiece 5 or gripping unit 32 is moved by the moving mechanism 52, movement failures are suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, when cutting is performed in the cutting machine 10, cutting chips from the workpiece 5 may scatter and adhere to the inside of the processing chamber 19. As in this embodiment, by periodically discharging coolant liquid CL, the cutting chips that adhere to the inside of the processing chamber 19 can be washed away.

[0053] According to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, the discharge control unit 95 discharges coolant liquid CL when the dummy pin 7 is rotating due to the first rotation control unit 94. As shown in Figure 11A, the coolant liquid CL that collides with the rotating dummy pin 7 spreads radially along the dummy pin 7 and also scatters downward. This allows the coolant liquid CL to cover a wider area inside the machining chamber 19. Therefore, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the inside of the machining chamber 19 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0054] According to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, the discharge control unit 95 discharges coolant liquid CL from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 when the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is being moved by the first movement control unit 96. As a result, as shown in Figure 11A, the coolant liquid CL can be applied to a wider area inside the machining chamber 19. Therefore, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the inside of the machining chamber 19 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0055] According to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, the discharge control unit 95 discharges coolant liquid CL from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 when the liquid discharge nozzle 36 is moving due to the second movement control unit 97. The discharge control unit 95 also discharges coolant liquid CL from the liquid discharge nozzle 36 when the clamp 50 is rotating due to the second rotation control unit 98. This allows the coolant liquid CL to be applied to a wider area of ​​the clamp 50. Therefore, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the clamp 50 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0056] According to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, the discharge control unit 95, in accordance with the third movement control unit 99, causes the dummy pin 7 to discharge coolant liquid CL when at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 is located inside the dummy pin storage hole 43. At this time, as shown in Figure 11C, a portion of the coolant liquid CL hits the upper surface 40U of the tool magazine 40 and splashes upward, so that the coolant liquid CL can be applied to the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34. Therefore, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0057] In the cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment, the third movement control unit 99 moves the gripping part 32 such that at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 is housed in the first hole 43a of the dummy pin housing hole 43, and at least a portion of the tool holder 8 is housed in the second hole 43b. Since a portion of the radially inner area of ​​the second hole 43b is blocked by the tool holder 8, the amount of coolant liquid CL flowing downward through the second hole 43b is relatively small. This allows more coolant liquid CL to be bounced upward. Furthermore, since the distance in the Z-axis direction between the dummy pin housing hole 43 and the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34 is relatively close, the coolant liquid CL bounced off the upper surface 40U of the tool magazine 40 is more likely to come into contact with the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34. Therefore, the drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34 can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, since the second hole 43b is located above the first hole 43a, when coolant liquid CL is discharged toward the dummy pin 7 with at least a portion of the dummy pin 7 housed in the first hole 43a and at least a portion of the tool holder 8 housed in the second hole 43b, the coolant liquid CL heading toward the dummy pin 7 will come into contact with the tool holder 8. Therefore, drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the tool holder 8 can also be suppressed.

[0058] In the cutting machine 10 according to this embodiment, the dummy pin storage hole 43 is provided in the tool magazine 40. Therefore, coolant liquid CL can be applied to the gripping part 32 and the rotating part 34 using the dummy pin storage hole 43 provided in the tool magazine 40. This eliminates the need to provide a separate storage hole for flushing. Thus, the increase in the number of parts of the cutting machine 10 can be suppressed.

[0059] According to the cutting machine 10 of this embodiment, if the determination unit 92 determines that the cutting machine 10 is not in a state where it can flush, the time extension unit 93 extends a predetermined time interval for flushing. After the extended predetermined time interval has elapsed, flushing is performed. Therefore, even if flushing cannot be performed when the predetermined time interval has elapsed, if the cutting machine 10 is in a state where it can flush after the extended time interval has elapsed, flushing will be performed. For example, a user may want to change the cutting tool 6 and perform cutting immediately. If the user opens the front upper cover 20 (see Figure 2) (in a state where flushing is not possible) and changes the cutting tool 6, and a predetermined time interval has elapsed, if the predetermined time interval is not extended by the time extension unit 93, flushing may start as soon as the machine becomes in a state where it can flush, and cutting may not be performed. In this way, the extension of the predetermined time interval by the time extension unit 93 can improve user convenience. Alternatively, for example, when a user is working with the front upper cover 20 open, the user does not necessarily have to interrupt their work just because the predetermined time interval is approaching. Even if the predetermined time interval elapses during the work, flushing will be performed after the extended time interval has elapsed. The user does not necessarily have to keep the cutting machine 10 in a flushing-ready state when the predetermined time interval is approaching, thus improving user convenience.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the cutting machine 10A (see Figure 12) according to another embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 11C in the cutting machine 10A according to the other embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for components that are the same as those already described, and their explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, in the cutting machine 10A, the tool holder 8 (see Figure 11C) is not attached to the dummy pin 7. The length of the gripping portion 32 in the radial direction around the axis of the dummy pin 7 is length D5. The radial length D4 of the second hole 43b of the dummy pin housing hole 43 is slightly longer than length D5. The third movement control unit 99 (see Figure 9) moves the gripping portion 32 inside the machining chamber 19 so that at least a part of the dummy pin 7 is housed in the first hole 43a and at least a part of the gripping portion 32 is housed in the second hole 43b.

[0062] In the cutting machine 10A according to another embodiment, a portion of the radially inner region of the second hole 43b is blocked by the gripping portion 32, so the amount of coolant liquid CL flowing downward through the second hole 43b is relatively small. As a result, as in the embodiment described above, more coolant liquid CL can be bounced upward. Furthermore, because the distance in the Z-axis direction between the dummy pin storage hole 43 and the rotating portion 34 is relatively close, the coolant liquid CL bounced off the upper surface 40U of the tool magazine 40 is likely to come into contact with the rotating portion 34. Also, because the gripping portion 32 is housed in the second hole 43b, the coolant liquid CL discharged toward the dummy pin 7 comes into contact with the gripping portion 32. Therefore, as in the embodiment described above, drying of the coolant liquid CL adhering to the gripping portion 32 and the rotating portion 34 can be suppressed. The same applies when a cutting tool 6 (see Figure 2) is used instead of the dummy pin 7.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, a dummy pin 7 was held in the gripping portion 32 when flushing was performed, but the invention is not limited to this. A cutting tool 6 may also be held in the gripping portion 32 when flushing is performed. When flushing is performed using a cutting tool 6, the tool storage hole 42 may be used instead of the dummy pin storage hole 43.

[0065] In each of the embodiments described above, step S104b involves the movement of the spindle 30 and the liquid discharge nozzle 36 in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the tool magazine 40 and the clamp 50 in the X-axis direction, and the movement of the clamp 50 around the Y-axis θ Y The rotations were performed simultaneously, but these controls do not have to be performed at the same time. For example, the movement of the spindle 30 and liquid discharge nozzle 36 in the Y-axis direction, the movement of the tool magazine 40 and clamp 50 in the X-axis direction, and the movement of the clamp 50 around the Y-axis θ Y The rotation and other actions may be performed at different timings, and any two of the above controls may be performed simultaneously.

[0066] In the embodiments described above, step S104 included steps S104a to S104d, but step S104 may perform only a portion of steps S104a to S104d. However, from the viewpoint of applying the coolant liquid CL to a wider area inside the processing chamber 19, it is preferable that all of steps S104a to S104d be performed.

[0067] In the embodiments described above, as shown in Figure 11C, the dummy pin housing hole 43 had a first hole 43a and a second hole 43b having different radial lengths, but is not limited to this. For example, the first hole 43a may penetrate from the upper surface 40U to the lower surface 40D of the tool magazine 40 in the Z-axis direction. In this case, a portion of the radially inner region of the first hole 43a is blocked by the dummy pin 7, so the amount of coolant liquid CL flowing downward through the first hole 43a can be relatively reduced. Therefore, as in the embodiments described above, more coolant liquid CL can be bounced upward.

[0068] Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments are not limiting to the present invention. For example, the cutting machine does not have to be a dental cutting machine for producing dental molded products. The workpiece does not have to be held by the cutting machine via an adapter, but may be held directly by the cutting machine. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 5 Workpiece 6 Cutting Tools 7 Dummy pins 10 Cutting machine 19 Processing room 32 Gripping part 36. Liquid dispensing nozzle (liquid dispensing section) 50 Clamp (holding member) 52 Moving mechanism 90 Control device 91 Time Measurement Unit 95 Discharge control unit CL Coolant

Claims

1. A holding member for holding the workpiece, A processing chamber in which the holding member is housed and the workpiece is processed, A gripping portion is positioned in the machining chamber and selectively grips either a cutting tool for machining the workpiece or a dummy pin that does not cut the workpiece. A moving mechanism for moving the holding member and / or the gripping portion relative to the workpiece to be cut, A liquid discharge unit for discharging coolant into the processing chamber, The system includes a control device for controlling the liquid discharge unit, The control device is A time measurement unit that measures predetermined time intervals, A cutting machine comprising: a discharge control unit that discharges the coolant liquid into the processing chamber by the liquid discharge unit when the time measured by the time measurement unit has elapsed at a predetermined time interval.

2. The gripping portion is further provided with a rotation mechanism that rotates the gripping portion around the axis of the cutting tool or dummy pin gripped by the gripping portion, The control device includes a first rotation control unit that rotates the gripping portion around the axis using the rotation mechanism, The cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit discharges the coolant liquid toward the cutting tool or the dummy pin when the cutting tool or the dummy pin is being rotated by the first rotation control unit.

3. The aforementioned moving mechanism is configured to move the liquid discharge unit relative to the workpiece, The control device includes a first movement control unit that moves the liquid discharge unit within the processing chamber by the movement mechanism, The cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit discharges the coolant liquid when the liquid discharge unit is moving by the first movement control unit.

4. The control device includes a second movement control unit that moves the holding member inside the processing chamber using the movement mechanism, The cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit discharges the coolant liquid when the holding member is being moved by the second movement control unit.

5. A rotating shaft that rotatably supports the aforementioned holding member, The system further comprises a drive unit that rotates the holding member around the rotation axis, The control device includes a second rotation control unit that drives the drive unit and rotates the holding member around the rotation axis, The cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit discharges the coolant liquid when the holding member is rotating by the second rotation control unit.

6. The gripping portion further comprises a storage portion that extends in the axial direction of the cutting tool or dummy pin gripped by the gripping portion and houses the cutting tool or dummy pin, and is located inside the processing chamber, The control device includes a third movement control unit that moves the gripping portion within the processing chamber by the movement mechanism such that at least a portion of the cutting tool or the dummy pin is located inside the storage portion. The cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge control unit discharges the coolant liquid toward the cutting tool or the dummy pin when at least a portion of the cutting tool or the dummy pin is positioned inside the storage unit, as controlled by the third movement control unit.

7. The tool holder is further provided, which is mounted at a predetermined position on the cutting tool or the dummy pin with respect to the axial direction and determines the range in which the cutting tool or the dummy pin is gripped by the gripping portion. The gripping portion grips the cutting tool or the dummy pin on one side in the axial direction relative to the tool holder. The aforementioned storage compartment is The first portion has a radial length around the axis of the dummy pin that is longer than the radial length of the cutting tool or the dummy pin, and shorter than the radial length of the tool holder, It comprises a second portion connected to one side of the first portion in the axial direction, the radial length of which is longer than the radial length of the tool holder, The cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein the third movement control unit moves the gripping portion such that at least a portion of the cutting tool or the dummy pin is housed in the first portion and at least a portion of the tool holder is housed in the second portion.

8. The gripping portion grips one side of the cutting tool or the dummy pin in the axial direction, The aforementioned storage compartment is The first portion has a radial length around the axis of the dummy pin that is longer than the radial length of the cutting tool or the dummy pin, and shorter than the radial length of the gripping portion, It comprises a second portion connected to one side of the first portion in the axial direction, the radial length of which is longer than the radial length of the gripping portion, The cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein the third movement control unit moves the gripping portion such that at least a portion of the cutting tool or the dummy pin is housed in the first portion and at least a portion of the gripping portion is housed in the second portion.

9. The tool magazine is further provided, which has a storage hole into which the cutting tool or the dummy pin is inserted, and is located inside the machining chamber. The cutting machine according to claim 6, wherein the storage section is formed by the storage hole.

10. The control device is A determination unit that determines whether or not it is possible to start discharging the coolant liquid from the liquid discharge unit when the time measured by the time measurement unit has elapsed in the predetermined time interval, The cutting machine according to claim 1, further comprising a time extension unit that extends the predetermined time interval when the determination unit determines that it is not possible to start discharging the coolant liquid.

11. A method for discharging coolant in a cutting machine that cuts a workpiece, The aforementioned cutting machine is A holding member for holding the workpiece, A processing chamber in which the holding member is housed and the workpiece is processed, A gripping portion is positioned in the machining chamber and selectively grips either a cutting tool for machining the workpiece or a dummy pin that does not cut the workpiece. A moving mechanism for moving the holding member and / or the gripping portion relative to the workpiece to be cut, The processing chamber is equipped with a liquid discharge section for discharging the coolant liquid, A time measurement process for measuring predetermined time intervals, A method for discharging coolant liquid, comprising a discharge step of discharging the coolant liquid into the processing chamber by the liquid discharge unit when the time measured by the time measurement step has elapsed at a predetermined time interval.

Images