Machine tool, machine tool system, program, machine tool control method, and program generation method

Abstract

This machine tool control method comprises: causing a machine tool to read a machining program containing a program code that indicates an operation to be performed by the machine tool on a workpiece and / or to be performed on at least one implement and containing additional information that at least includes cutting information obtained from a cutout portion which results from exclusion of a product shape from a workpiece shape; and, when the machine tool executes said operation, controlling the machine tool so as to activate, on the basis of the cutting information, at least one peripheral device that is among a plurality of devices in the machine tool and that is other than a device for operating the workpiece and a device for operating said at least one implement.

Description

Machine tool, machine tool system, program, machine tool control method, and program generation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool, a machine tool system, a program, a machine tool control method, and a program generation method.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a numerical control device calculates a cutting volume from a machining program and controls equipment such as a coolant pump based on the calculated cutting volume. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a command code for discharging chips is inserted immediately before a block in which the cutting volume predicted by simulation exceeds a threshold value.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-266185 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-199256

[0004] When the technology of Patent Document 1 is applied to a machining program written in EIA / ISO format, the machining program describes only the amount of tool movement, so an accurate cutting volume cannot be calculated. Patent Document 2 uses a cutting amount predicted by simulation, so it is based on a cutting amount with higher accuracy, but because it outputs a chip discharge command code that causes different machine tools to execute the same process, it can only control different machine tools using a single chip discharge method.

[0005] A method for controlling a machine tool according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes having the machine tool read a machining program including program code representing an operation of at least one of a workpiece and at least one tool by the machine tool and additional information having at least cutting information obtained from a portion to be cut that is the workpiece shape excluding the product shape, and controlling the machine tool so that when the machine tool performs at least one of the operations, at least one peripheral device of the machine tool other than the device that operates the workpiece and the device that operates the at least one tool operates based on the cutting information.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method according to the first aspect, the additional information further includes control code for causing the machine tool to execute processing for controlling at least one peripheral device based on the cutting information. Having the machine tool read the machining program includes having the machine tool read the cutting information in accordance with the control code. Controlling the machine tool includes having a processor determine a determined control method corresponding to the additional information from at least one control method for at least one peripheral device stored in a storage device of the machine tool, and operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method according to the second aspect, the additional information further includes machining information representing machining conditions for performing at least one operation. Controlling the machine tool includes having a processor determine a determined control method based on the machining information and the cutting information. The machining conditions are preferably conditions related to the ease of chip discharge and the ease of chip filtering in the coolant, such as the degree of chip scattering and the weight of the chips.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method according to any one of the first to third aspects, the cutting information includes a parameter represented by the size of at least a part of the portion to be cut. Controlling the machine tool includes causing a processor of the machine tool to determine a determined device control method corresponding to the parameter of the cutting information from among a plurality of control methods for at least one peripheral device associated with a plurality of ranges of the parameter, which are stored in a storage device of the machine tool, and operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the parameters include a removal rate divided by the machining time required to cut at least a portion of the volume of the portion to be cut by at least one tool.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method of the fifth aspect, the storage device stores information representing a first correspondence relationship between a plurality of ranges of removal rates and a plurality of energy-saving levels corresponding to the plurality of ranges, and information representing a second correspondence relationship between the plurality of energy-saving levels and a control method for at least one peripheral device. The plurality of control methods are defined such that the output of the at least one peripheral device is reduced as the energy-saving level increases. Preferably, the plurality of energy-saving levels are defined such that the output of the at least one peripheral device is increased as the removal rate decreases.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the control method of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the at least one peripheral device includes at least one of a coolant supply device, a chip conveyor, and a mist collector in the machine tool.

[0012] A program generation method according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes having a computer calculate cutting information obtained from the cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the work shape based on the work shape and the product shape, and having the computer generate a processing program in which additional information having at least the cutting information is added to program code representing the operation of at least one of the workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool to machine the workpiece to obtain the product shape.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the generation method according to the eighth aspect, the additional information further includes a control code that causes the machine tool to execute a process for controlling at least one peripheral device other than the device that operates the workpiece and the device that operates the at least one tool, among the multiple devices of the machine tool, based on the cutting information.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the generation method according to the ninth aspect, the additional information further includes machining information representing machining conditions when at least one of the operations is performed. The control code is code that causes the machine tool to execute a process that controls at least one peripheral device based on the machining information and the cutting information. The machining conditions are preferably conditions related to the ease of chip discharge and the ease of chip filtering in the coolant, such as the degree of chip scattering and the weight of the chips.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the generation method according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, the cutting information includes a parameter represented by the size of at least a part of the portion to be cut, and the control code is code for causing the machine tool to determine a determined device control method corresponding to the parameter of the cutting information from among a plurality of control methods for at least one peripheral device associated with a plurality of ranges of the parameter, which are stored in a storage device of the machine tool, and causing the machine tool to execute processing for operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in the generation method according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the cutting information includes a removal rate obtained by dividing the volume of at least a portion of the portion to be cut by at least one of the operations. In other words, the parameter in the eleventh aspect includes a removal rate obtained by dividing the volume of at least a portion of the portion to be cut by at least one of the operations.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the generation method according to any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, the machining program is written in EIA / ISO format.

[0018] A program according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects. A computer-readable medium according to the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects. Specifically, the computer-readable medium comprises instructions for causing a computer to execute processing including: calculating cutting information obtained from a cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the workpiece shape based on the workpiece shape and the product shape; and generating a machining program in which additional information having at least the cutting information is added to program code representing operations of at least one of the workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool to machine the workpiece to obtain the product shape. The computer according to the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure comprises means for executing the generation method according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects. Specifically, the computer includes a storage device that stores the workpiece shape and the product shape, and a processor configured to calculate cutting information obtained from the cut portion of the workpiece shape excluding the product shape based on the workpiece shape and the product shape, and to generate a machining program in which additional information having at least the cutting information is added to program code representing the operation of at least one of the workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool in order to machine the workpiece to obtain the product shape.

[0019] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a machine tool that executes the method of any one of the first to seventh aspects. Specifically, the machine tool includes an interface for inputting a machining program, a first device for manipulating a workpiece, a second device for manipulating at least one tool, at least one peripheral device other than the device for manipulating the workpiece and the device for manipulating the at least one tool, and a processor configured to control the first device and the second device based on the machining program. The processor reads, from the machining program, program code representing at least one operation of the workpiece and the at least one tool and additional information including at least cutting information obtained from a portion to be cut that is the workpiece shape excluding the product shape, and controls the at least one peripheral device to operate based on the cutting information when the machine tool executes at least one operation. The interface includes any interface capable of exchanging data with an external device, such as a wireless or wired LAN, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Near Field Communication, or an interface with an external storage device such as a USB or SD interface.

[0020] A machine tool system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer having means for executing the generation method according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, and the machine tool according to the fifteenth aspect. Specifically, the machine tool system includes a computer and the machine tool. The machine tool includes an interface for inputting a machining program, a first device for manipulating a workpiece, a second device for manipulating at least one tool, at least one peripheral device other than the device for manipulating the workpiece and the device for manipulating the at least one tool, and a processor configured to control the first device and the second device based on the machining program, wherein the processor is configured to read, from the machining program, program code representing the operation of at least one of the workpiece and the at least one tool and additional information including at least cutting information obtained from a portion to be cut that is the workpiece shape excluding the product shape, and to control the at least one peripheral device to operate based on the cutting information when the machine tool performs at least one of the operations. The computer is configured to have a storage device that stores the work shape and the product shape, calculate cutting information obtained from the cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the work shape based on the work shape and the product shape, and generate a machining program in which additional information having at least the cutting information is added to program code that represents the operation of at least one of the workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool in order to machine the workpiece to obtain the product shape.

[0021] In the program, computer-readable medium, and computer according to the fourteenth aspect, the machine tool control method according to the first aspect, the program generation method according to the eighth aspect, the machine tool according to the fifteenth aspect, and the machine tool system according to the sixteenth aspect, cutting information is obtained from the part to be cut, so at least one peripheral device can be controlled based on the cutting amount with higher accuracy than in the invention according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-266185. Furthermore, by including cutting information in the machining program instead of the chip discharge command code of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-199256, at least one peripheral device can be controlled flexibly.

[0022] In the generation method according to the 9th aspect, the program according to the 14th aspect comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to the 9th aspect, a computer-readable medium, and a computer, the control method according to the 2nd aspect, the machine tool according to the 15th aspect comprising means for executing the control method according to the 2nd aspect, and the machine tool system according to the 16th aspect comprising a machine tool comprising means for executing the control method according to the 2nd aspect and a computer comprising means for executing the generation method according to the 9th aspect, the additional information includes control information, and therefore the additional information is not reference information but is used by the machine tool to control at least one peripheral device.

[0023] In the generation method according to the 10th aspect, the program according to the 14th aspect comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to the 10th aspect, the computer-readable medium, and the computer, the control method according to the 3rd aspect, the machine tool according to the 15th aspect comprising means for executing the control method according to the 3rd aspect, and the machine tool system according to the 16th aspect comprising a machine tool comprising means for executing the control method according to the 3rd aspect and a computer comprising means for executing the generation method according to the 10th aspect, the additional information includes processing information related to the ease of chip discharge, such as the degree of chip dispersion and weight, making it easier to control the output of at least one peripheral device to increase when chips are difficult to discharge.

[0024] In a generating method according to an eleventh aspect, a program according to a fourteenth aspect including instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generating method according to the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable medium, a computer, a control method according to the fourth aspect, a machine tool according to a fifteenth aspect including means for executing the control method according to the fourth aspect, and a machine tool system according to a sixteenth aspect including a machine tool including means for executing the control method according to the fourth aspect and a computer including means for executing the generating method according to the eleventh aspect, by specifying multiple control methods according to cutting information (and machining information) in accordance with the characteristics of the machine tool, it is possible to set different control methods for each machine tool even for the same cutting information (and machining information). Because the chip discharge command code of JP 2017-199256 A can only perform the same control for all machine tools, this allows for more flexible control of at least one peripheral device than the invention of JP 2017-199256 A.

[0025] In the generation method according to the 12th aspect, the program according to the 14th aspect comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to the 12th aspect, a computer-readable medium, and a computer, the control method according to the 5th aspect, the machine tool according to the 15th aspect comprising means for executing the control method according to the 5th aspect, and the machine tool system according to the 16th aspect comprising a machine tool comprising means for executing the control method according to the 5th aspect and a computer comprising means for executing the generation method according to the 12th aspect, since cutting information is expressed by the removal rate, it is easier to control the output of at least one peripheral device to be increased when the cutting amount per unit time is large.

[0026] In the control method according to the sixth aspect, the machine tool according to the fifteenth aspect including means for executing the control method according to the sixth aspect, and the machine tool system according to the sixteenth aspect including a machine tool including means for executing the control method according to the sixth aspect, an energy saving level can be set according to the removal rate. The energy saving level is specified so that the output of at least one peripheral device is reduced as the energy saving level increases. This makes it easier for a user of the machine tool to objectively grasp how much power the machine tool is consuming.

[0027] In the control method according to the seventh aspect, the machine tool according to the fifteenth aspect including means for executing the control method according to the seventh aspect, and the machine tool system according to the sixteenth aspect including a machine tool including means for executing the control method according to the seventh aspect, at least one peripheral device is a device used to prepare the machining environment, so changing the output is unlikely to affect the machining speed or machining accuracy. Therefore, power consumption can be easily reduced by controlling the output according to the cutting conditions.

[0028] The generation method according to the 13th aspect, the program according to the 14th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the processing of the generation method according to the 13th aspect, a computer-readable medium, and a computer, as well as the machine tool system according to the 16th aspect having a computer having means for executing the generation method according to the 13th aspect, make it easier to control at least one peripheral device in a machining program written in the widely used EIA / ISO format.

[0029] According to the technology disclosed in the present application, it is possible to provide, for example, a machine tool, a machine tool system, a program, a machine tool control method, and a program generation method that can control at least one peripheral device based on a highly accurate cutting amount and flexibly control at least one peripheral device for different machine tools.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a machine tool according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of the machine tool according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a machining program generation method according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example of a machining program generated by a machining program generation program. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of individual data. FIG. 6 shows data for controlling a first actuator among the device control information. FIG. 7 shows data for controlling a second actuator among the device control information. FIG. 8 shows data for controlling a third actuator among the device control information. FIG. 9 shows data for controlling a fourth actuator among the device control information. FIG. 10 shows control information related to a tool diameter and a tool rotation speed among the machining conditions among the device control information. FIG. 11 shows control information related to a peripheral speed among the machining conditions among the device control information. FIG. 12 shows control information related to material information to be applied to the first actuator among the machining conditions among the device control information. FIG. 13 shows control information related to material information to be applied to the second actuator among the machining conditions among the device control information. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a machine tool control method.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof. Note that the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding or substantially identical components. <Embodiment> <Configuration of Machine Tool 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool system 100 including a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The machine tool system 100 includes the machine tool 1 and a computer 99 connected to the machine tool 1 via a network NW. The computer 99 may be a general-purpose computer including electronic circuits such as a hardware processor and memory. The computer 99 is used to create a machining program used in the machine tool 1. The network NW may be a wired network such as an intranet or a wireless network such as a wireless LAN.

[0032] The machine tool 1 includes a numerical control device 2, a base 3, a table 4 on which a workpiece W is placed, a spindle unit 5 configured to mount at least one tool T, a housing 6, a power distribution board 9, a coolant supply device 10, a chip collector device 20, and a mist collector device 30. The machine tool 1 includes a spindle moving device 5a that holds the spindle unit 5 and moves the spindle unit 5 in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions in FIG. 1. The machine tool 1 also includes a table moving device 4a that moves the table 4 in the X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions in FIG. 1. The machine tool 1 further includes a tool changer (not shown) that changes the tool T mounted on the spindle unit 5 out of the at least one tool T. The housing 6 covers a machining area defined by the movement ranges of the spindle moving device 5a and the table moving device 4a. In FIG. 1, for ease of explanation, the wall on the front side of the housing 6 (the wall on the positive side of the X axis and the negative side of the Y axis from the table 4 and the spindle unit 5 in the figure) is shown by a dashed line, and the interior is shown by a solid line.

[0033] The numerical control device 2 includes an electronic circuit such as an electronic control unit (ECU), an information processing means such as a hardware processor 2P, and a storage means such as a memory 2M (see FIG. 2). The hardware processor 2P controls the spindle moving device 5a and the table moving device 4a, and controls the tool T to rotate. The numerical control device 2 includes a control panel 2CP such as a touch panel display that allows an operator to input and output information. The touch panel of the control panel 2CP may be referred to as an input interface 2IF, and the display of the control panel 2CP may be referred to as a display 2DS. In addition to the touch panel, the numerical control device 2 may further include an input interface 2IF such as a button or a dial.

[0034] The power distribution panel 9 supplies electricity to the numerical control device 2, the coolant supply device 10, the chip collector device 20, and the mist collector device 30. The machine tool 1 uses a tool T attached to the tip of the spindle unit 5 to machine a workpiece W placed on the table 4. Here, the tool rotation axis A ＴＷThe axis along the axis is defined as the Z axis, the axis perpendicular to the Z axis and along the upper surface of the base 3 is defined as the Y axis, and the axis perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis is defined as the X axis.

[0035] The coolant supply device 10 includes a coolant tank 11, multiple nozzles 12, multiple coolant supply paths 13, a first pump device 15, a second pump device 16, a chip removal filter 17, and a circulation circuit 18. To recover the coolant sprayed onto the workpiece W, the base 3 includes an outlet 3E connected to the coolant tank 11 located at the center of the base 3 and multiple raked floors 3F sloping downward toward the outlet 3E. The coolant tank 11 is configured to store the coolant. The multiple coolant supply paths 13 connect the multiple nozzles 12 to the coolant tank 11. The multiple nozzles 12 are attached to the machine tool 1 and configured to spray the coolant. The first pump device 15 is configured to pump the coolant from the coolant tank 11 and supply it to the multiple nozzles 12 through the multiple coolant supply paths 13. The coolant is sprayed from the multiple nozzles 12 and applied to the workpiece W being machined to remove chips.

[0036] The second pump device 16 and the chip removal filter 17 are connected to the coolant tank 11 via a circulation circuit 18 that is different from the multiple coolant supply paths 13. The second pump device 16 is configured to pump up coolant from the coolant tank 11 and supply it to the chip removal filter 17 through the circulation circuit 18. The chip removal filter 17 removes chips contained in the coolant.

[0037] The chip collector device 20 is a device that discharges chips from the workpiece W that have fallen into the discharge port 3E to the outside of the machine tool 1 using a chip conveyor. The chip conveyor preferably has a bank (external wall) to prevent chips from falling outside the chip conveyor and a scraper for easy transportation. In Figure 1, the chip collector device 20 is shown by a dotted line. The mist collector device 30 has a device main body 31 that has a fan device 33 and a filter 34 inside, and a duct 32 that is attached to the housing 6 and connects to the device main body 31. The mist collector device 30 rotates the fan to suck out the misted coolant and oil from inside the housing 6.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the hardware configuration of a machine tool 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the numerical control device 2 is a type of computer and includes a hardware processor 2P, a memory 2M, a display 2DS, an input interface 2IF, a system bus 2SB, an external I / O interface 2IO, and a communication interface 2CF. The system bus 2SB includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, similar to a typical computer. The external I / O interface 2IO is connected to external devices (e.g., a first pump device 15, a second pump device 16, a chip collector device 20, and a fan device 33). These external devices may also be referred to as at least one peripheral device. In other words, the at least one peripheral device includes at least one of the coolant supply device 10 including the first pump device 15 and the second pump device 16, the chip collector device 20, and the fan device 33. The communication interface 2CF is connected to a network CW.

[0039] A machining program 41 for machining the workpiece W, an equipment control program 42, equipment control information 43, and individual data 44 are installed in the memory 2M, and the memory 2M is configured to store the machining program 41, the equipment control program 42, the equipment control information 43, and the individual data 44. The machining program 41 includes program code representing the operation of at least one of the workpiece W and at least one tool T by the machine tool 1, and additional information 41a for controlling at least one peripheral device. The equipment control program 42 includes an interpreter for the machining program 41, and is programmed to read the additional information 41a described in the machining program 41, read the value of a control signal corresponding to the additional information 41a stored in the equipment control information 43, and output a control signal corresponding to at least one peripheral device. The additional information 41a includes at least cutting information and control code for causing the machine tool 1 to execute a process for controlling at least one peripheral device based on cutting information obtained from a cut portion of the workpiece shape excluding the product shape. The additional information 41a may further include machining information representing machining conditions for performing at least one operation. The cutting information and processing information will be described in detail later.

[0040] If the machining program 41 does not include additional information 41a, the hardware processor 2P is programmed to read default setting values ​​from the equipment control information 43, read control signal values ​​corresponding to the default setting values, and output control signals corresponding to at least one peripheral device. The hardware processor 2P executes the machining program 41 to control the spindle unit 5. The hardware processor 2P executes the equipment control program 42 to control at least one peripheral device. The equipment control program 42 includes instructions for causing the hardware processor 2P to execute the execution process of the machining program 41 shown in FIG. 13 (to be described later) and other figures. The individual data 44 is set with respect to the material of the workpiece W to be machined for each machining program 41, and is associated with a workpiece number WNo. used when the machining program 41 is called up and executed by the machine tool 1. Details of the individual data 44 will be described in FIG. 5 (to be described later). As will be described later, if the material of the workpiece W to be machined for each machining program 41 is described in the additional information 41a, the individual data 44 may be deleted.

[0041] The first pump device 15 includes a first inverter 15I, a first motor 15M, and a first pump 15P. The first inverter 15I drives the first motor 15M in response to a drive signal from the numerical control device 2 transmitted via the external I / O interface 2IO. The first inverter 15I controls the rotation speed / operating frequency of the first motor 15M in response to the drive signal from the numerical control device 2. The first motor 15M rotates the swash plate of the first pump 15P. The first pump 15P is connected to the coolant tank 11. The first pump 15P is configured to discharge coolant from the coolant tank 11 and supply the coolant to the multiple nozzles 12. In the following embodiments, the first motor 15M may be referred to as a first actuator. That is, the first actuator (first motor 15M) is configured to drive a pump (first pump 15P) that supplies coolant to the nozzles 12 of the machine tool 1. The power distribution panel 9 includes a power source PS that supplies electricity to the first inverter 15I. The power supply PS is preferably an AC power supply.

[0042] The second pump device 16 includes a second inverter 16I, a second motor 16M, and a second pump 16P. The second inverter 16I drives the second motor 16M in response to a drive signal from the numerical control device 2 transmitted via the external I / O interface 2IO. The second inverter 16I controls the rotation speed / operating frequency of the second motor 16M in response to the drive signal from the numerical control device 2. The second motor 16M rotates the swash plate of the second pump 16P. The second pump 16P is connected to the coolant tank 11. The second pump 16P is configured to pump coolant from the coolant tank 11 and supply the coolant to the chip removal filter 17. In the following embodiments, the second motor 16M may be referred to as a second actuator. In other words, the second actuator (second motor 16M) is configured to drive a pump (second pump 16P) that supplies coolant containing chips stored in the coolant tank 11 to the chip removal filter 17. The power supply PS of the switchboard 9 also supplies electricity to the second inverter 16I.

[0043] The chip collector device 20 includes a third inverter 20I and a third motor 20M. The third inverter 20I drives the third motor 20M in response to a drive signal from the numerical control device 2 transmitted via the external I / O interface 2IO. The third inverter 20I controls the rotation speed / operating frequency of the third motor 20M in response to the drive signal from the numerical control device 2. The third motor 20M is configured to drive a belt conveyor via a reducer or the like (not shown). In the following embodiments, the third motor 20M may be referred to as a third actuator. In other words, the third actuator (third motor 20M) is configured to drive the chip conveyor of the machine tool 1. The power supply PS of the power distribution panel 9 also supplies electricity to the third inverter 20I.

[0044] The fan device 33 of the mist collector device 30 includes a fourth inverter 33I and a fourth motor 33M. The fourth inverter 33I drives the fourth motor 33M in response to a drive signal from the numerical control device 2 transmitted via the external I / O interface 2IO. The fourth inverter 33I controls the rotation speed / operating frequency of the fourth motor 33M in response to the drive signal from the numerical control device 2. The fourth motor 33M is configured to drive a belt conveyor via a reducer or the like (not shown). In the following embodiments, the fourth motor 33M may be referred to as a fourth actuator. In other words, the fourth actuator (fourth motor 33M) is configured to drive a fan (fan device 33) for discharging mist accumulated in the body of the machine tool 1. The power supply PS of the switchboard 9 also supplies electricity to the fourth inverter 33I.

[0045] The computer 99 is used, for example, to generate the machining program 41. A machining simulation program is installed on the computer 99, which displays the shape of a workpiece before machining and creates a final product shape that is contained within the workpiece shape. The computer 99 is configured to automatically generate the machining program 41 based on the results of the machining simulation. The computer 99 includes a hardware processor 99P, a memory 99M, a display 99DS, an input interface 99IF, a system bus 99SB, and a communication interface 99CF, each of which has substantially the same functions as the hardware processor 2P, the memory 2M, the display 2DS, the input interface 2IF, the system bus 2SB, and the communication interface 2CF. The memory 2M and the memory 99M may each be referred to as a storage device. Programs such as a machining program generation program 45, material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, machine constant data 49, and an operating system are installed in the memory 99M of the computer 99, and the memory 99M is configured to store programs such as the machining program generation program 45, material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, machine constant data 49, and an operating system.

[0046] The material information 46 includes reference information (material information, ID, etc.) of the material that will be the workpiece W to be machined, the workpiece shape (outer diameter, inner diameter (if a hole is present), length), and characteristics (specific cutting resistance x (kg / mm2). Shape information 47 is data that defines the product shape. This is generated by the machining simulation program described above. The tool information 48 includes a T number corresponding to a tool T that can be attached to the machine tool 1, the name of the tool T, the material of the tool T, the characteristics of the blade of the tool T, and the usage state (wear state) of the tool T. The characteristics of the blade of the tool T include the nominal diameter of the tool T, the tool length, the tool diameter, the axial offset, the radial offset, the number of blades, the blade width, the radius of curvature of the arc that defines the blade shape (the radius of curvature of the blade tip) R, the indexing angle of the blade, the effective spindle rotation direction, and the blade direction. The machine constant data 49 includes cutting conditions (cutting The material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, and machine constant data 49 are parameters specific to the machine tool 1 used in calculating the cutting conditions (condition). The cutting conditions of the tool T include the cutting speed Vc, the cutting depth of the tool T into the workpiece W, and the feed speed of the workpiece W. The machine constant data 49 is, for example, machine efficiency η, machine horsepower HP (HP), and machining limit (finishing allowance). The material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, and machine constant data 49 are read by a machining simulation program. The tool information 48 and machine constant data 49 may be periodically updated via the network NW to data corresponding to the latest settings of the machine tool 1.

[0047] The machining program generation program 45 is typically a part of the machining simulation program described above, and is a program that generates a machining program 41 including additional information 41a for controlling at least one of the peripheral devices described above. However, the machining program generation program 45 may be a program separate from the machining simulation program. When the machining program generation program 45 is executed by the computer 99, the hardware processor 99P generates the machining program 41 including the additional information 41a for controlling at least one of the peripheral devices described above based on the material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, and machine constant data 49 stored in the memory 99M. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the hardware processor 99P may generate the machining program 41 including the additional information 41a based on the program code not including the additional information 41a, the material information 46, shape information 47, tool information 48, and machine constant data 49 stored in the memory 99M. The machining program 41 generated by the computer 99 is sent to the numerical control device 2 via the communication interface 99CF, the network NW, and the communication interface 2CF. <Process Flow of the Method for Generating the Machining Program 41> FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the method for generating the machining program 41 according to an embodiment. In step S11, the generation method includes having the computer 99 calculate cutting information obtained from the cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the workpiece shape based on the workpiece shape and the product shape. Specifically, in step S1, the hardware processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 calculates cutting information obtained from the cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the workpiece shape based on the workpiece shape stored in the memory 99M as material information 46 and the product shape stored in the memory 99M as shape information 47. In step S12, the generation method includes generating program code representing operations of at least one of the workpiece W and at least one tool T by the machine tool 1 to machine the workpiece W to obtain the product shape.Specifically, in step S12, the hardware processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 generates program code representing operations of at least one of the workpiece W and at least one tool T by the machine tool 1 to machine the workpiece W to obtain a product shape. This program generation method is, for example, a method in which a well-known method such as International Publication No. 2004 / 038522 is applied to an EIA / ISO format program. Note that if this program code has already been generated, step S12 may be omitted. In step S13, the generation method includes causing the computer 99 to generate a machining program 41 in which additional information 41a has been added to the program code. Specifically, in step S13, the hardware processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 generates the machining program 41 in which the additional information 41a has been added to the program code.

[0048] The additional information 41a includes cutting information, machining information indicating machining conditions for operating the machine tool 1 on at least one of the workpiece W and at least one tool T, and control codes G181 and G182 (described below) that cause the machine tool 1 to execute a process to control at least one peripheral device (e.g., the first pump device 15, the second pump device 16, the chip collector device 20, and the fan device 33) other than a first device (e.g., the table movement device 4a described above) that operates the workpiece W and a second device (e.g., the spindle movement device 5a and the motor 5b for rotating at least one tool T in the spindle unit 5) among the multiple devices of the machine tool 1 based on the cutting information and the machining information. The machining information is information related to the ease of chip discharge, such as the degree of chip dispersion and weight, and the ease of chip filtering in the coolant. <Machining Program 41 Including Additional Information 41a> FIG. 4 shows an example of a machining program 41 generated by the machining program generation program 45. The machining program 41 is written in EIA / ISO format. For ease of explanation, line numbers are added to the left end of the program code in FIG. 4. Lines in FIG. 4 that do not include control codes G181 and G182, which will be described later, represent program code that describes the operation of at least one of the workpiece W and at least one tool T by the machine tool 1. In FIG. 4, line number 2 includes an identifier O (letter O) followed by a workpiece number WNo. in numbers. In line number 3, the control code G181 and its arguments are inserted as additional information 41a. The number with the identifier R among the arguments indicates the removal rate applied to some of the at least one peripheral device, or the removal rate applied to the entire machining program 41 except for the range in which the control code G182, which will be described later, applies to the remaining peripheral devices of the at least one peripheral device. The removal rate is the volume (unit: cc, inch) cut in a specified process of the machining program 181. ３) divided by the time required for the process (unit: min). The removal rate is a parameter represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion and is an example of cutting information. In other words, the cutting information includes parameters represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion. Parameters represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion include not only the volume of at least a portion of the cut portion, but also all values ​​dependent on the size of at least a portion of the cut portion that can be detected by a sensor or a driver for a motor that rotates the tool, such as the weight of at least a portion of the cut portion, the workload (load x time) of at least one tool T for cutting at least a portion of the cut portion, and the amount of heat generated during cutting of at least a portion of the cut portion. The removal rate described as an argument of control code G181 is the volume of the entire cut portion, which is the entire workpiece shape minus the entire product shape, divided by the entire time required for the machining program 41.

[0049] After the mill tool with T number 23 is called in line number 11, a control code G182 and its arguments are inserted as additional information 41a in line number 14. The number with the identifier R among the arguments indicates the removal rate applied in the process up to when the next control code G182 is called (line number 35). In the following description of the embodiment, the process from a specific control code G182(i) (i=1, 2, ..., i corresponds to the order in which they appear in the machining program 41) to when the next control code G182(i+1) is called is referred to as the process to which control code G182(i) is applied. The removal rate here refers to the volume (unit: cc, inch) of at least a portion of the cut portion that is cut in the process from line number 14 to line number 35. ３ ) divided by the machining time (unit: min) required for cutting using the tool with T number 23. The processor 99P that executes the machining program generation program 45 can calculate the removal rate in the steps from line number 14 to line number 35 as follows.

[0050] When a machining portion is designated by user input, the processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 may calculate the volume of at least a portion of the portion to be cut for each machining portion, estimate the machining time based on the feed rate of the generated program code to calculate the removal rate, and insert a control code G182 with the removal rate as an argument immediately before the program code based on the EIA / ISO format generated for each machining portion. The processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 that generates a machining program based on the EIA / ISO format by the method of International Publication No. 2004 / 038522 may, for example, calculate the removal rate corresponding to each machined body portion, and insert a control code G182 with the calculated removal rate as an argument immediately before the source code for machining the machined body portion.

[0051] Among the arguments, the number with the identifier T indicates the tool diameter (unit: mm or inch) applied in the process up to the call of the next control code G182 (line number 35). Among the arguments, the number with the identifier S indicates the tool rotational speed (unit: rev / min) applied in the process up to the call of the next control code G182 (line number 35). The tool diameter and tool rotational speed are examples of machining conditions when performing at least one operation. In other words, the machining information includes the tool diameter and the tool rotational speed. The processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45 that generates a machining program based on the EIA / ISO format using the method of WO 2004 / 038522 can, for example, determine the tool diameter by referring to the tool information 48 (tool definition section 21 in WO 2004 / 038522) from the T-code representing the tool corresponding to each machining shape body portion. Similarly, the processor 99P executing the machining program generation program 45, which generates a machining program based on the EIA / ISO format by the method of International Publication No. 2004 / 038522, can obtain the tool rotational speed specified by the parameter input control unit 13 from the T code representing the tool corresponding to each machining shape body. (The tool information 48 of the present application also includes data representing the tool rotational speed specified by the parameter input control unit 13. Just as control codes G181 and G182 are added to a machining program based on the EIA / ISO format, the processor executing the machining program generation program 45 can, when a process from line number 14 to line number 35 is specified by user input or the like, refer to the tool information 48 from the T number (T23) of the tool used in that process to determine the tool diameter. When a process from line number 14 to line number 35 is specified by user input or the like, the processor executing the machining program generation program 45 can determine the tool rotational speed by referencing the code (line number 15) representing the spindle rotational speed in that process.

[0052] Below, in lines 35 and 57, additional information 41a including control code G182 and the above-mentioned removal rate, tool diameter, and rotation speed is shown. The additional information 41a in line 35 is applied to the processes from line 35 to line 57. The method for determining the value of this additional information is the same as the additional information 41a in line 14, so explanation will be omitted. There is no control code G182 in lines 57 and onwards, and program code M30 indicating the end of the machining program 41 is provided in line 82. Therefore, the additional information 41a in line 57 is applied to the processes from line 35 to the end of the program. The method for determining the value of this additional information is the same as the additional information 41a in line 14, so explanation will be omitted.

[0053] In the above example, the machining direction includes the tool diameter and rotational speed. However, it may also include peripheral speed and material information of the workpiece W. For example, the peripheral speed may be represented by a number followed by an identifier V after the control code G182, where the number represents the peripheral speed (unit: m / min or feet / min). A processor executing the machining program generation program 45 can determine the peripheral speed by referencing a code (a code consisting of an identifier F followed by a number) representing the peripheral speed valid for the process applied to the control code G182. Furthermore, material information of the workpiece W may also be included as a machining condition argument of the control code G181. For example, the material information may be represented by a number followed by an identifier M after the control code G181, where the number corresponds to the material. For example, FC250 may be represented as 1, FCD450 as 2, S45C as 3, SCM415 as 4, SUS304 as 5, SS400 as 6, A5052 as 7, and AC4C as 8. FC250 and FCD450 are cast iron alloys. S45C, SCM415, SUS304, and SS400 are steel alloys. A5052 and AC4C are aluminum alloys. Therefore, the larger the number after the identifier M, the softer the metal. The processor executing the machining program generation program 45 can refer to the material information 46 to determine the material information. <Processing of Machining Program 41 in Machine Tool 1> The machining program 41 with the additional information 41a generated in this manner is sent to the numerical control device 2 of the machine tool 1 via the network NW, for example. The numerical control device 2 processes the additional information 41a of the machining program 41 as follows. The hardware processor 99P executing the machining program 41 obtains the workpiece number WNo. at the beginning of the machining program 41 and obtains the material information corresponding to the workpiece number WNo. by referring to the individual data 44. Figure 5 is a diagram showing details of the individual data 44. The individual data 44 is generated based on the workpiece number WNo. The correspondence between the workpiece number WNo. and the material information is included. In Fig. 5, the correspondence is shown in a table, but the correspondence may be described in a known manner such as a CSV file format or a database. In the example of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the workpiece number WNo. is 1000, so the material can be determined to be SC45C.

[0054] 5, for programs in which the material is not defined, an interface for inputting the material (e.g., a drop-down window) is activated when the machining program 41 is started, prompting the user to input the material. Alternatively, if the material is not entered, the cast iron alloys FC250 or FCD450 may be set as the default. When the material is defined as an argument of the control code G181, it is not necessary to refer to the individual data 44 to determine the material.

[0055] Next, the hardware processor 99P executing the machining program 41 references the argument of the control code G181 to read the removal rate applied to the aforementioned peripheral devices or the default removal rate applied to the aforementioned remaining peripheral devices. That is, the hardware processor 99P reads the cutting information in accordance with the control code G181. The hardware processor 99P controls the aforementioned peripheral devices (e.g., the second pump device 16) based on the cutting information and machining information and the device control information 43 shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 throughout the execution time of the machining program 41. The default removal rate for the aforementioned remaining peripheral devices (e.g., the first pump device 15, the chip collector device 20, and the fan device 33) remains the effective removal rate until the control code G182, described below, is called. If the argument of the control code G181 includes material information, the hardware processor 99P also references the argument of the control code G181 to read the material information.

[0056] The hardware processor 99P executing the machining program 41 changes the tool to the tool with T number 23 according to the code in line number 11, and then reads the control code G182 in line number 14. The hardware processor 99P reads the cutting information and machining information by referencing the arguments of the control code G182. Based on the cutting information and machining information, the hardware processor 99P controls the remaining peripheral devices (e.g., the first pump device 15, the chip collector device 20, and the fan device 33) by referencing the device control information 43 shown in FIGS. 6 to 12.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows data 43a1 and 43a2 for controlling the first actuator (first motor 15M) in the device control information 43. FIG. 7 shows data 43b1 and 43b2 for controlling the second actuator (second motor 16M) in the device control information 43. FIG. 8 shows data 43c1 and 43c2 for controlling the third actuator (third motor 20M) in the device control information 43. FIG. 9 shows data 43d1 and 43d2 for controlling the fourth actuator (fourth motor 33M) in the device control information 43. Data 43a1 to 43d1 include flags indicating whether only control code G181 applies to some peripheral devices or whether control code G181 or G182 applies to the remaining peripheral devices. Data 43a2 to 43d2 each include a correspondence relationship between the range of removal rates, energy saving levels, and output ratios when the rated output of the first to fourth actuators is 100%. 6 to 9 show the correspondence relationships in a table, but the correspondence relationships may also be described in a known manner, such as in a CSV file format or a database. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, a control flag of "2" in data 43b2 indicates that only the control code G181 is applied to some peripheral devices. A control flag of "1" in data 43a2, 43c2, and 43d2 indicates that either the control code G181 or the control code G182 is applied to the remaining peripheral devices. This control flag is editable, and by editing the control flag, an operator can switch at least one peripheral device between the partial peripheral device that only applies the control code G181 and the remaining peripheral device that applies either the control code G181 or the control code G182.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , data 43a2 to 43d2 include multiple energy-saving levels corresponding to multiple ranges of removal rates. The energy-saving levels are values ​​expressed as percentages of the output of each of the first to fourth actuators, with the output of each actuator being 100% when driven at rated power consumption. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , different numbers of energy-saving levels are set for the first to fourth actuators. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , the removal rate ranges for determining each energy-saving level are set independently for the first to fourth actuators. The threshold values ​​TH1 to TH9 shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are empirically determined values, and some of the threshold values ​​TH1 to TH9 may be the same. The output rate is an empirically determined value, and a value different from the value shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 may be used. This output rate corresponds to a control method for at least one peripheral device. Therefore, the multiple control methods for at least one peripheral device are respectively associated with multiple ranges of a parameter (removal rate) represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion.

[0059] The memory 2M stores information representing a first correspondence between a plurality of ranges of removal rates and a plurality of energy-saving levels corresponding to the respective ranges of removal rates, and information representing a second correspondence between the plurality of energy-saving levels and a plurality of control methods for at least one peripheral device. As apparent from FIGS. 6 to 9 , the plurality of control methods are defined such that the output of at least one peripheral device is reduced as the energy-saving level increases. The plurality of energy-saving levels are defined such that the output of at least one peripheral device is reduced as the removal rate decreases. However, the memory 2M may store only the energy-saving level values, thresholds TH1 to TH9, and output ratio values ​​among the contents shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , and the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 may determine the output ratio based on the criteria shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 using the data stored in the memory 2M. In this way, the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 can determine a determined control method corresponding to the additional information 41a from at least one control method (more preferably, a plurality of control methods) for at least one peripheral device stored in the memory 2M. More specifically, the hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 can determine the determined control method based on the processing information and cutting information.

[0060] FIG. 10 shows control information 43e relating to tool diameter and tool rotation speed among the machining conditions in the equipment control information 43. FIG. 11 shows control information 43f relating to peripheral speed among the machining conditions in the equipment control information 43. FIG. 12 shows control information 43g relating to material information applied to the first actuator (first motor 15M) among the machining conditions in the equipment control information 43. FIG. 13 shows control information 43h relating to material information applied to the second actuator (second motor 16M) among the machining conditions in the equipment control information 43. The control information 43e includes a first correction coefficient K1 by which the output rate set according to the removal rate shown in FIG. 6 is multiplied. The control information 43f includes a second correction coefficient K2 by which the output rate set according to the removal rate shown in FIG. 6 is multiplied. The control information 43g includes a third correction coefficient K3 by which the output rate set according to the removal rate shown in FIG. 6 is multiplied. The control information 43h includes a fourth correction coefficient K4 by which the output ratio set according to the removal rate shown in FIG. 7 is multiplied. The control information 43e includes a correspondence relationship between the range of tool diameter x tool rotation speed and the first correction coefficient K1. The control information 43f includes a correspondence relationship between the range of peripheral speed and the second correction coefficient K2. The control information 43g includes a correspondence relationship between material information and the third correction coefficient K3. The control information 43h includes a correspondence relationship between material information and the fourth correction coefficient K4. Although the correspondence relationships are shown in tables in FIGS. 10 to 13, the correspondence relationships may also be described using well-known methods such as a CSV file format or a database. Of the contents shown in Figures 10 to 13, the memory 2M stores only the threshold values ​​MTH1 to MTH2, VTH1 to VTH2, identifiers representing the respective materials, and values ​​of the first to third correction coefficients K1 to K3, and the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 may use the data stored in the memory 2M to determine the first to fourth correction coefficients K1 to K4 based on the criteria shown in Figures 10 to 13.

[0061] The larger the tool diameter and tool rotation speed, the greater the scattering of chips and the more coolant is required to remove them. For this reason, in FIG. 10 , the first correction coefficient K1 is set so that it increases as the tool diameter x tool rotation speed increases. As a result, the output of the first actuator is set to increase as the tool diameter x tool rotation speed increases. Similarly, the higher the circumferential speed, the greater the scattering of chips and the more coolant is required to remove them. For this reason, in FIG. 11 , the second correction coefficient K2 is set so that it increases as the circumferential speed increases. As a result, the output of the first actuator is set to increase as the circumferential speed increases. Furthermore, the softer the material, the greater the scattering of chips and the more coolant is required to remove them. For this reason, in FIG. 12 , the softer the material, the greater the third correction coefficient K3 is set. As a result, the softer the material, the greater the output of the first actuator is set. Furthermore, the greater the specific gravity of the material, the faster the flow rate of the coolant must be in order to carry the chips through the circulation circuit 18. For this reason, in Fig. 13, the fourth correction coefficient K4 is set so that the greater the specific gravity, the larger the fourth correction coefficient K4 becomes. As a result, the greater the specific gravity, the greater the output of the second actuator is set.

[0062] For this reason, the output ratio of the first actuator (the ratio shown in FIG. 6) determined from the range of the removal rate of the argument of the control code G182(i) (i=1, 2, ..., i corresponds to the order in which they appear in the machining program 41) is defined as P1(i), the first correction coefficient K1 determined from the range of the tool diameter x tool rotation speed of the argument of the control code G182 is defined as K1(i), the second correction coefficient determined from the range of the peripheral speed of the argument of the control code G182 is defined as K2(i), and the third correction coefficient determined from the material information of the control code G182 is defined as K3(i). At this time, the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 calculates the output ratio P1 when the rated output of the output of the first actuator is taken as 100%.ｏｕｔ If (i), then P1 ｏｕｔ (i) is expressed by the following (Equation 1): P1 ｏｕｔ (i) = K1(i) x K2(i) x K3(i) x P1(i) (Formula 1) The output rate of the second actuator (rate shown in FIG. 6) determined from the range of the removal rate of the argument of the control code G182(i) (i = 1, 2, ..., i corresponds to the order in which they appear in the machining program 41) is defined as P2(i), and the fourth correction coefficient determined from the material information of the control code G182 is defined as K4(i). At this time, the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 calculates the output rate P2 when the rated output of the second actuator is taken as 100%. ｏｕｔ If (i), then P2 ｏｕｔ (i) is expressed by the following (Equation 2): P2 ｏｕｔ (i) = K4(i) x P2(i) (Equation 2) When at least one of the tool diameter and tool rotation speed is not set by the argument of control code G182, K1(i) = 1. When the peripheral speed is not set by the argument of control code G182, K2(i) = 1. When material information is not set by the argument of individual data 44 or control code G181, K3(i) = 1. When material information is not set by the argument of individual data 44 or control code G181, K4(i) = 1. When the value of (Equation 1) exceeds 100%, P1 ｏｕｔ (i) = 100%. When the value of (Equation 2) exceeds 100%, P2 ｏｕｔ (i)=100%. The hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 uses the calculated P1 ｏｕｔ (i), P2 ｏｕｔThe hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 controls the first to second actuators based on the determined control method. The hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 controls the third to fourth actuators by referring to the correspondence relationships in FIGS. 8 and 9. If the machining program 41 does not include additional information 41a, the hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 controls the first to fourth actuators using 100% as the default setting value. In this way, the hardware processor 2P that executes the device control program 42 can operate at least one peripheral device (e.g., the first pump device 15, the second pump device 16, the chip collector device 20, and the fan device 33) based on the determined control method.

[0063] As described above, the hardware processor 2P executing the device control program 42 can control the machine tool 1 so that, when the machine tool 1 performs at least one operation, at least one peripheral device (e.g., first pump device 15, second pump device 16, chip collector device 20, and fan device 33) other than the first device that operates the workpiece W and the second device that operates at least one tool T, among the multiple devices of the machine tool 1, operates based on the cutting information. Therefore, the control codes G181 and G182 can be said to be codes that cause the machine tool 1 to determine a determined device control method corresponding to the cutting information from among multiple control methods for at least one peripheral device that are associated with multiple ranges of the parameter (removal rate) stored in the memory 2M, and cause the machine tool to execute processing to operate at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

[0064] 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a control method for machine tool 1. The control method includes, in step S21, having machine tool 1 read machining program 41 including additional information 41a having at least cutting information (e.g., removal rate). Specifically, in step S21, the control method includes having hardware processor 2P of machine tool 1 read the cutting information in accordance with control codes G181 and G182.

[0065] The control method includes, in step S22, controlling the machine tool 1 so as to operate at least one peripheral device (e.g., first pump device 15, second pump device 16, chip collector device 20, and fan device 33) other than the device operating the workpiece W (first device) and the device operating the at least one tool T (second device) among the multiple devices of the machine tool 1 based on cutting information (e.g., removal rate) when the machine tool 1 performs an operation on at least one of the workpiece W and the at least one tool T. Specifically, in step S22, the control method includes causing the hardware processor 2P of the machine tool 1 to determine a determined control method corresponding to the additional information 41a from among at least one control method for the at least one peripheral device stored in the memory 2M of the machine tool 1, and operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method. More specifically, in step S22, the control method includes having the hardware processor 2P determine a determined control method based on machining information (e.g., tool diameter, tool rotational speed, peripheral speed, material information) and cutting information (e.g., removal rate). The control method includes having the hardware processor 2P of the machine tool 1 determine a determined device control method that corresponds to a parameter of the cutting information from device control information 43 stored in the memory 2M of the machine tool 1 and that defines a plurality of control methods for at least one peripheral device associated with a plurality of ranges of a parameter (e.g., removal rate) represented by the size of at least a portion of the shape to be cut. <Functions and Effects of the Embodiment> The machine tool 1, machine tool system 100, control method for the machine tool 1, method of generating a machining program 41, and program associated with the generation method according to the present embodiment obtain cutting information from the portion to be cut, and are therefore able to control at least one peripheral device based on a highly accurate cutting amount. In addition, the machine tool 1, machine tool system 100, control method for the machine tool 1, generation method for the machining program 41, and program related to the generation method according to the embodiment include cutting information in the machining program 41, thereby enabling flexible control of at least one peripheral device for different machine tools.<Modifications> In the above-described machine tool system 100, data is exchanged between the machine tool 1 and the computer 99 via the communication interface 99CF, the network NW, and the communication interface 2CF. However, data may also be exchanged via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Near Field Communication, or via an interface with an external storage device such as a USB or SD interface. Therefore, the communication interface 99CF and the communication interface 2CF may be simply referred to as the interfaces 99CF and 2CF, as a concept that includes these interfaces.

[0066] Some of the above data 43a1 to 43d1 and 43a2 to 43d2 may be omitted, and the actuators corresponding to the omitted data may not be controlled by the additional information 41a.

[0067] The parameter represented by the size of at least a portion of the portion to be cut is not limited to the removal rate, but may also be the value obtained by dividing the weight of at least a portion of the portion to be cut by the processing time, the value obtained by dividing the workload (load x time) of at least one tool T for cutting at least a portion of the portion to be cut by the processing time, or the value obtained by dividing the amount of heat generated when cutting at least a portion of the portion to be cut by the processing time.

[0068] A dedicated processor or integrated circuit may be used to realize part or all of the logic functions of the above-mentioned device control program 42 and machining program generation program 45. The above-mentioned device control program 42 and machining program generation program 45 may be stored not only in the memories 2M and 99M built into the numerical control device 2 and the computer 99 but also in a storage medium that is removable from the numerical control device 2 or the computer 99 and readable by the numerical control device 2 or the computer 99, such as a floppy disk, an optical disk, a CD-ROM or a magnetic disk, an SD card, a USB memory, or an external hard disk.

[0069] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0070] The terms "member," "part," "element," "body," and "structure" may have multiple meanings, such as a single part or multiple parts.

[0071] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0072] Words expressing degrees such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" can refer to reasonable deviations that do not significantly change the end result. All numerical values ​​described in this application can be interpreted to include words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0073] In this application, the phrase "at least one of A and B" should be interpreted to include A only, B only, and both A and B.

[0074] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a machine tool, comprising: having a processor of the machine tool read a machining program including program code representing at least one operation of a workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool and additional information having at least cutting information obtained from a cut portion obtained by excluding a product shape from a workpiece shape; and controlling the machine tool so that, when the machine tool performs at least one of the operations, at least one peripheral device among a plurality of devices of the machine tool other than a device that operates the workpiece and a device that operates the at least one tool operates based on the cutting information.

2. A method for controlling a machine tool as described in claim 1, wherein the additional information further includes a control code for causing the machine tool to execute a process for controlling the at least one peripheral device based on the cutting information, and having the machine tool read the machining program includes having the machine tool read the cutting information in accordance with the control code, and controlling the machine tool includes having the processor determine a determined control method corresponding to the additional information from among at least one control method for the at least one peripheral device stored in a memory device of the machine tool, and operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

3. The method for controlling a machine tool according to claim 2, wherein the additional information further includes machining information representing machining conditions when performing at least one of the operations, and controlling the machine tool includes having the processor determine the determined control method based on the machining information and the cutting information.

4. A method for controlling a machine tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting information includes a parameter represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion, and controlling the machine tool includes: having the processor determine a determined device control method corresponding to the parameter of the cutting information from among a plurality of control methods of the at least one peripheral device corresponding respectively to a plurality of ranges of the parameter stored in a memory device of the machine tool; and operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

5. A method for controlling a machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the parameters include a removal rate obtained by dividing a volume of at least a portion of the cut portion by a machining time required to cut the volume of at least a portion of the cut portion by the at least one tool.

6. The control method for a machine tool according to claim 5, wherein the memory device stores information expressing a first correspondence between a plurality of ranges of the removal rate and a plurality of energy saving levels respectively corresponding to the plurality of ranges, and information expressing a second correspondence between the plurality of energy saving levels and the plurality of control methods for the at least one peripheral device, and the plurality of control methods are defined such that the output of the at least one peripheral device is reduced as the energy saving level increases.

7. The method for controlling a machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one peripheral device includes at least one of a coolant supply device, a chip conveyor, and a mist collector in the machine tool.

8. A method for generating a program comprising: causing a computer to calculate cutting information obtained from a cut portion obtained by excluding the product shape from the work shape based on a work shape and a product shape; and causing a computer to generate a processing program in which additional information having at least the cutting information is added to a program code representing the operation of at least one of the workpiece and at least one tool by a machine tool in order to machine the workpiece to obtain the product shape.

9. The method for generating a program as described in claim 8, wherein the additional information further includes a control code for causing the machine tool to execute a process for controlling at least one peripheral device other than the device that operates the workpiece and the device that operates the at least one tool, among a plurality of devices of the machine tool, based on the cutting information.

10. A method for generating a program as described in claim 9, wherein the additional information further includes machining information representing machining conditions when performing at least one of the operations, and the control code is code for causing the machine tool to execute a process for controlling at least one of the peripheral devices based on the machining information and the cutting information.

11. A method for generating a program as described in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the cutting information includes a parameter represented by the size of at least a portion of the cut portion, and the control code is code for causing the machine tool to determine a determined device control method corresponding to the parameter of the cutting information from among a plurality of control methods of the at least one peripheral device corresponding respectively to a plurality of ranges of the parameter stored in a memory device of the machine tool, and causing the machine tool to execute a process of operating the at least one peripheral device based on the determined control method.

12. A method for generating a program according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the cutting information includes a removal rate obtained by dividing the volume of at least a portion of the portion to be cut by the processing time required to cut the portion by at least one of the operations.

13. A program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the program generation method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. A machine tool comprising means for executing the machine tool control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. A machine tool system comprising: a computer having means for executing the program generation method according to any one of claims 8 to 12; and the machine tool according to claim 14.

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