Control device, machine tool, and control method

Abstract

A control device (14) for a machine tool (10), which machines a workpiece in a processing area (48) and is equipped with a coolant supplier (32) that supplies coolant to the processing area (48) and a mist collector (34) that collects mist within the processing area (48), comprises a machining control unit (74) that controls the machine tool (10) to perform machining on the basis of a machining program (72) and determines whether the machining has finished, and a collector control unit (76) that automatically stops the mist collector (34) if the machining has finished.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a machine tool, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] A mist collector collects mist generated within the machining area of ​​a machine tool (see also JP 2012-76006 A). By collecting mist within the machining area, the mist collector prevents the mist from leaking outside the machining area. Mist is coolant in the form of fine particles suspended in the air. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To reliably prevent mist from leaking outside the processing area, the mist collector is often operated for a long period of time, which consumes a large amount of power.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is a control device for a machine tool that processes an object to be processed in the processing area, comprising a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a processing area and a mist collector that collects mist within the processing area, the control device comprising: a processing control unit that controls the machine tool to perform the processing based on a processing program and determines whether the processing has been completed; and a collector control unit that automatically stops the mist collector when the processing has been completed.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is a machine tool having the control device according to the first aspect.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention is a control method in which a computer controls a machine tool that processes a workpiece in a processing area, the machine tool comprising a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a processing area and a mist collector that collects mist in the processing area, the control method including an end determination step in which the computer determines whether the processing based on a processing program has ended, and a stop control step in which the computer controls the mist collector to automatically stop it when the processing has ended.

[0008] According to the present invention, the power consumption of the mist collector can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a machine tool according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a machine tool according to the first modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a machine tool 10 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The X and Y directions shown in FIG. 1 are parallel to a horizontal plane. The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is parallel to the direction of gravity. Therefore, the Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. However, the Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0012] The machine tool 10 includes a processing machine 12 and a control device 14 .

[0013] The processing machine 12 is a machine that processes a workpiece using a tool 16. The processing machine 12 includes a spindle 18, a spindle head 20, a column 22, a base 24, a table 26, a table drive unit 28, a cover 30, a coolant supplier 32, and a mist collector 34.

[0014] A tool holder 36 is attached to the spindle 18 (see FIG. 1). The tool holder 36 is detachable from the spindle 18. The tool holder 36 holds a tool 16. The tool 16 is, for example, a tool bar, a drill, an end mill, a milling cutter, or the like.

[0015] The processing machine 12 further includes a tool magazine 38. The tool magazine 38 detachably holds a plurality of tools 16. One of the plurality of tools 16 held in the tool magazine 38 is replaceably attached to the tool holder 36.

[0016] The spindle head 20 supports the spindle 18. The spindle head 20 also includes a motor that rotates the spindle 18. The tool 16, which is attached to the spindle 18 via a tool holder 36, rotates together with the spindle 18.

[0017] The column 22 supports the spindle head 20. The column 22 also includes a motor that moves the spindle head 20 in the Z direction. The column 22 is supported by a base 24.

[0018] The base 24 is installed on an installation surface. The installation surface may be, for example, a factory floor. The installation surface may also be a support surface of a stand installed on the floor. The installation surface may extend, for example, parallel to a horizontal plane. The base 24 may include a plurality of legs 24a. Each leg 24a may be, for example, a caster, a jack, or the like.

[0019] The table driving unit 28 is supported by the base 24. The table driving unit 28 includes a first slide portion 42, a saddle 44, and a second slide portion 46.

[0020] The first slide portion 42 is installed on the base 24. The first slide portion 42 includes, for example, a guide rail extending in the Y direction. The first slide portion 42 supports a saddle 44.

[0021] The saddle 44 moves in the Y direction in response to the driving of a motor (not shown). The motor is controlled by the control device 14. The saddle 44 moves while being guided by the first slide portion 42. The control device 14 will be described in more detail later.

[0022] The second slide portion 46 is provided on the saddle 44. The second slide portion 46 includes, for example, a guide rail extending in the X direction.

[0023] The table 26 supports a workpiece (not shown) below the spindle 18. The table 26 is supported by a second slide portion 46. The table 26 moves in the X direction as a motor (not shown) is driven. The motor is controlled by the control device 14. The table 26 moves while being guided by the second slide portion 46.

[0024] The cover 30 covers the spindle 18, the spindle head 20, the column 22, the base 24, the table 26, and the table drive unit 28. As a result, the cover 30 forms a processing area 48. The workpiece is processed within the processing area 48.

[0025] The cover 30 further includes a door (not shown) and a window (not shown). Through the open door, the operator can carry in and out the workpiece into the processing area 48. The operator can also easily check the condition inside the processing area 48 through the window.

[0026] The coolant supplier 32 is a device that supplies coolant to the processing area 48. The coolant supplier 32 includes a coolant tank 50, a nozzle 52, a supply pipe 54, and a pump 56.

[0027] The coolant tank 50 stores the coolant. The coolant tank 50 is installed outside the processing area 48.

[0028] The nozzle 52 is a discharge portion that discharges the coolant. The nozzle 52 is disposed within the processing area 48. Note that the coolant supplier 32 may be provided with a plurality of nozzles 52.

[0029] The supply pipe 54 is a pipe that connects the coolant tank 50 and the nozzle 52. The coolant supplier 32 may be provided with a plurality of supply pipes 54. The number of supply pipes 54 is determined, for example, according to the number of nozzles 52. The supply pipe 54 passes through the cover 30 and connects the coolant tank 50 and the nozzle 52.

[0030] The pump 56 is connected to the supply pipe 54. The pump 56 draws up the coolant in the coolant tank 50 and sends it to the nozzle 52. As a result, the coolant is discharged from the nozzle 52 into the machining area 48. The pump 56 is controlled by the control device 14.

[0031] The coolant discharged into the machining area 48 cools the tool 16 and the workpiece. When machining is performed in the machining area 48, coolant mist is generated. The mist may leak out of the machining area 48 through small gaps that occur in the machining machine 12.

[0032] The mist collector 34 is a device that collects mist within the processing area 48. The mist collector 34 is installed outside the processing area 48. The mist collector 34 is also connected to the cover 30 via a duct 58. The mist collector 34 collects the mist by sucking in the air within the processing area 48. This prevents the mist from leaking out of the processing area 48.

[0033] When the tool 16 cuts the workpiece, fine chips are generated as dust within the machining area 48. This dust, like the mist, may leak out of the machining area 48 through small gaps that occur in the processing machine 12. The mist collector 34 may collect not only the mist but also the dust by sucking in the air within the machining area 48. This also prevents the dust from leaking out of the machining area 48.

[0034] The mist collector 34 may be connected to the coolant tank 50. This allows the mist collected by the mist collector 34 to be returned to the coolant tank 50 as coolant.

[0035] When the mist collector 34 and the coolant tank 50 are connected, it is preferable that the mist collector 34 and the coolant tank 50 are connected via a filtering device (filter) not shown. The filtering device removes impurities from the coolant sent from the mist collector 34 to the coolant tank 50. By connecting the mist collector 34 and the coolant tank 50 via a filtering device, clean coolant can be returned from the mist collector 34 to the coolant tank 50. The impurities in the coolant are, for example, chips collected together with the mist.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 14.

[0037] The control device 14 is a computer that controls the processing machine 12. The control device 14 is, for example, a numerical control device. The control device 14 includes a display unit 60, an operation unit 62, a memory unit 64, a calculation unit 66, and a backup power supply unit 68.

[0038] The display unit 60 is a display device that includes a display screen 60d. The display unit 60 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display device.

[0039] The operation unit 62 is an input device that receives instructions from an operator to the control device 14. The operation unit 62 includes, for example, an operation panel 62a, a touch panel 62b, etc. The touch panel 62b is provided on the display screen 60d. The operation unit 62 (operation panel 62a) may also include a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0040] The storage unit 64 may be configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include a RAM (Random Access Memory). Examples of the non-volatile memory include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a flash memory. Data and the like may be stored in the volatile memory, for example. Programs, data tables, maps, and the like may be stored in the non-volatile memory, for example. At least a portion of the storage unit 64 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. as described above. The storage unit 64 stores a control program 70 and a machining program 72.

[0041] The control program 70 is a program for causing the control device 14 to execute the control method according to this embodiment. The control method will be described in more detail later.

[0042] The machining program 72 is a program that includes control commands for the machining machine 12. The machining program 72 includes, for example, a plurality of control commands for controlling the above-mentioned motors. The machining program 72 also includes, for example, a plurality of control commands for controlling the coolant supplier 32. The machining program 72 is created or edited in advance by an operator.

[0043] The calculation unit 66 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. In other words, the calculation unit 66 may be configured by a processing circuitry.

[0044] The calculation unit 66 includes a processing control unit 74 and a collector control unit 76. The processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 are realized by the calculation unit 66 executing a control program 70. At least a part of the processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the processing control unit 74 and the collector control unit 76 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0045] The machining control unit 74 machines the workpiece by controlling the processing machine 12 based on the processing program 72. For example, the processing control unit 74 controls the rotation of the spindle 18, the movement of the spindle head 20, and the movement of the table 26 based on the processing program 72. However, the mist collector 34 of the processing machine 12 is controlled by the collector control unit 76.

[0046] Furthermore, the machining control unit 74 determines whether or not coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12 before cutting of the workpiece is started. This determination is made based on the machining program 72 or an instruction from the operator.

[0047] For example, a control command to start the coolant supplier 32 is included in the machining program 72. In this case, the machining control unit 74 determines that coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12. Also, for example, even if a control command to start the coolant supplier 32 is not included in the machining program 72, the operator may instruct the control device 14 to start the coolant supplier 32. In this case, the machining control unit 74 determines that coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12.

[0048] Furthermore, after the start of machining, the machining control unit 74 determines whether or not machining has ended based on the machining program 72. For example, when all control commands necessary to machine the workpiece have been executed, the machining control unit 74 determines that machining based on the machining program 72 has ended.

[0049] The collector control unit 76 determines whether or not to automatically start the mist collector 34 based on the determination result of whether or not coolant is used in the machining performed by the machining machine 12.

[0050] For example, if coolant is not used in the machining performed by the machining machine 12, the collector control unit 76 does not automatically activate the mist collector 34. This prevents the mist collector 34 from operating unnecessarily when no mist is generated, thereby reducing the power consumption of the mist collector 34.

[0051] On the other hand, when coolant is used in the machining performed by the machining machine 12, the collector control unit 76 controls the mist collector 34 to automatically activate the mist collector 34. This allows the mist generated within the machining area 48 during machining to be collected by the mist collector 34. Moreover, the mist collector 34 is automatically activated. This prevents the mist from leaking outside the machining area 48 due to human error.

[0052] It is preferable that the collector control unit 76 does not start the mist collector 34 until the machining is started, even if it is determined that coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12. In other words, it is preferable that the collector control unit 76 start the mist collector 34 in response to the start of machining. This prevents the mist collector 34 from consuming power before mist is generated. In this case, the collector control unit 76 automatically starts the mist collector 34 when, for example, the operator instructs the control device 14 to start machining. The collector control unit 76 may also automatically start the mist collector 34 when the operator instructs the control device 14 to start the coolant supplier 32.

[0053] Furthermore, the collector control unit 76 determines whether to automatically stop the mist collector 34 based on the determination result of whether or not machining based on the machining program 72 has ended. When the mist collector 34 is running and machining based on the machining program 72 has ended, the collector control unit 76 automatically stops the mist collector 34. This prevents the mist collector 34 from operating excessively after machining has ended due to, for example, human error.

[0054] It is preferable that the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34 after a predetermined time TM has elapsed since the end of machining. By continuing to operate the mist collector 34 even after the end of machining, it is possible to prevent mist from being missed when collected. Since the mist collector 34 is automatically stopped when the predetermined time TM has elapsed since the end of machining, excessive power consumption by the mist collector 34 is prevented.

[0055] The calculation start timing of the predetermined time TM is the time point when the machining control unit 74 determines that machining based on the machining program 72 has ended. However, the collector control unit 76 may calculate (estimate) the end timing of machining based on the machining program 72 based on the machining program 72. In this case, the collector control unit 76 may use the calculated end timing as the calculation start timing of the predetermined time TM. Information indicating the predetermined time TM is set in the control device 14 by, for example, an operator. However, information indicating the predetermined time TM may also be set in the control device 14 by the manufacturer of the control device 14.

[0056] The standby power supply unit 68 is a power supply separate from the main power supply of the control device 14. The standby power supply unit 68 includes, for example, a battery. The standby power supply unit 68 is built into the control device 14. However, the standby power supply unit 68 may also be provided in the machine tool 10 as an external power supply for the control device 14. The main power supply of the control device 14 is not shown in the drawing.

[0057] If the main power supply of the control device 14 is turned off while the mist collector 34 is operating, the backup power supply unit 68 supplies power to each unit of the control device 14. This allows the collector control unit 76 to continue controlling the mist collector 34 even after the main power supply is turned off. Therefore, for example, the collector control unit 76 can automatically stop the mist collector 34 even after the main power supply is turned off.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the embodiment.

[0059] The control device 14 executes, for example, the control method illustrated in Fig. 3. The control device 14 executes the control method illustrated in Fig. 3, for example, when machining is started. Note that at the start of the control method, the mist collector 34 is stopped. The control method illustrated in Fig. 3 includes a coolant use determination step S1, a start control step S2, a machining control step S3, an end determination step S4, a collector state determination step S5, and a stop control step S6.

[0060] In the coolant use determination step S1, the machining control unit 74 determines whether or not coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12. As described above, the machining control unit 74 determines whether or not coolant will be used in the machining performed by the processing machine 12 based on the machining program 72 or an instruction from the operator.

[0061] If coolant is used in the machining performed by the machining machine 12 (S1: YES), the start-up control step S2 is started. In the start-up control step S2, the collector control unit 76 controls the mist collector 34 to automatically start the mist collector 34.

[0062] If coolant is not used in the machining performed by the machining machine 12 (S1: NO), the start-up control step S2 is skipped.

[0063] In the processing control step S3, the processing control unit 74 controls the processing machine 12 to process the workpiece. The processing control unit 74 controls the processing machine 12 based on the processing program 72. When coolant is used in the processing control step S3, mist is generated within the processing area 48. However, the mist is collected in the mist collector 34 and does not leak out of the processing area 48.

[0064] In the end determination step S4, the machining control unit 74 determines whether or not machining based on the machining program 72 has ended. If machining has ended (S4: YES), the collector state determination step S5 is started. If machining has not ended (S4: NO), the machining control step S3 continues.

[0065] In the collector state determination step S5, the collector control unit 76 determines whether or not the mist collector 34 is operating. If the mist collector 34 is operating (S5: YES), the stop control step S6 is started.

[0066] In the stop control step S6, the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34. In the stop control step S6, the collector control unit 76 may immediately stop the mist collector 34, but it is preferable to stop the mist collector 34 after a predetermined time TM has elapsed since the end of processing.

[0067] When the stop control step S6 is completed, the control method of Fig. 3 is completed. If the mist collector 34 is not operating (S5: NO), the stop control step S6 is skipped. In this case, when the collector state determination step S5 is completed, the control method of Fig. 3 is completed.

[0068] [Variations] Modifications of the above embodiment are described below. However, descriptions that overlap with the above embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Elements already described in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment unless otherwise specified.

[0069] (Variation 1) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a machine tool 101 (10) according to the first modification.

[0070] The machine tool 101 further includes a sub-controller 78 .

[0071] The sub-controller 78 is a computer separate from the controller 14. The sub-controller 78 includes, for example, a processor and a memory. The sub-controller 78 may include an integrated circuit, a discrete device, or the like.

[0072] When the control device 14 stops, the sub-control device 78 controls the mist collector 34 in place of the collector control unit 76. Therefore, even if the control device 14 stops, the mist collector 34 is controlled by the sub-control device 78 in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0073] For example, when machining is completed, the operator instructs the control device 14 to immediately stop. As a result, the control device 14 immediately stops after machining is completed. However, as described above, it is preferable that the mist collector 34 continues to collect mist until a predetermined time TM has elapsed since machining was completed. In such a case, the sub-control device 78 can control the mist collector 34 instead of the control device 14.

[0074] It is preferable that the sub-controller 78 and the controller 14 communicate with each other as needed to share data necessary for controlling the mist collector 34. For example, the sub-controller 78 and the controller 14 share various information regarding whether or not coolant is needed during machining, the progress of machining, the time elapsed since machining ended, and the like. This allows the sub-controller 78 to smoothly take over the control that was being performed by the collector control unit 76. According to this modification, even after the controller 14 has stopped, the sub-controller 78 can continue to control the mist collector 34.

[0075] (Variation 2) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device 142(14) according to the second modification.

[0076] The control device 142 further includes an alarm output unit 80 .

[0077] Alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm when an abnormality occurs in machine tool 10. For example, machine tool 10 is appropriately equipped with sensors (not shown) for detecting failures in each component, such as spindle 18, spindle head 20, table drive unit 28, etc. Alarm output unit 80 determines whether a failure has occurred in machine tool 10 based on the signals output by the sensors. When a failure is detected in each component of machine tool 10, alarm output unit 80 notifies the operator that a failure has occurred, for example via display unit 60.

[0078] If the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm before machining starts, the machining control unit 74 will not start machining until the cause of the alarm is resolved. Also, if the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm after machining starts, the machining control unit 74 will suspend machining based on the machining program 72 until the cause of the alarm is resolved.

[0079] When the alarm output unit 80 outputs an alarm, the collector control unit 76 prohibits the operation of the mist collector 34 until the cause of the alarm is resolved. If the mist collector 34 is in operation when the alarm is output, the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34 regardless of the machining program 72 and the operator's instructions.

[0080] According to this modification, when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool 10, the mist collector 34 is prevented from operating.

[0081] (Combination of multiple modifications) The above-described multiple modifications may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0082] [Modified embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, whether to activate the mist collector 34 is determined before the start of machining based on whether coolant is used in machining. However, the collector control unit 76 may determine whether to activate the mist collector 34 after machining has started. In this case, the collector control unit 76 acquires information indicating the discharge time during machining. The discharge time is the time during which coolant is discharged into the machining area 48 during machining. The information indicating the discharge time is acquired using, for example, a timer. The collector control unit 76 may also acquire information indicating the discharge amount. The discharge amount is the amount of coolant discharged into the machining area 48 during machining. The information indicating the discharge amount is acquired using, for example, a flow rate sensor.

[0084] When acquiring the discharge time or discharge amount, the collector control unit 76 determines whether to activate the mist collector 34 based on the discharge time or discharge amount. For example, when the discharge time or discharge amount is small, even if coolant is discharged into the machining area 48, almost no mist is generated. Therefore, when the discharge time or discharge amount is small, the risk of mist leaking outside the machining area 48 is low. On the other hand, once the discharge time or discharge amount reaches a certain value, the risk of mist leaking outside the machining area 48 increases. Based on this, the collector control unit 76 prohibits operation of the mist collector 34 when the discharge time or discharge amount is below a predetermined threshold. This prevents the mist collector 34 from unnecessarily consuming power. Furthermore, when the discharge time or discharge amount exceeds a predetermined threshold, the collector control unit 76 controls the mist collector 34 to automatically activate the mist collector 34. This prevents mist from leaking outside the machining area 48. The threshold value is specified in advance by an operator or the manufacturer of the machine tool 10 .

[0085] When acquiring the discharge time or discharge amount, the collector control unit 76 may change the length of the predetermined time TM according to the discharge time or discharge amount. For example, the greater the value of the discharge time or discharge amount, the more mist is generated. Based on this, the collector control unit 76 may lengthen the predetermined time TM according to the value of the discharge time or discharge amount. This makes it possible to more reliably reduce mist collection failure. On the other hand, the collector control unit 76 may shorten the predetermined time TM according to the value of the discharge time or discharge amount. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the mist collector 34. The collector control unit 76 may determine the length of the predetermined time TM using a data table in which multiple predetermined times TM according to the discharge time or discharge amount are stored.

[0086] The collector control unit 76 may calculate (predict) the timing at which the discharge time or discharge amount reaches the threshold value based on the processing program 72. The collector control unit 76 may also calculate the above-mentioned arrival timing using not only the processing program 72 but also various parameters related to processing set in the control device 14. The collector control unit 76 may use the calculated arrival timing as the activation timing of the mist collector 34.

[0087] The coolant discharge method is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the coolant may be discharged using a center-through method. In this case, the coolant supplier 32 supplies the coolant to the spindle 18. The coolant may also flow along the inner wall of the cover 30 (machining area 48).

[0088] The processing machine 12 may further include a recovery member (not shown) for recovering coolant that falls below the table 26. The recovery member is, for example, an oil pan provided on the base 24. A portion of the coolant supplied to the processing area 48 does not become mist and falls below the table 26. According to this modification, the coolant that falls below the table 26 can be recovered. The recovered coolant may be returned to the coolant tank 50. This allows the coolant supplier 32 to reuse the recovered coolant. Here, it is preferable to provide a filtration device (filter) between the recovery member and the coolant tank 50. This allows clean coolant to be returned to the coolant tank 50.

[0089] The processing program 72 may include a control command to start the mist collector 34. In this case, the collector control unit 76 starts the mist collector 34 based on the control command to start the mist collector 34. The processing program 72 may also include a control command to stop the mist collector 34. In this case, the collector control unit 76 stops the mist collector 34 based on the control command to stop the mist collector 34.

[0090] [Invention that can be understood from the embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below.

[0091] <First invention> The first invention is a control device (14) for a machine tool (10) that processes an object to be processed in the processing area, the control device comprising a coolant supplier (32) that supplies coolant to a processing area (48) and a mist collector (34) that collects mist in the processing area, the control device comprising a processing control unit (74) that controls the machine tool to perform the processing based on a processing program (72) and determines whether the processing has been completed, and a collector control unit (76) that automatically stops the mist collector when the processing has been completed.

[0092] This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the mist collector.

[0093] In the control device, when the coolant is used in the machining, the collector control unit may automatically activate the mist collector to collect the mist, thereby preventing the mist from leaking outside the machining area.

[0094] In the above control device, when the coolant is used in the machining, the collector control unit may stop the mist collector after a predetermined time (TM) has elapsed since the end of the machining, thereby reducing the amount of mist remaining in the machining area after the end of the machining, and preventing the power consumption of the mist collector from becoming excessively large.

[0095] In the control device, the machining control unit may determine whether or not the coolant is used in the machining based on the machining program or an instruction from an operator, and the collector control unit may control the mist collector based on the determination result of the machining control unit, thereby automatically controlling the mist collector.

[0096] The above control device may further include an alarm output unit (80) that outputs an alarm when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool, and when the alarm output unit outputs the alarm, the collector control unit may prohibit the operation of the mist collector, thereby preventing the mist collector from operating when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool.

[0097] <Second Invention> A second aspect of the present invention is a machine tool (10) having the control device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0098] This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the amount of power consumed by the machine tool.

[0099] The above machine tool may further include a sub-controller (78) that controls the mist collector in place of the collector control unit when the control unit stops, thereby automatically controlling the mist collector even when the control unit stops.

[0100] <Third invention> The third invention is a control method in which a computer (14) controls a machine tool (10) that processes a workpiece in a processing area (48), the machine tool (10) being provided with a coolant supplier (32) that supplies coolant to the processing area (48) and a mist collector (34) that collects mist in the processing area, the control method including an end determination step (S4) in which the computer determines whether the processing based on a processing program (72) has ended, and a stop control step (S6) in which the computer controls the mist collector to automatically stop it when the processing has ended.

[0101] This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the amount of power consumed by the mist collector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10, 101...Machine tool 12...Processing machine 14, 142...Control device 32...Coolant supplier 34...Mist collector 48...Processing area 72... Machining program 74... Machining control unit 76... Collector control unit 78... Sub-control unit 80...Alarm output section TM...Predetermined time

Claims

1. A control device for a machine tool that processes a workpiece in a processing area, the control device comprising: a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a processing area; and a mist collector that collects mist in the processing area, a machining control unit that controls the machine tool based on a machining program to perform the machining and determines whether the machining has been completed; a collector control unit that automatically stops the mist collector when the processing is completed; Equipped with the machining control unit determines whether or not the coolant is used in the machining based on the machining program or an instruction from an operator; The collector control unit controls the mist collector based on the determination result of the processing control unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, When the coolant is used in the machining, the collector control unit automatically activates the mist collector to collect the mist.

3. A control device for a machine tool that processes a workpiece in a processing area, the control device comprising: a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a processing area; and a mist collector that collects mist in the processing area, a machining control unit that controls the machine tool based on a machining program to perform the machining and determines whether the machining has been completed; a collector control unit that automatically stops the mist collector when the processing is completed; Equipped with further comprising an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool; When the alarm output unit outputs the alarm, the collector control unit prohibits operation of the mist collector.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the coolant is used in the machining, the collector control unit stops the mist collector after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the machining.

5. A machine tool having the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A machine tool that processes a workpiece within a processing area, a coolant supplier for supplying coolant to the processing area; a mist collector that collects mist in the processing area; a control device; A sub-control device; Equipped with The control device includes: a machining control unit that controls the machine tool based on a machining program to perform the machining and determines whether the machining has been completed; a collector control unit that automatically stops the mist collector when the processing is completed; is provided, The sub-controller controls the mist collector in place of the collector control unit when the controller stops.

7. A control method for controlling, by a computer, a machine tool that is equipped with a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a machining area and a mist collector that collects mist within the machining area, and that machines a workpiece within the machining area, comprising: an end determination step in which the computer determines whether or not the machining based on the machining program has ended; a stop control step in which, when the processing is completed, the computer controls the mist collector to automatically stop the mist collector; Including, a determination as to whether or not the coolant is used in the machining is made based on the machining program or an instruction from an operator; The mist collector is controlled based on the result of the determination.

8. A control method in which a computer controls a machine tool that processes a workpiece in a processing area, the machine tool comprising a coolant supplier that supplies coolant to a processing area and a mist collector that collects mist in the processing area, an end determination step in which the computer determines whether or not the machining based on the machining program has ended; a stop control step in which, when the processing is completed, the computer controls the mist collector to automatically stop the mist collector; Including, An alarm is output when an abnormality occurs in the machine tool, When the alarm is output, the mist collector is prohibited from operating.

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