MACHINE TOOL, MACHINE TOOL CONTROL METHOD, AND MACHINE TOOL CONTROL PROGRAM

Abstract

A new technique for detecting anomalies related to sludge is provided. [Solution] A machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant includes a first storage unit for storing coolant containing sludge generated during machining of the workpiece, a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first storage unit into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force, and a control unit for controlling the machine tool. The cyclone filter includes a first outlet pipe for discharging the clean coolant, a second outlet pipe for discharging the dirty coolant, a throttle mechanism for restricting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe, and a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe. The control unit executes a predetermined abnormality handling process when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor falls below a predetermined amount.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a machine tool, a control method for the machine tool, and a control program for the machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2020-040186 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a coolant supply device for use in a machine tool. The coolant supply device includes "a supply pump that supplies coolant from a clean tank to the machine tool, a recovery path that returns coolant from the machine tool to the dirty tank, a cyclone filter that is arranged on a connecting path that sends coolant from the dirty tank to the clean tank and separates the coolant into dirty liquid containing sludge and clean liquid not containing sludge, and discharges the clean liquid through an outlet connected to the clean tank, a container that is connected to the outlet of the dirty liquid in the filter and accumulates sludge, a detection unit that detects the amount of sludge accumulated in the container, and a controller that performs control based on the detection result of the detection unit" (see paragraph

[0008] ).

[0003] The coolant supply device detects the amount of sludge accumulated in a container by using an image obtained by photographing the container in which the sludge is accumulated with a camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-040186 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Since the coolant and sludge are suspended in the container, it is practically difficult to detect the height of the sludge in the container using a camera. Therefore, a new technology for detecting abnormalities related to sludge is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one example of the present disclosure, a machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging a coolant is provided. The machine tool includes a first reservoir for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece, a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first reservoir into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force, and a control unit for controlling the machine tool. The cyclone filter includes a first outlet pipe for discharging the clean coolant, a second outlet pipe for discharging the dirty coolant, a throttle mechanism for restricting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe, and a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe. The control unit executes a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the fact that the flow rate detected by the flow sensor falls below a predetermined amount.

[0007] In one example of the present disclosure, the machine tool further includes a second reservoir for storing the contaminated coolant flowing out of the second outlet pipe, the outlet of the second outlet pipe being piped so as to be immersed in the contaminated coolant stored in the second reservoir.

[0008] In one example of the present disclosure, the machine tool further includes a recovery mechanism for recovering sludge from the contaminated coolant stored in the second reservoir.

[0009] In one example of the present disclosure, the bottom surface of the second storage section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0010] In one example of the present disclosure, the throttling mechanism includes a tapered conduit configured to have an inner diameter that decreases along a direction in which the contaminated coolant flows.

[0011] In one example of the present disclosure, the throttle mechanism includes a plurality of the tapered ducts, each of which is aligned coaxially and connected to one another along a vertical direction.

[0012] In one example of the present disclosure, the predetermined abnormality handling process includes a notification process for notifying that the sludge is clogging the throttling mechanism.

[0013] In another example of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant is provided. The machine tool includes a first reservoir for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece, and a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first reservoir into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force. The cyclone filter includes a first outlet pipe for discharging the clean coolant, a second outlet pipe for discharging the dirty coolant, a throttle mechanism for restricting a flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe, and a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe. The control method includes a step of acquiring the flow rate from the flow sensor, and a step of executing a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the flow rate acquired in the acquiring step falling below a predetermined amount.

[0014] In another example of the present disclosure, a control program for a machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant is provided. The machine tool includes a first storage unit for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece, and a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first storage unit into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force. The cyclone filter includes a first outlet pipe for discharging the clean coolant, a second outlet pipe for discharging the dirty coolant, a throttling mechanism for restricting a flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe, and a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe. The control program causes the machine tool to execute a step of acquiring the flow rate from the flow sensor, and a step of executing a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the flow rate acquired in the acquiring step falling below a predetermined amount.

[0015] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a machine tool. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sludge separation mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an automatic sludge recovery unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a machining area within a machine tool. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining other examples of destinations of the clean coolant. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a throttle mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a drive mechanism in a machine tool. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the operation panel. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for monitoring the abnormality of the cyclone filter. [Figure 11] It is a diagram schematically showing the coolant mechanism in the machine tool according to the modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that each embodiment and each modified example described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0018] <A. Appearance of Machine Tool 100> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the machine tool 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the machine tool 100.

[0019] As used in this specification, the “machine tool” is a concept encompassing various devices having a function of processing a workpiece. The machine tool 100 may be a horizontal machining center or a vertical machining center. Alternatively, the machine tool 100 may be a lathe, or other cutting machines, grinding machines, composite machining machines, 5-axis machining machines, etc. Further, the machine tool 100 is not limited to performing only removal machining, and may perform addition machining in addition to removal machining.

[0020] The machine tool 100 includes, for example, a cover body 130 and an operation panel 200. The cover body 130, also called a splash guard, forms the appearance of the machine tool 100 and partitions the machining area of the workpiece.

[0021] The operation panel 200 is a general-purpose computer and has a display 206 for displaying various pieces of information related to machining. The display 206 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or other display device. Further, the display 206 is provided with a touch panel and accepts various operations on the machine tool 100 by touch operations.

[0022] The machine tool 100 machines a workpiece while discharging coolant into the machining area inside the machine. The coolant used for machining contains sludge. Sludge is fine swarf generated by machining the workpiece. The machine tool 100 separates sludge from the coolant used for machining and reuses the coolant from which the sludge has been removed for machining the workpiece.

[0023] <B. Sludge Separation Mechanism> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the sludge separation mechanism will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the sludge separation mechanism.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the machine tool 100 includes a machining area AR, a storage unit SU1, a cyclone filter 30, and a control unit 50.

[0025] The coolant used for machining the workpiece is discharged from the machining area AR and stored in the storage unit SU1 through the flow path RA. The coolant stored in the storage unit SU1 contains sludge.

[0026] The cyclone filter 30 is a mechanism for separating the coolant supplied from the storage unit SU1 into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force. The sludge content in the clean coolant is less than the sludge content in the dirty coolant. Typically, the clean coolant does not contain sludge. The content is represented, for example, by the weight of sludge contained per unit volume.

[0027] More specifically, an inflow pipe R0, an outflow pipe R1 (first outflow pipe), and an outflow pipe R2 (second outflow pipe) are connected to the cyclone filter 30.

[0028] One end of the inflow pipe R0 is connected to the storage unit SU1. On the other hand, the other end of the inflow pipe R0 is connected to the inlet of the cyclone filter 30. Also, a pump P1 is provided on the inflow pipe R0. The pump P1 pumps the coolant in the storage unit SU1 into the inflow pipe R0 and sends the coolant to the inlet of the cyclone filter 30.

[0029] The coolant sent to the cyclone filter 30 flows spirally inside the cyclone filter 30. In this process, heavy sludge falls in the direction of gravity together with a part of the coolant and is discharged from the lower outlet of the cyclone filter 30. As a result, the dirty coolant containing a lot of sludge is discharged into the outflow pipe R2.

[0030] Also, a throttle mechanism 40 is provided in the cyclone filter 30. The throttle mechanism 40 is a mechanism for restricting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing in the outflow pipe R2. The throttle mechanism 40 acts as a resistance, and the coolant rises in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity while flowing spirally inside the cyclone filter 30. As a result, the clean coolant not containing sludge is discharged into the outflow pipe R2.

[0031] Also, a pump P2 is provided on the outflow pipe R1. The pump P2 pumps the clean coolant from the cyclone filter 30. As a result, the clean coolant is pumped into the outflow pipe R1.

[0032] <C. Clogging Detection Function> Next, with continued reference to FIG. 2, a function for detecting sludge clogging will be described.

[0033] As the cyclone filter 30 continues to be used, sludge accumulates in the throttle mechanism 40. As a result, the sludge may clog the throttle mechanism 40. In order to detect such clogging, a flow rate sensor 45 is provided in the outflow pipe R2.

[0034] The flow rate sensor 45 is a sensor for detecting the flow rate of the dirty coolant flowing through the outflow pipe R2. The flow rate sensor 45 is preferably disposed downstream of the throttle mechanism 40 in the direction in which the coolant flows.

[0035] The type of the flow sensor 45 is arbitrary. As an example, a non-contact type sensor capable of detecting the flow rate of the coolant from outside the outflow pipe R2 without coming into contact with the coolant flowing through the outflow pipe R2 is adopted as the flow sensor 45. Examples of the non-contact type flow sensor 45 include an ultrasonic type flow sensor and an electromagnetic type flow sensor. The flow rate detection result by the flow sensor 45 is output to the control unit 50.

[0036] Control unit 50 is a device for controlling machine tool 100. The device configuration of control unit 50 is arbitrary. Control unit 50 may be configured with a single control unit, or may be configured with multiple control units. As an example, control unit 50 includes at least one of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and a CNC (Computer Numerical Control).

[0037] As the amount of sludge accumulated in the throttle mechanism 40 increases, the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the outflow pipe R2 decreases. Based on this, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a blockage due to sludge has occurred, based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 45.

[0038] More specifically, when the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 45 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit 50 determines that it is in a normal state where no sludge clogging has occurred. On the other hand, when the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 45 is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 50 determines that it is in an abnormal state where sludge clogging has occurred. Thereby, the control unit 50 can detect an abnormality related to sludge clogging.

[0039] When the control unit 50 determines that sludge clogging has occurred, it executes a predetermined abnormality countermeasure process. As an example of the abnormality countermeasure process, the control unit 50 executes a notification process for notifying that sludge is clogged in the throttle mechanism 40. Thereby, the user can grasp that sludge clogging has occurred in the throttle mechanism 40.

[0040] The sludge clogging can be notified in any manner. As an example, the control unit 50 outputs a warning to the display 206 of the operation panel 200 described above. As another example, the control unit 50 outputs a warning to a display (not shown) provided in the flow rate sensor 45. As another example, the control unit 50 lights up an indicator (not shown) provided in the flow rate sensor 45. As another example, the control unit 50 outputs a voice warning from a speaker (not shown) provided in the machine tool 100.

[0041] As another example of the abnormality countermeasure process, the control unit 50 executes a process of stopping the coolant discharge mechanism. Thereby, the control unit 50 can prevent the coolant containing sludge from flowing into the outflow pipe R1.

[0042] <D. Sludge Recovery Mechanism> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an automatic sludge recovery mechanism will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the automatic sludge recovery unit 60.

[0043] As an example, the automatic recovery unit 60 includes a storage unit 62, a recovery mechanism 64, and a recovery container 66.

[0044] The reservoir 62 (second reservoir) is a tank for storing the dirty coolant discharged from the outlet pipe R2 of the cyclone filter 30. In the example of FIG.

[0045] Preferably, the outlet of the outflow pipe R2 is piped so as to be immersed in the dirty coolant CL stored in the storage section 62. That is, the outlet of the outflow pipe R2 is arranged so as to be below the liquid level of the coolant CL. Since the outlet of the outflow pipe R2 is always immersed in the coolant CL, air does not flow back into the inside of the outflow pipe R2. This allows the flow rate sensor 45 to accurately detect the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the outflow pipe R2. The recovery mechanism 64 is a conveying mechanism for recovering the sludge SL1 from the coolant CL stored in the storage section 62. The recovery mechanism 64 is composed of, for example, a conveyor. The recovery mechanism 64 transports the sludge SL1 that has settled in the storage section 62 and discharges the sludge SL1 into the recovery container 66. In this way, the recovery mechanism 64 can separate the sludge SL1 from the coolant CL and can collect the sludge SL2 that does not contain coolant into the recovery container 66.

[0046] Preferably, the bottom surface of the storage section 62 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, the bottom surface of the storage section 62 is not parallel to the horizontal plane. This allows the sludge SL1 to collect at the bottom of the storage section 62, making it easier for the recovery mechanism 64 to recover the sludge SL1.

[0047] The recovery mechanism 64 is disposed along the inclined bottom surface. At this time, the recovery mechanism 64 is disposed in the storage portion 62 so that a part of the recovery mechanism 64 is immersed in the coolant CL in the storage portion 62 and the rest is not immersed in the coolant CL. In this way, the recovery mechanism 64 can not only recover the sludge SL1, but also recover the oil floating on the liquid surface of the coolant CL.

[0048] In addition, an outflow pipe R3 is connected to the storage section 62. The coolant CL stored in the storage section 62 is returned to the above-described storage section SU1 through, for example, the outflow pipe R3 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the coolant CL is reused.

[0049] <E. Coolant Mechanism in Machining Area AR> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the coolant mechanism in the machining area AR shown in FIG. 2 described above will be explained. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the machining area AR in the machine tool 100.

[0050] In the machining area AR, for example, a spindle 132 and a chip conveyor 150 are provided.

[0051] The spindle 132 is provided inside the housing and is rotatably supported by the housing. A tool T for machining a workpiece, which is the object to be machined, is mounted on the spindle 132. The spindle 132 machines the workpiece by bringing the tool T into contact with the workpiece while rotating the tool T about its axial direction.

[0052] Inside the spindle 132, a communication passage L1, which is a coolant discharge mechanism, is formed. The communication passage L1 penetrates through the inside of the spindle 132 along the axial direction of the spindle 132. One end of the communication passage L1 is connected to the above-described outflow pipe R1 (see FIG. 2).

[0053] Various types of tools can be mounted on the spindle 132. In the example of FIG. 4, a tool T in which a through passage L2 is formed is mounted on the spindle 132. The through passage L2 extends from the connection surface between the tool T and the spindle 132 to the tip of the tool T and penetrates the tool T along the axial direction of the spindle 132. Note that the opening of the through passage L2 formed in the tool T is not limited to being formed in the base end surface or the tip end surface of the tool T, and may be formed, for example, in the side surface portion of the tool T.

[0054] The clean coolant sent from the above-mentioned cyclone filter 30 flows through the outflow pipe R1, the communication passage L1, and the through passage L2 in this order, and is discharged onto the workpiece to be machined from the tip of the tool T. As a result, chips generated by machining the workpiece are discharged onto the chip conveyor 150.

[0055] The chip conveyor 150 has a cover body 152, a filtering mechanism 154, and a tank 156. The filtering mechanism 154 is configured to capture foreign matter such as chips from the coolant. The coolant that passes through the filtering mechanism 154 is discharged from within the cover body 152 of the chip conveyor 150 into the tank 156.

[0056] A pump P0 is provided in the tank 156. The pump P0 pumps up the coolant that has passed through the filtration mechanism 154 and accumulated in the tank 156, and pumps the coolant to the flow path RA. The coolant is sent to the above-mentioned storage unit SU1 (see FIG. 2) through the flow path RA.

[0057] In the above, an example has been described in which a center-through type in which coolant is discharged from the cutting edge of the tool T is adopted as the discharge mechanism of the spindle 132, but the coolant discharge mechanism adopted for the spindle 132 is not limited to this. As an example, the coolant discharge mechanism adopted for the spindle 132 may be a side-through type in which coolant is discharged from an end face of the spindle 132.

[0058] Further, the destination of the clean coolant from the cyclone filter 30 is not limited to the spindle 132. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining other examples of the destination of the clean coolant. Fig. 5 shows discharge mechanisms 134 and 136 as the destination of the clean coolant.

[0059] The discharge mechanism 134 is a mechanism for discharging the clean coolant pressure-fed from the outflow pipe R1 toward the entire machining area AR. By the discharge mechanism 134 discharging the coolant into the machining area AR, chips from the workpiece in the machining area AR are discharged onto the chip conveyor 150.

[0060] The discharge mechanism 136 discharges the cleaned coolant pumped from the outflow pipe R1 toward the bed BD. By discharging the coolant onto the bed BD by the discharge mechanism 136, the chips accumulated on the bed BD are discharged to the chip conveyor 150.

[0061] <F. Throttle mechanism 40> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the throttle mechanism 40 shown in FIG. 2 described above will be explained. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross section of the throttle mechanism 40.

[0062] Any mechanism for restricting the flow rate of the coolant in the outflow pipe R2 may be adopted for the throttle mechanism 40. In the example of FIG. 6, a tapered pipe 44 whose inner diameter becomes shorter along the direction in which the dirty coolant flows is adopted for the throttle mechanism 40.

[0063] The number of tapered pipes 44 provided in the throttle mechanism 40 may be one or a plurality. In the example of FIG. 6, three tapered pipes 44A to 44C are provided inside the throttle mechanism 40. Hereinafter, when not particularly distinguishing the tapered pipes 44A to 44C, they are also referred to as the tapered pipe 44.

[0064] Sludge is not likely to stay in the tapered pipe 44. Therefore, clogging of sludge is less likely to occur in the throttle mechanism 40. Further, by adopting the tapered pipe for the throttle mechanism 40, the flow path resistance in the outflow pipe R2 can also be increased.

[0065] Each of the tapered pipes 44A to 44C is coaxially arranged and connected along the vertical direction. By adopting a plurality of tapered pipes 44A to 44C for the throttle mechanism 40, the flow path resistance in the outflow pipe R2 is further increased.

[0066] In the above description, the tapered pipe 44 is given as an example of the mechanism adopted for the throttle mechanism 40, but the mechanism adopted for the throttle mechanism 40 is not limited to this. As an example, a ball valve may be adopted for the throttle mechanism 40.

[0067] <G. Drive mechanism> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, various drive mechanisms in the machine tool 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the drive mechanism in the machine tool 100.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the machine tool 100 includes, as a configuration related to the drive mechanism, a control unit 50, motor drivers 111A to 111E, motors M0 to M3, the above-described pumps P0 to P2, the above-described recovery mechanism 64, and the above-described chip conveyor 150.

[0069] As described above, the pump P0 is a device for pumping coolant into the flow path RA (see FIGS. 2 and 4). A motor M0 is connected to the pump P0. The motor M0 may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0070] The motor M0 is driven by the motor driver 111A. The motor driver 111A is composed of a control circuit and an inverter, etc. The motor driver 111A receives an input of a control signal from the control unit 50 and outputs an alternating current of a frequency corresponding to the control signal to the motor M0. Thereby, the rotation speed of the motor M0 changes, and the flow rate of the coolant pumped into the above-described flow path RA is controlled.

[0071] As described above, the pump P1 is a device for pumping coolant into the inflow pipe R0 (see FIG. 4). A motor M1 is connected to the pump P1. The motor M1 may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0072] The motor M1 is driven by a motor driver 111B. The motor driver 111B is composed of a control circuit, an inverter, and the like. The motor driver 111B receives a control signal from the control unit 50 and outputs an AC current having a frequency corresponding to the control signal to the motor M1. This changes the rotation speed of the motor M1, and controls the flow rate of the coolant pumped to the inflow pipe R0 described above.

[0073] As described above, the pump P2 is a device for pumping the coolant to the outflow pipe R1 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The motor M2 is connected to the pump P2. The motor M2 may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0074] The motor M2 is driven by a motor driver 111C. The motor driver 111C is composed of a control circuit, an inverter, and the like. The motor driver 111C receives a control signal from the control unit 50 and outputs an AC current having a frequency corresponding to the control signal to the motor M2. This changes the rotation speed of the motor M2, thereby controlling the flow rate of the coolant pumped to the above-mentioned outflow pipe R1.

[0075] A motor M3 is connected to the above-mentioned collection mechanism 64 (see FIG. 3). The motor M3 may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or any other type of motor.

[0076] The motor M3 is driven by a motor driver 111D. The motor driver 111D is composed of a control circuit, an inverter, and the like. The motor driver 111D receives a control signal from the control unit 50 and outputs an AC current having a frequency corresponding to the control signal to the motor M3. This changes the number of rotations of the motor M3, and controls the rotation speed of the conveyor in the collection mechanism 64.

[0077] The above-mentioned chip conveyor 150 (see FIG. 4) is connected to a motor M4. The motor M4 may be an AC motor, a stepping motor, a servo motor, or other types of motors.

[0078] The motor M4 is driven by a motor driver 111E. The motor driver 111E is composed of a control circuit, an inverter, etc. The motor driver 111E receives an input of a control signal from the control unit 50 and outputs an alternating current with a frequency corresponding to the control signal to the motor M4. Thereby, the rotation speed of the motor M4 changes, and the rotation speed of the conveyor in the chip conveyor 150 is controlled.

[0079] <H. Hardware Configuration of Control Unit 50> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the hardware configuration of the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 50.

[0080] The control unit 50 includes a control circuit 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a communication interface 104, and an auxiliary storage device 120. These components are connected to an internal bus 109.

[0081] The control circuit 101 is composed of, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can be composed of, for example, at least one CPU, at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0082] The control circuit 101 controls the operation of the control unit 50 by executing various programs such as a control program 122. The control program 122 is a program for implementing various processes described in this specification. Based on receiving an execution command for the control program 122, the control circuit 101 reads the control program 122 from the auxiliary storage device 120 or the ROM 102 to the RAM 103. The RAM 103 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data required for the execution of the control program 122.

[0083] The communication interface 104 is an interface for performing periodic communication with external devices using a field network. The external devices include, for example, the above-mentioned flow sensor 45 and the above-mentioned motor drivers 111A to 111E. As the field network, for example, EtherCAT (registered trademark), EtherNet / IP (registered trademark), CC-Link (registered trademark), CompoNet (registered trademark), or the like is adopted.

[0084] The auxiliary storage device 120 is, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 120 stores a control program 122 and the like. The storage location of the control program 122 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 120, and may be stored in a storage area (for example, a cache memory) of the control circuit 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, an external device (for example, a server), or the like.

[0085] In addition, the control program 122 may be provided by being incorporated into a part of any program, rather than as a single program. In this case, various processes according to the present embodiment are realized in cooperation with any program. Even a program that does not include such a part of the module does not deviate from the gist of the control program 122 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the control program 122 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, the control unit 50 may be configured in a form such as a so-called cloud service in which at least one server executes a part of the processing of the control program 122.

[0086] <I. Hardware Configuration of the Operation Panel 200> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the hardware configuration of the operation panel 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the operation panel 200.

[0087] The operation panel 200 includes a control circuit 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a communication interface 204, a display interface 205, an input interface 207, and an auxiliary storage device 220. These components are connected to a bus 209.

[0088] The control circuit 201 is constituted by, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit can be constituted by, for example, at least one CPU, at least one GPU, at least one ASIC, at least one FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0089] The control circuit 201 controls the operation of the operation panel 200 by executing various programs such as a control program 222 and an operating system. Based on receiving an execution instruction of the control program 222, the control circuit 201 reads the control program 222 from the auxiliary storage device 220 or the ROM 202 into the RAM 203. The RAM 203 functions as a working memory and temporarily stores various data necessary for the execution of the control program 222.

[0090] A LAN, an antenna, and the like are connected to the communication interface 204. The operation panel 200 is connected to a network via the communication interface 204. As a result, the operation panel 200 exchanges data with external devices connected to the network. The external devices include, for example, the above-mentioned control unit 50 and a server (not shown).

[0091] A display 206 is connected to the display interface 205. The display interface 205 sends an image signal for displaying an image to the display 206 in accordance with a command from the control circuit 201 or the like. The display 206 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display device. The display 206 may be configured integrally with the operation panel 200, or may be configured separately from the operation panel 200.

[0092] An input device 208 is connected to the input interface 207. The input device 208 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other device capable of accepting user operations. The input device 208 may be configured integrally with the operation panel 200, or may be configured separately from the operation panel 200.

[0093] The auxiliary storage device 220 is a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 220 stores the control program 222 and the like. The storage location of the control program 222 is not limited to the auxiliary storage device 220, and may be stored in a storage area (e.g., cache memory, etc.) of the control circuit 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, or an external device (e.g., a server), etc.

[0094] <J.フローチャート> Next, a process for monitoring an abnormality in the cyclone filter 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for monitoring an abnormality in the cyclone filter 30.

[0095] The process shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the control unit 50 of the machine tool 100 executing the above-described control program 122. In other aspects, part or all of the process may be executed by a CNC, circuit elements, or other hardware.

[0096] Typically, the process shown in FIG. 10 is executed in a process (such as a machining process) where coolant is used within the machine tool 100.

[0097] More specifically, in step S110, the control unit 50 acquires the coolant flow rate detected by the above-described flow rate sensor 45. The coolant flow rate represents the flow rate of the contaminated coolant discharged from below the cyclone filter 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0098] In step S120, the control unit 50 determines whether the coolant flow rate acquired in step S110 is less than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be set in advance or may be arbitrarily set by the user. When the control unit 50 determines that the coolant flow rate is less than the predetermined amount (YES in step S120), it determines that sludge clogging has occurred in the cyclone filter 30 and switches the control to step S122. Otherwise (NO in step S120), the control unit 50 determines that sludge clogging has not occurred in the cyclone filter 30 and returns the control to step S110.

[0099] In step S122, the control unit 50 executes a predetermined abnormality countermeasure process. As an example of the abnormality countermeasure process, the control unit 50 executes a notification process for notifying that sludge has clogged the cyclone filter 30. Thereby, the user can recognize that sludge clogging has occurred in the cyclone filter 30.

[0100] <K. Modification Example> Next, a machine tool 100A according to a modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a coolant mechanism in the machine tool 100A.

[0101] 2 and 4, the coolant stored in tank 156 is sent to storage unit SU1 by pump P0, and the coolant stored in storage unit SU1 is sent to cyclone filter 30 by pump P1. That is, the coolant stored in tank 156 is sent indirectly to cyclone filter 30 via storage unit SU1. In contrast, in machine tool 100A according to this modified example, the coolant stored in tank 156 is sent directly to cyclone filter 30 by pump P0.

[0102] 2 and 4, the clean coolant discharged from cyclone filter 30 was sent directly to the machining area AR by pump P2. In contrast, in machine tool 100A according to this modification, the clean coolant discharged from cyclone filter 30 is temporarily stored in storage unit SU2. The coolant stored in storage unit SU2 is then sent to the machining area AR by pump P2. In this way, in this modification, the clean coolant discharged from cyclone filter 30 is sent indirectly to the machining area AR via storage unit SU2.

[0103] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 30 cyclone filter, 40 throttle mechanism, 44 tapered pipe, 44A tapered pipe, 44B tapered pipe, 44C tapered pipe, 45 flow sensor, 50 control section, 60 automatic collection unit, 62 storage section, 64 collection mechanism, 66 collection container, 100 machine tool, 100A machine tool, 101 control circuit, 102 ROM, 103 RAM, 104 communication interface, 109 internal bus, 111A motor driver, 111B motor driver, 111C motor driver, 111D motor driver, 111E motor driver, 120 auxiliary storage device, 122 control program, 130 cover body, 132 spindle, 134 discharge mechanism, 136 discharge mechanism, 150 chip conveyor, 152 cover body, 154 filtration mechanism, 156 tank, 200 Operation panel, 201 control circuit, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 communication interface, 205 display interface, 206 display, 207 input interface, 208 input device, 209 bus, 220 auxiliary storage device, 222 control program, AR machining area, BD bed, CL coolant, L1 connecting passage, L2 through passage, M0 motor, M1 motor, M2 motor, M3 motor, M4 motor, P0 pump, P1 pump, P2 pump, R0 inlet pipe, R1 outlet pipe, R2 outlet pipe, R3 outlet pipe, RA flow path, SL1 sludge, SL2 sludge, SU1 storage section, SU2 storage section, T tool.

Claims

1. A machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant, A first reservoir for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece; a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first storage section into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force; a control unit for controlling the machine tool, The cyclone filter comprises: a first outlet pipe for allowing the clean coolant to flow out; a second outlet pipe for allowing the contaminated coolant to flow out; a throttling mechanism for restricting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant through the second outlet pipe; a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe; The control unit executes a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor falling below a predetermined amount.

2. The machine tool further includes a second reservoir for storing the contaminated coolant flowing out from the second outlet pipe, The machine tool according to claim 1 , wherein an outlet of the second outflow pipe is piped so as to be immersed in the contaminated coolant stored in the second reservoir.

3. The machine tool according to claim 2 , further comprising a recovery mechanism for recovering sludge from the contaminated coolant stored in the second reservoir.

4. The machine tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a bottom surface of the second storage section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

5. The throttle mechanism includes a tapered conduit, The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tapered pipeline is configured so that an inner diameter thereof becomes shorter along a direction in which the contaminated coolant flows.

6. the throttling mechanism includes a plurality of the tapered conduits, 6. The machine tool according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of tapered pipelines is connected to one another and aligned coaxially along the vertical direction.

7. 3. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined abnormality handling process includes a notification process for notifying that the throttling mechanism is clogged with sludge.

8. A machine tool as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow sensor is arranged downstream of the throttling mechanism in the direction in which the contaminated coolant flows through the second outflow pipe.

9. A method for controlling a machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant, comprising the steps of: The machine tool comprises: A first reservoir for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece; a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first storage section into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force, The cyclone filter comprises: a first outlet pipe for allowing the clean coolant to flow out; a second outlet pipe for allowing the contaminated coolant to flow out; a throttling mechanism for restricting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant through the second outlet pipe; a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe; The control method includes: obtaining the flow rate from the flow sensor; and executing a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the flow rate acquired in the acquiring step falling below a predetermined amount.

10. A control program for a machine tool capable of machining a workpiece while discharging coolant, comprising: The machine tool comprises: A first reservoir for storing coolant containing sludge generated by machining the workpiece; a cyclone filter for separating the coolant supplied from the first storage section into clean coolant and dirty coolant by centrifugal force, The cyclone filter comprises: a first outlet pipe for allowing the clean coolant to flow out; a second outlet pipe for allowing the contaminated coolant to flow out; a throttling mechanism for restricting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant through the second outlet pipe; a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of the contaminated coolant flowing through the second outlet pipe; The control program causes the machine tool to obtaining the flow rate from the flow sensor; and a step of executing a predetermined abnormality handling process based on the flow rate acquired in the acquiring step falling below a predetermined amount.

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