Wire electric discharge machining system

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wire electric discharge machining system, having a wire electric discharge machining device body that generates an electric discharge in an electrode gap between a wire electrode and a machining object in a machining liquid stored in a machining tank, comprises a temperature adjustment device that adjusts the machining liquid temperature of the machining liquid, a temperature sensor that measures the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machining device body, and a temperature control device that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining liquid temperature to a target temperature that is in accordance with the body temperature.

Description

Wire EDM System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire electrical discharge machining system.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-200854 discloses a wire electric discharge machine.

[0003] Further improvements in processing accuracy are eagerly awaited.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is a wire electric discharge machining system having a wire electric discharge machine main body that generates an electric discharge between a wire electrode and a workpiece in a machining fluid stored in a machining tank to machine the workpiece, and is equipped with a temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid, a temperature sensor that measures the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body, and a temperature control device that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining fluid temperature to a target temperature corresponding to the main body temperature.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a graph showing an example of temperature changes over time in the body temperature and room temperature of a wire electric discharge machine body. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a wire electric discharge machining system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature control device. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams showing examples of how temperature sensors are attached to a wire electric discharge machine body. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for machining liquid temperature control. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an arrangement of two temperature sensors on a wire electric discharge machine body. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for machining liquid temperature control in Modification 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing procedure for machining liquid temperature control in Modification 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an arrangement of temperature sensors on a wire electric discharge machine body corresponding to a plurality of relative drive mechanisms. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature control device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for machining liquid temperature control in Modification 2.

[0006] The body temperature of a wire EDM changes in response to changes in the room temperature in which the wire EDM is installed. The wire EDM includes components manufactured as castings. Castings and air have different heat capacities. Therefore, if a sudden change in room temperature occurs, the body temperature of the wire EDM may not be able to immediately follow the change in room temperature. In this case, the body temperature of the wire EDM will not match the room temperature, resulting in a discrepancy between the two.

[0007] 1 shows graphs TR and TM illustrating an example of temperature changes over time in the body temperature and room temperature of a wire electric discharge machine body. In the example shown in FIG. 1, after time C0, the room temperature drops sharply, as shown by graph TR. However, after time C0, there is a time lag before the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body starts to drop, as shown by graph TM. Therefore, after time C0, there is a period during which the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body and the room temperature are different.

[0008] In conventional wire electric discharge machining systems, the temperature of the machining fluid is adjusted to room temperature. The temperature of the workpiece immersed in the machining fluid becomes equal to room temperature. The temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body, which moves the workpiece and the wire electrode relatively during electric discharge machining, may differ from room temperature, as described above. Castings included in the wire electric discharge machine body may be thermally deformed. The wire electric discharge machine body, which has a temperature different from room temperature, performs electric discharge machining while moving the workpiece and the wire electrode, which have a temperature equal to room temperature, relatively. This may result in a decrease in the machining accuracy of the electric discharge machining.

[0009] 2 is a diagram showing a wire electric discharge machining system 10 according to one embodiment. The wire electric discharge machining system 10 in this embodiment has a wire electric discharge machine main body 20, a machining power supply 30, a machining control device 32, and a circulation processing device 40. The machining power supply 30 applies a pulsed voltage to a gap formed between the wire electrode E and the workpiece W to generate an electric discharge. The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 electric discharge machines the workpiece W by the electric discharge generated between the gap.

[0010] The machining control device 32 includes a processor (not shown). The processor executes a machining program stored in a memory (not shown). The machining control device 32 controls the machining power supply 30 to apply a voltage to the gap between the electrodes, and controls the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 in accordance with the machining program to move the wire electrode E and the workpiece W relative to each other. This causes the workpiece W to be machined by electric discharge machining.

[0011] Electrical discharge machining performed by the wire electrical discharge machine main body 20 is performed with the workpiece W immersed in machining fluid L. The circulation device 40 circulates the machining fluid L within the wire electrical discharge machining system 10.

[0012] The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 is disposed in an XYZ space defined by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in FIG. 2. The X direction in which the X-axis extends, the Y direction in which the Y-axis extends, and the Z direction in which the Z-axis extends intersect with one another. In this embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The -Z direction is the direction of gravity. The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 has a work table 60. The workpiece W is supported on the work table 60.

[0013] The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 further has an upper wire guide 62 and a lower wire guide 64. The upper wire guide 62 supports the wire electrode E above (in the +Z direction) the work table 60 and the workpiece W. The lower wire guide 64 supports the wire electrode E below (in the -Z direction) the work table 60.

[0014] The wire electrode E is supplied from a wire bobbin (not shown) in the feeding direction at a predetermined speed. The wire electrode E is fed through the upper wire guide 62, the workpiece W, and the lower wire guide 64. The wire electrode E that has passed through the lower wire guide 64 is collected in a collection box (not shown).

[0015] During electrical discharge machining, the machining control device 32 moves the workpiece W relative to the wire electrode E along a machining path specified in the machining program. In this embodiment, the relative movement between the wire electrode E and the workpiece W is achieved by moving the worktable 60 in the X and Y directions. The wire electrical discharge machine main body 20 further includes an X-axis table 66, a first relative drive mechanism 68, a Y-axis table 70, a second relative drive mechanism 72, a bed 74, and a column 76. In this embodiment, the worktable 60 is attached to a machining tank 100 (described later), and the machining tank 100 moves in the X and Y directions.

[0016] The X-axis table 66 is movable in the X direction relative to the Y-axis table 70, the bed 74, and the column 76. The work table 60 moves in the X direction together with the X-axis table 66. The first relative drive mechanism 68 moves the X-axis table 66 by being driven. The first relative drive mechanism 68 includes, for example, a guide rail, a guide block, a nut, a ball screw, and a motor. The first relative drive mechanism 68 configured in this manner moves the wire electrode E and the workpiece W relatively in the X direction.

[0017] The first relative drive mechanism 68 is supported by a Y-axis table 70. In other words, the Y-axis table 70 is a support portion for the first relative drive mechanism 68. The Y-axis table 70 is movable in the Y direction relative to the bed 74 and the column 76. The X-axis table 66 and the work table 60 move in the Y direction together with the Y-axis table 70.

[0018] The second relative drive mechanism 72 is driven to move the Y-axis table 70. The second relative drive mechanism 72 includes, for example, a guide rail, a guide block, a nut, a ball screw, and a motor. The second relative drive mechanism 72 configured in this manner moves the wire electrode E and the workpiece W relatively in the Y direction.

[0019] The second relative drive mechanism 72 is supported by a bed 74. That is, the bed 74 is a support portion for the second relative drive mechanism 72. The bed 74 is a base for the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. The bed 74 further supports a column 76 that stands upright on the bed 74.

[0020] In this embodiment, the upper wire guide 62 is movable in the X and Y directions during electric discharge machining of the workpiece W. The movement of the upper wire guide 62 in the X direction is performed independently of the movement of the worktable 60 in the X direction. Therefore, the movement of the upper wire guide 62 in the X direction is referred to as movement in the U direction. The movement of the upper wire guide 62 in the Y direction is performed independently of the movement of the worktable 60 in the Y direction. Therefore, the movement of the upper wire guide 62 in the Y direction is referred to as movement in the V direction. By moving the upper wire guide 62 in the U or V direction, tapered machining of the workpiece W becomes possible.

[0021] The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 further has a Z-axis slider 78, a third relative drive mechanism 80, a U-axis saddle 82, a fourth relative drive mechanism 84, a V-axis saddle 86, and a fifth relative drive mechanism 88. The upper wire guide 62 is attached to the Z-axis slider 78. The Z-axis slider 78 is movable in the Z direction relative to the U-axis saddle 82, the V-axis saddle 86, the bed 74, and the column 76.

[0022] The upper wire guide 62 moves in the Z direction together with the Z-axis slider 78. When the third relative drive mechanism 80 is driven, the third relative drive mechanism 80 moves the Z-axis slider 78. The third relative drive mechanism 80 includes, for example, a guide rail, a guide block, a nut, a ball screw, and a motor. The third relative drive mechanism 80 configured in this manner moves the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0023] The third relative drive mechanism 80 is supported by a U-axis saddle 82. That is, the U-axis saddle 82 is a support portion of the third relative drive mechanism 80. The U-axis saddle 82 is movable in the U direction relative to the V-axis saddle 86, the bed 74, and the column 76. The Z-axis slider 78 and the upper wire guide 62 move in the U direction together with the U-axis saddle 82.

[0024] When the fourth relative drive mechanism 84 is driven, the fourth relative drive mechanism 84 moves the U-axis saddle 82. The fourth relative drive mechanism 84 includes, for example, a guide rail, a guide block, a nut, a ball screw, and a motor. The fourth relative drive mechanism 84 configured in this manner moves the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 relatively in the U direction (X direction). This causes the wire electrode E and the workpiece W to move relatively in the rotational direction about the Y-axis.

[0025] The fourth relative drive mechanism 84 is supported by a V-axis saddle 86. That is, the V-axis saddle 86 is a support portion of the fourth relative drive mechanism 84. The V-axis saddle 86 is movable in the V direction relative to the bed 74 and the column 76. The U-axis saddle 82, the Z-axis slider 78, and the upper wire guide 62 move in the V direction together with the V-axis saddle 86.

[0026] A fifth relative drive mechanism 88 drives the V-axis saddle 86 to move the V-axis saddle 86 relatively. The fifth relative drive mechanism 88 includes, for example, a guide rail, a guide block, a nut, a ball screw, and a motor. The fifth relative drive mechanism 88 configured in this manner moves the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 relatively in the V direction (Y direction). This causes the wire electrode E and the workpiece W to move relatively in the rotational direction about the X-axis.

[0027] The fifth relative drive mechanism 88 is supported by a column 76 that stands on the bed 74. In other words, the V-axis saddle 86 is a support portion for the column 76.

[0028] The wire electric discharge machine main body 20 further has an arm 90 and a machining tank 100. The arm 90 is connected to the column 76 and the lower wire guide 64. That is, the arm 90 supports the lower wire guide 64. The arm 90 supports the wire electrode E via the lower wire guide 64. The arm 90 includes a flow path 102 into which the machining fluid L flows. Furthermore, the wire electrode E that has passed through the lower wire guide 64 passes through the arm 90 and is collected in a collection box (not shown).

[0029] The machining tank 100 is movable in the X and Y directions in accordance with the movement of the X-axis table 66 and the Y-axis table 70. The machining tank 100 stores machining fluid L. The work table 60, the workpiece W, the upper wire guide 62, and the lower wire guide 64 are immersed in the machining fluid L. During electric discharge machining, the machining fluid L is sprayed from the upper wire guide 62 into the inter-electrode space. The machining fluid L may also be sprayed from the lower wire guide 64 into the inter-electrode space.

[0030] The circulation device 40 adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid L discharged from the machining tank 100 and returns the machining fluid L to the machining tank 100. The circulation device 40 has a storage tank 120, a temperature adjustment device 130, a first pump 140, a second pump 142, and a third pump 144. The storage tank 120 stores the machining fluid L discharged from the machining tank 100 via a flow path 102 in the arm 90. The temperature adjustment device 130 adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid L by heating or cooling the machining fluid L.

[0031] The first pump 140 supplies the machining fluid L from the reservoir 120 to the temperature adjustment device 130. The machining fluid L, whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment device 130, returns from the temperature adjustment device 130 to the reservoir 120.

[0032] As described above, during electrical discharge machining, machining fluid L is sprayed from the upper wire guide 62 into the gap between the electrodes. The second pump 142 returns the machining fluid L, which has been returned to the reservoir 120 and has its temperature adjusted, to the machining tank 100 by spraying it from the upper wire guide 62 into the gap between the electrodes. The third pump 144 returns the machining fluid L, which has been returned to the reservoir 120 and has its temperature adjusted, directly to the machining tank 100.

[0033] The reservoir 120 may be a clean reservoir for storing clean machining fluid L. In this case, a contaminated reservoir for storing machining fluid L contaminated with machining debris (sludge) is provided separately from the reservoir 120. The machining fluid L discharged from the machining reservoir 100 through the flow path 102 in the arm 90 is contaminated and is therefore collected in the contaminated reservoir. The machining fluid L collected in the contaminated reservoir is purified by filtering the machining debris, and then transferred to the reservoir 120 by a pump (not shown). Clean machining fluid L is supplied to the temperature adjustment device 130.

[0034] The wire electric discharge machining system 10 further has a temperature sensor 160. The temperature sensor 160 is disposed in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. The temperature sensor 160 measures the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. The temperature sensor 160 is disposed in a member manufactured as a casting among the members included in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20, or in a relative drive mechanism supported by a member manufactured as a casting.

[0035] The components manufactured as castings are, for example, the X-axis table 66, the Y-axis table 70, the bed 74, the column 76, the U-axis saddle 82, and the V-axis saddle 86. The relative drive mechanisms supported by these components are the first relative drive mechanism 68, the second relative drive mechanism 72, the fourth relative drive mechanism 84, and the fifth relative drive mechanism 88. Therefore, the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed on any of the X-axis table 66, the first relative drive mechanism 68, the Y-axis table 70, the second relative drive mechanism 72, the bed 74, the column 76, the U-axis saddle 82, the fourth relative drive mechanism 84, the V-axis saddle 86, and the fifth relative drive mechanism 88.

[0036] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 160 is disposed on the bed 74. A temperature control device 180 that controls the temperature adjustment device 130 is disposed on the temperature adjustment device 130. Note that the temperature control device 180 may be disposed outside the temperature adjustment device 130 and control the temperature adjustment device 130 via wired or wireless communication.

[0037] The temperature control device 180 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20 from the temperature sensor 160 via the communication cable 190. The temperature control device 180 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L to a target temperature corresponding to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. In this embodiment, the target temperature is equal to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. The temperature adjustment device 130 adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid L so that it approaches the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20.

[0038] Of the components included in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20, the temperature of the column 76, which is manufactured as a casting, is approximately the same as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 measured by the temperature sensor 160 disposed on the bed 74. The temperature of the arm 90 connected to the column 76 is also approximately the same as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0039] As described above, the machining fluid L in the machining tank 100 is discharged to the storage tank 120 via the flow path 102 in the arm 90. In the flow path 102 in the arm 90, the machining fluid L is brought closer to the temperature of the arm 90 and the column 76. That is, the machining fluid L in the flow path 102 in the arm 90 is brought closer to the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the temperature control device 180. The temperature control device 180 has a processing circuit 200, a storage device 202, and a communication module 204. The processing circuit 200 includes a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device 202 includes volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as working memory for the processor. The non-volatile memory stores programs executed by the processor and other necessary data. The communication module 204 is used for wired or wireless communication.

[0041] The processing circuit 200 has a temperature information acquisition unit 220, a temperature determination unit 222, and a temperature control unit 224. The temperature information acquisition unit 220, the temperature determination unit 222, and the temperature control unit 224 are realized by the processing circuit 200 executing a program stored in the storage device 202. At least some of the temperature information acquisition unit 220, the temperature determination unit 222, and the temperature control unit 224 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA, or an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0042] The temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20 from the temperature sensor 160 via the communication module 204. The temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature described above based on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. The temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature to be, for example, a temperature equal to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20.

[0043] The temperature control unit 224 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L supplied from the storage tank 120 to the temperature adjustment device 130 by the first pump 140 to the target temperature. After the machining fluid L has been adjusted to the target temperature, it is returned to the storage tank 120 and then supplied to the machining tank 100 by the second pump 142 and the third pump 144.

[0044] The work table 60, workpiece W, upper wire guide 62, and lower wire guide 64 are immersed in machining fluid L, the temperature of which has been adjusted to a target temperature. The temperature of the workpiece W immersed in machining fluid L is adjusted to a target temperature corresponding to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. The temperatures of the first relative drive mechanism 68, the second relative drive mechanism 72, the third relative drive mechanism 80, the fourth relative drive mechanism 84, and the fifth relative drive mechanism 88 are also set to temperatures corresponding to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. This prevents a decrease in the machining accuracy of the electric discharge machining.

[0045] 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams illustrating examples of how the temperature sensor 160 is attached to the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. As described above, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor 160 is disposed on the bed 74.

[0046] 4A , the temperature sensor 160 has a threaded portion 160s and a sensor element 160t. A threaded hole 74a is formed in the surface of the bed 74, which is the object to be measured. The temperature sensor 160 is inserted into the threaded hole 74a of the bed 74. The threaded portion 160s of the temperature sensor 160 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 74a of the bed 74. It is preferable that the sensor element 160t of the temperature sensor 160 contacts the bottom surface of the threaded hole 74a of the bed 74. The temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature of the bed 74 using the sensor element 160t as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0047] [Correction based on Rule 91, 31.10.2023] If the material constituting the outer surface of the bed 74, which is the object to be measured, is thin, it is not possible to form a deep screw hole 74a in the surface. In such a case, the temperature sensor 160 is attached to the wire electric discharge machine main body 20, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, a block BK is attached in close contact with the surface of the bed 74. The temperature sensor 160 is attached to the block BK. It is preferable that the sensor element 160t of the temperature sensor 160 contacts the block BK. The temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature of the bed 74 via the block BK using the sensor element 160t as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0048] [Correction based on Rule 91, 31 October 2023] The surface of the bed 74, which is the object to be measured, may have a threaded hole formed in advance for some purpose. In the example shown in FIG. 4C , a threaded hole 74b is formed in the surface of the bed 74. This threaded hole 74b is too large to insert the temperature sensor 160. In this case, a bolt BT is inserted into the threaded hole 74b. The temperature sensor 160 is attached to the bolt BT. It is preferable that the sensor element 160t of the temperature sensor 160 contacts the bolt BT. The temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature of the bed 74 via the bolt BT using the sensor element 160t as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0049] [Correction based on Rule 91, 31.10.2023] If the material constituting the outer surface of the bed 74, which is the object to be measured, is magnetic, the temperature sensor 160 can be attached to the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 using a magnet. In the example shown in FIG. 4D , a magnet MG is provided together with a sensor element 160t on the surface of the temperature sensor 160 that contacts the bed 74. The temperature sensor 160 is attached to the bed 74 by the magnetic force of the magnet MG. It is preferable that the sensor element 160t of the temperature sensor 160 contacts the bed 74. The temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature of the bed 74 using the sensor element 160t as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0050] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the temperature of the machining fluid L. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the processing circuit 200 of the temperature control device 180 executing a program stored in the storage device 202. When this processing procedure is started, in step S1, the temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 from the temperature sensor 160.

[0051] In step S2, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature to be equal to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. In step S3, the temperature control unit 224 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L supplied from the storage tank 120 to the temperature adjustment device 130 to the target temperature. When the processing of step S3 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0052] The temperature sensor 160 may be disposed in the column 76. The temperature of the column 76 is measured as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. As described above, the arm 90 is connected to the column 76. The machining fluid L flows through a flow path 102 contained in the arm 90. By using the temperature of the column 76, which has approximately the same temperature as the arm 90 through which the machining fluid L flows, as the main body temperature, it may become easier to more appropriately adjust the machining fluid temperature of the machining fluid L.

[0053] In this embodiment, the temperature control device 180 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L to a target temperature equal to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. This allows the temperature of the workpiece W to approach the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. This results in high machining accuracy in the electric discharge machining.

[0054] [Modifications] The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0055] (Variation 1) A plurality of temperature sensors 160 may be arranged in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an arrangement of two temperature sensors 160A and 160B in a wire electric discharge machine main body 20A. The wire electric discharge machine main body 20A shown in Fig. 6 is the same as the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 shown in Fig. 2 except for the arrangement of two temperature sensors 160A and 160B. Therefore, the wire electric discharge machine main body 20A shown in Fig. 6 has components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 shown in Fig. 2. A description of the components assigned the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0056] The temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature based on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20A acquired from the two temperature sensors 160A and 160B. In the example shown in Fig. 6, sunlight SL is irradiated onto one side of the wire electric discharge machine body 20A. Temperature sensor 160A is not included in the range irradiated by sunlight SL. Temperature sensor 160B is included in the range irradiated by sunlight SL. In this case, the body temperature measured by temperature sensor 160B may be higher than the body temperature measured by temperature sensor 160A due to solar heat.

[0057] 6, the relative movement between the wire electrode E and the workpiece W is performed outside the irradiation range of sunlight SL. It is assumed that the user operates an operation device (not shown) to select the body temperature acquired from temperature sensor 160A from the body temperatures acquired from temperature sensor 160A and temperature sensor 160B.

[0058] In this case, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the main body temperature selected by the user as the target temperature. That is, the main body temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 160A is determined as the target temperature. The same applies even if one side of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20A is exposed to air from an air conditioner rather than to sunlight SL.

[0059] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the temperature of machining fluid L in Modification 1. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by processing circuit 200 of temperature control device 180 executing a program stored in storage device 202. When this processing procedure is started, in step S11, temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of wire electric discharge machine body 20A from temperature sensor 160A and temperature sensor 160B. In step S11, only the body temperature selected by the user may be acquired.

[0060] In step S12, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature to be the main body temperature selected by the user. In step S13, the temperature control unit 224 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L supplied from the storage tank 120 to the temperature adjustment device 130 to the target temperature. When the processing of step S13 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0061] The temperature determination unit 222 may determine the target temperature to be the average value of the body temperature acquired from temperature sensor 160A and the body temperature acquired from temperature sensor 160B. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing procedure related to temperature control of machining fluid L in Modification 1. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the processing circuit 200 of the temperature control device 180 executing a program stored in the storage device 202. When this processing procedure is started, in step S21, the temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of wire electric discharge machine main body 20A from temperature sensor 160A and temperature sensor 160B.

[0062] In step S22, temperature determination unit 222 determines a target temperature to be the average of the body temperatures acquired from temperature sensors 160A and 160B. In step S23, temperature control unit 224 controls temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of machining fluid L supplied from storage tank 120 to temperature adjustment device 130 to the target temperature. When the processing of step S23 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0063] In this modification, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature based on a plurality of body temperatures measured by the plurality of temperature sensors 160A and 160B. This prevents a large deviation between the temperature of the workpiece W and the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20A due to the installation environment of the wire electric discharge machine body 20A. This maintains high machining accuracy in the electric discharge machining.

[0064] (Variation 2) The temperature sensor 160 may be disposed at a support part of each relative drive mechanism. The relative movement between the wire electrode E and the workpiece W is achieved by each relative drive mechanism. Therefore, it is preferable that the support part temperature of the support part of the relative drive mechanism that performs the relative movement be measured as the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body 20.

[0065] Figure 9 is a diagram showing how temperature sensors 160C, 160D, and 160E are arranged in a wire electric discharge machine main body 20B corresponding to a plurality of relative drive mechanisms. The wire electric discharge machine main body 20B shown in Figure 9 is the same as the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 shown in Figure 2 except for the arrangement of three temperature sensors 160C, 160D, and 160E. Therefore, the wire electric discharge machine main body 20B shown in Figure 9 has components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the wire electric discharge machine main body 20 shown in Figure 2. A description of these components assigned the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0066] The temperature sensor 160C is disposed on the Y-axis table 70 at a support position for the first relative drive mechanism 68. As described above, the Y-axis table 70 is a support portion for the first relative drive mechanism 68, which moves the wire electrode E and the workpiece W relatively in the X direction. Therefore, when the first relative drive mechanism 68 is driven, the temperature determination unit 222 uses the support portion temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160C disposed on the Y-axis table 70, which supports the first relative drive mechanism 68, as the main body temperature. The temperature determination unit 222 determines this main body temperature as the target temperature. In other words, the support portion temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 160C is determined to be the target temperature.

[0067] The temperature sensor 160D is disposed on the bed 74 at a support position for the second relative drive mechanism 72. As described above, the bed 74 is a support for the second relative drive mechanism 72 that moves the wire electrode E and the workpiece W relatively in the Y direction. Therefore, when the second relative drive mechanism 72 is driven, the temperature determination unit 222 uses the support temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160D disposed on the bed 74 that supports the second relative drive mechanism 72 as the main body temperature. The temperature determination unit 222 determines this main body temperature as the target temperature. In other words, the support temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 160D is determined to be the target temperature.

[0068] The temperature sensor 160E is disposed at a support position of the V-axis saddle 86 for the fourth relative drive mechanism 84. As described above, the V-axis saddle 86 is a support portion for the fourth relative drive mechanism 84, which moves the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 relatively in the U direction (X direction). When the fourth relative drive mechanism 84 is driven, taper machining is performed on the workpiece W. In this case, it is considered that the fifth relative drive mechanism 88 is also driven, causing the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 to move relatively in the V direction (Y direction).

[0069] Therefore, when the fourth relative drive mechanism 84 is driven, the temperature determination unit 222 uses the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160E disposed on the V-axis saddle 86 as the main body temperature. The temperature determination unit 222 determines that main body temperature as the target temperature. In other words, the support part temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 160E is determined as the target temperature.

[0070] Furthermore, another temperature sensor may be disposed on the column 76 at a support position of the fifth relative drive mechanism 88. In this case, when the fifth relative drive mechanism 88 is driven, the temperature determination unit 222 can use the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor disposed on the column 76 as the main body temperature.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a temperature control device 180A. The temperature control device 180A shown in Fig. 10 is obtained by adding a processing linkage unit 226 to the processing circuit 200 of the temperature control device 180 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the temperature control device 180A shown in Fig. 10 has components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the temperature control device 180 shown in Fig. 3. Explanation of the components assigned the same reference numerals will be omitted.

[0072] The processing circuit 200 executes the program stored in the storage device 202, thereby realizing a processing cooperation unit 226. The processing cooperation unit 226 acquires the execution status of the processing program from the processing control device 32 via the communication module 204. When the execution status acquired by the processing cooperation unit 226 indicates that the wire electrode E and the workpiece W are moving relatively in the X direction, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160C as the target temperature.

[0073] When the execution status acquired by the processing cooperation unit 226 indicates that the wire electrode E and the workpiece W are moving relatively in the Y direction, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160D as the target temperature. When the execution status acquired by the processing cooperation unit 226 indicates that the upper wire guide 62 and the lower wire guide 64 are moving relatively in the U direction (X direction), the temperature determination unit 222 determines the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160E as the target temperature.

[0074] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for controlling the temperature of the machining liquid L in Modification 2. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the processing circuit 200 of the temperature control device 180A executing a program stored in the storage device 202. When this processing procedure is started, in step S31, the machining cooperation unit 226 acquires the execution status of the machining program from the machining control device 32.

[0075] In step S32, the temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20B from one of the temperature sensors 160C, 160D, and 160E, which corresponds to the execution status of the machining program. In step S33, the temperature determination unit 222 determines the target temperature to be equal to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20B. In step S34, the temperature control unit 224 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L supplied from the storage tank 120 to the temperature adjustment device 130 to the target temperature. When the processing of step S34 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0076] It should be noted that there may be cases where multiple relative drive mechanisms among the first relative drive mechanism 68, the second relative drive mechanism 72, and the fourth relative drive mechanism 84 (or the fifth relative drive mechanism 88) are driven simultaneously. In this case, in step S32, the temperature information acquisition unit 220 may acquire temperature information on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20B from multiple temperature sensors among the temperature sensors 160C, 160D, and 160E. In step S33, the temperature determination unit 222 determines a target temperature based on the multiple body temperatures acquired from the multiple temperature sensors. For example, the target temperature is determined to be the average value of the multiple body temperatures.

[0077] In this modification, the temperature information acquisition unit 220 acquires temperature information on the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20B in accordance with the execution status of the machining program. This makes it possible to prevent a large deviation between the temperature of the workpiece W and the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20B due to the influence of the machining status of the workpiece W. This therefore maintains high machining accuracy in the electric discharge machining.

[0078] (Modification 3) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any manner.

[0079] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the temperature control device 180 controls the temperature adjustment device 130 to adjust the temperature of the machining fluid L to a target temperature corresponding to the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. This reduces the difference between the temperature of the workpiece W and the body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body 20. This results in high machining accuracy in the electric discharge machining.

[0080] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0081] (Note 1) A wire electric discharge machining system (10) having a wire electric discharge machine main body (20) that generates an electric discharge between a wire electrode (E) and a workpiece (W) in machining fluid (L) stored in a machining tank (100) to machine the workpiece, comprises a temperature adjustment device (130) that adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid, a temperature sensor (160) that measures the main body temperature of the wire electric discharge machine main body, and a temperature control device (180) that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining fluid temperature to a target temperature corresponding to the main body temperature.

[0082] (Appendix 2) The wire electric discharge machining system described in Appendix 1 further includes a circulation treatment device (40) that performs a predetermined treatment on the machining fluid drained from the machining tank and returns the fluid to the machining tank, and the circulation treatment device includes the temperature adjustment device, and the temperature adjustment device may adjust the machining fluid temperature of the machining fluid as the predetermined treatment.

[0083] (Appendix 3) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in Appendix 2, the circulation treatment device includes a storage tank (120) that stores the machining fluid discharged from the machining tank, and the circulation treatment device returns the machining fluid from the storage tank to the machining tank, and also supplies the machining fluid from the storage tank to the temperature adjustment device, and returns the machining fluid with the machining fluid temperature adjusted to the storage tank.

[0084] (Appendix 4) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, a plurality of the temperature sensors may be arranged on the wire electric discharge machine body, and the temperature control device may have a temperature determination unit (222) that determines the target temperature based on a plurality of body temperatures obtained by measuring each of the plurality of temperature sensors, and a temperature control unit (224) that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining liquid temperature to the target temperature determined by the temperature determination unit.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 5) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in Supplementary Note 4, the temperature determination unit may determine an average value of a plurality of the body temperatures as the target temperature.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 6) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in Supplementary Note 4, the temperature determination unit may determine the main body temperature selected by a user as the target temperature.

[0087] (Appendix 7) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, the wire electric discharge machine main body has a relative drive mechanism (68, 72, 84, 88) that moves the wire electrode and the workpiece relative to each other, and a support part (70, 74, 76, 86) that supports the relative drive mechanism, and the temperature sensor may be disposed in the support part, and the support part temperature of the support part may be measured as the main body temperature.

[0088] (Appendix 8) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in Appendix 7, the relative drive mechanism includes a first drive mechanism (68) that moves one of the wire electrode and the workpiece in a first direction, and a second drive mechanism (72) that moves the one of the wire electrode and the workpiece in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the temperature sensors are respectively arranged in the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism; the temperature sensor arranged in the first drive mechanism measures the support part temperature of the support part that supports the first drive mechanism; the temperature sensor arranged in the second drive mechanism measures the support part temperature of the support part that supports the second drive mechanism; when the first drive mechanism is driven, the temperature control device uses at least the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor arranged in the support part that supports the first drive mechanism as the main body temperature; and when the second drive mechanism is driven, the temperature control device uses at least the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor arranged in the support part that supports the second drive mechanism as the main body temperature.

[0089] (Appendix 9) In the wire electric discharge machining system described in Appendix 7 or 8, the wire electric discharge machine body may have an arm (90) that supports the wire electrode, and the arm may be connected to the support part and may contain a flow path (102) through which the machining fluid flows from the machining tank.

[0090] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0091] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Wire electric discharge machining system 20...Wire electric discharge machine main body 30...Machining power supply 32...Machining control device 40...Circulation processing device 60...Work table 62...Upper wire guide 64...Lower wire guide 66...X-axis table 68...First relative drive mechanism 70...Y-axis table 72...Second relative drive mechanism 74...Bed 76...Column 78...Z-axis slider 80...Third relative drive mechanism 82...U-axis saddle 84...Fourth relative drive mechanism 86...V-axis saddle 88...Fifth relative drive mechanism 90...Arm 100...Machining tank 102...Flow path 120...Storage tank 130...Temperature adjustment device 140...First pump 142...Second pump 144...Third pump 160...Temperature sensor 180...Temperature control device 190...Communication cable 200...Processing circuit 202...Storage device 204: Communication module 220: Temperature information acquisition unit 222: Temperature determination unit 224: Temperature control unit 226: Processing cooperation unit

Claims

1. A wire electric discharge machining system having a wire electric discharge machine body that machines a workpiece by generating an electric discharge between a wire electrode and the workpiece in a machining fluid stored in a machining tank, a temperature control device for controlling a temperature of the machining fluid; a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the wire electric discharge machine body; a temperature control device that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining liquid temperature to a target temperature corresponding to the main body temperature; A wire electric discharge machining system comprising:

2. 2. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 1, The processing tank further includes a circulation processing device that performs a predetermined process on the processing liquid discharged from the processing tank and returns the processing liquid to the processing tank. The circulation treatment device includes the temperature adjustment device, The temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the machining fluid as the predetermined process.

3. 3. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 2, The circulation treatment device includes: A storage tank is provided for storing the machining fluid discharged from the machining tank, The circulating treatment device returns the machining fluid in the storage tank to the machining tank, supplies the machining fluid in the storage tank to the temperature adjustment device, and returns the machining fluid with the machining fluid temperature adjusted to the storage tank.

4. 2. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 1, A plurality of the temperature sensors are disposed on the wire electric discharge machine body, The temperature control device includes: a temperature determination unit that determines the target temperature based on a plurality of body temperatures that are respectively measured by the plurality of temperature sensors; and a temperature control unit that controls the temperature adjustment device to adjust the machining liquid temperature to the target temperature determined by the temperature determination unit. Wire EDM system.

5. 5. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 4, The temperature determination unit determines an average value of a plurality of the body temperatures as the target temperature.

6. 5. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 4, The temperature determination unit determines the body temperature selected by a user as the target temperature.

7. The wire electric discharge machining system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The wire electric discharge machine body includes: a relative drive mechanism for moving the wire electrode and the workpiece relative to each other; a support portion that supports the relative drive mechanism, The temperature sensor is disposed at the support and measures a support temperature of the support as the main body temperature.

8. 8. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 7, The relative drive mechanism includes: a first drive mechanism configured to move one of the wire electrode and the workpiece in a first direction; a second drive mechanism configured to move the one of the wire electrode and the workpiece in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the temperature sensor is disposed in each of the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism, the temperature sensor disposed in the first drive mechanism measures a support part temperature of the support part that supports the first drive mechanism; the temperature sensor disposed in the second drive mechanism measures a support part temperature of the support part that supports the second drive mechanism; When the first driving mechanism is driven, the temperature control device uses at least the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor disposed on the support part supporting the first driving mechanism as the main body temperature; A wire electric discharge machining system, in which, when the second drive mechanism is driven, the temperature control device uses at least the support part temperature measured by the temperature sensor arranged on the support part that supports the second drive mechanism as the main body temperature.

9. 8. The wire electric discharge machining system according to claim 7, the wire electric discharge machine body has an arm for supporting the wire electrode, The arm is connected to the support and contains a flow path through which the machining fluid flows from the machining tank.