JP6871126B2 - Wire EDM and Estimate Method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wire electric discharge machine and an estimation method for estimating the amount of wire electrodes in a collection box.

Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a wire electric discharge machine that collects wire electrodes used for electric discharge machining in a recovery container. Then, it is disclosed that the recovered amount of the wire electrode recovered in the recovery container is estimated, and the recovered amount estimated when the recovery container is removed is initialized (zero).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-71637

However, in Patent Document 1 described above, although the recovery container is removed, the recovery amount is initialized even if the wire electrode in the recovery container is not removed. Therefore, a large error occurs between the estimated recovery amount and the actual recovery amount. Therefore, the estimation accuracy of the recovered amount is greatly reduced.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wire electric discharge machine and an estimation method for improving the estimation accuracy of the amount of wire electrodes collected in the collection box.

In the first aspect of the present invention, an unused wire electrode wound around a wire bobbin is sent out toward an object to be machined, and a voltage is applied between the electrode formed by the wire electrode and the object to be machined. A wire discharge processing machine that performs discharge processing on the object to be processed by generating a discharge, and a collection box for collecting the used wire electrodes used for the discharge processing and the collection box are predetermined. A collection box detection unit that detects whether or not it is installed at the collection position, a collection electrode amount estimation unit that estimates the amount of the wire electrodes collected in the collection box, and an operator that collects the recovered electrode amount estimation unit. It was detected that the collection box was removed from the predetermined collection position by the operation unit for instructing whether to reset the estimated amount of the collected wire electrode and the collection box detection unit. In the case of the case, the first notification unit for notifying the operator to reset the estimated amount of the recovered electrode amount of the wire electrode is provided, and the recovered electrode amount estimation unit is operated by the operator by the operation of the operation unit. When a reset instruction is given, the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode is reset.

A second aspect of the present invention is an estimation method for estimating the amount of wire electrodes used for processing by a wire discharge processing machine and collected in a collection box, and the wire discharge processing machine is wound around a wire bobbin. While feeding the unused wire electrode toward the object to be machined, a voltage is applied between the poles formed by the wire electrode and the object to be machined to generate a discharge, thereby causing the object to be machined. On the other hand, while performing discharge processing, the wire electrode used in the collection box is collected, and a collection box detection step of detecting whether the collection box is installed at a predetermined collection position and collection in the collection box are performed. Instructs whether to reset the recovered electrode amount estimation step that estimates the amount of the wire electrode and the recovered electrode amount estimation step that the recovered electrode amount estimation step estimates according to the operation of the operator. An instruction step and a first notification step that notifies the operator that the estimated amount of collected wire electrodes will be reset when it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position. And, when instructed to reset the estimated amount of the wire electrode, it includes a reset step of resetting the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode.

According to the present invention, the accuracy of estimating the amount of wire electrodes collected in the collection box is improved.

It is a mechanical schematic block diagram of a wire electric discharge machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a wire electric discharge machine, and in particular, is the flowchart which shows the operation for resetting the amount of recovered wire electrodes estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a wire electric discharge machine, and in particular, is the flowchart which shows the operation performed before executing a machining program.

The wire electric discharge machine and the estimation method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic mechanical configuration diagram of the wire electric discharge machine 10. The wire electric discharge machine 10 is a machine tool that performs electric discharge machining on an object to be machined by applying a voltage between the poles formed by the wire electrode 12 and the object to be machined in the machining fluid to generate an electric discharge. It is a machine. The wire electric discharge machine 10 includes a machine main body 14, a machining liquid processing device 16, and a control device 18.

The material of the wire electrode 12 is, for example, a metal material such as tungsten-based, copper alloy-based, or brass-based. On the other hand, the material of the object to be processed is, for example, a metal material such as an iron-based material or a cemented carbide material.

The processing machine main body 14 includes a supply system 20a that supplies the wire electrode 12 toward the object to be machined (work, work piece), and a recovery system 20b that collects the wire electrode 12 that has passed through the object to be machined.

The supply system 20a includes a wire bobbin 22 around which an unused wire electrode 12 is wound, a torque motor 24 that applies torque to the wire bobbin 22, and a brake shoe 26 that applies braking force due to friction to the wire electrode 12. , A brake motor 28 that applies brake torque to the brake shoe 26, a tension detection unit 30 that detects the magnitude of the tension of the wire electrode 12, and a wire guide that guides the wire electrode 12 above the object to be machined (upper). A wire guide) 32 is provided. The torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 are provided with encoders EC1 and EC2 for detecting a rotation position or a rotation speed. The control device 18 feedback-controls the torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 so that the rotation speeds of the torque motor 24 and the brake motor 28 become predetermined rotation speeds based on the detection signals detected by the encoders EC1 and EC2.

The recovery system 20b torques the wire guide (lower wire guide) 34 that guides the wire electrode 12 below the object to be machined, the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38 that can hold the wire electrode 12, and the feed roller 38. A torque motor 40 for applying the above wire and a collection box 42 for collecting the used wire electrode 12 conveyed by the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38 are provided. The torque motor 40 is provided with an encoder EC3 that detects a rotation position or a rotation speed. The control device 18 feedback-controls the torque motor 40 so that the rotation speed of the torque motor 40 becomes a predetermined rotation speed based on the detection signal detected by the encoder EC3.

The processing machine main body 14 is provided with a collection box detection unit 44 that detects whether the collection box 42 is installed at a predetermined collection position. The collection box detection unit 44 may be a switch that turns on when the collection box 42 is installed at a predetermined collection position. When removing the wire electrode 12 in the collection box 42, the operator removes the collection box 42 from a predetermined collection position, removes the wire electrode 12 collected in the collection box 42, and then determines the collection box 42. Install at the collection position.

The processing machine main body 14 includes a processing tank 46 capable of storing a processing liquid such as deionized water or oil used in electric discharge machining, and wire guides 32 and 34 are arranged in the processing tank 46. The processing tank 46 is placed on the base portion 48. The object to be processed is provided between the wire guide 32 and the wire guide 34. The wire guides 32 and 34 have die guides 32a and 34a that support the wire electrode 12. Further, the wire guide 34 includes a guide roller 34b that guides the wire guide 34 to the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38 while changing the direction of the wire electrode 12.

The wire guide 32 ejects a clean processing liquid that does not contain sludge (processing waste). As a result, the gap (between the electrodes) between the wire electrode 12 and the object to be machined can be filled with a clean machining liquid suitable for electric discharge machining, and sludge generated by electric discharge machining reduces the accuracy of electric discharge machining. Can be prevented. Further, the wire guide 34 may also eject a clean processing liquid containing no sludge.

The object to be processed is supported by a table (not shown) that can be moved in the X and Y directions. The wire guides 32 and 34, the object to be processed, and the table are immersed in the processing liquid stored in the processing tank 46.

Here, a start hole or a machined groove (both not shown) serving as a start point of electric discharge machining is formed in the object to be machined, and the wire electrode 12 is inserted into the start hole or the machined groove to connect the wire electrode 12. Will be done. The gap between the start hole or the processing groove of the object to be processed and the wire electrode 12 is the electrode space. In the wire electric discharge machine 10, after the wire electrode 12 is inserted into the start hole or the machining groove and connected, the wire electrode 12 is fed downward (−Z direction) toward the object to be machined, and the table ( The object to be machined is machined by moving the object to be machined on a plane parallel to the XY plane. The connection of the wire electrode 12 means that the wire electrode 12 wound around the wire bobbin 22 is passed through the wire guide 32, the object to be processed, and the wire guide 34 and sandwiched between the pinch roller 36 and the feed roller 38. When the wire electrode 12 is connected, a predetermined tension is applied to the wire electrode 12. The X and Y directions are orthogonal to each other, and the direction orthogonal to the XY plane (horizontal plane) is the Z direction.

The machining fluid treatment apparatus 16 is an apparatus that manages the liquid quality of the machining fluid by removing machining debris (sludge) generated in the machining tank 46 and adjusting the electrical resistivity and temperature. The processing liquid whose liquid quality is controlled by the processing liquid processing device 16 is returned to the processing tank 46 again. The control device 18 controls the processing machine main body 14 and the processing liquid processing device 16.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 18. The control device 18 includes an input device 50, a notification device 52, a control unit 54, and a storage medium 56. The detection signal detected by the collection box detection unit 44 and the detection signal detected by the encoders EC1 to EC3 are sent to the control unit 54.

The input device 50 accepts the operation of the operator, and is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a function key, a tenkey, and the like. Further, the input device 50 has an operation unit 51, which will be described later. The notification device 52 notifies the operator of necessary information, and for example, a display unit (notification unit, first notification unit, second notification unit) 52a composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. At least one of a light emitting element (notification unit, first notification unit, second notification unit) 52b such as an LED that emits light, and a speaker (notification unit, first notification unit, second notification unit) 52c. Have one. The input device 50 may have a touch panel 50a attached to the display screen of the display unit 52a. In this case, the operation unit 51 may be composed of the touch panel 50a and the operation buttons displayed on the display screen of the display unit 52a.

The control unit 54 controls each unit of the wire electric discharge machine 10. The control unit 54 is composed of a processor such as a CPU. The storage medium 56 stores information (for example, a basic program, a machining program, a machining condition, etc.) necessary for controlling the control unit 54, and also functions as a buffer memory of the control unit 54. The storage medium 56 is composed of a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like.

The control unit 54 of the present embodiment particularly includes a recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60, a notification control unit 62, a planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64, and an electrode amount determination unit 66.

The recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 estimates the amount of the wire electrodes 12 recovered in the recovery box 42, that is, the amount of the wire electrodes 12 in the recovery box 42. The recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 integrates the amount of the wire electrodes 12 sent into the recovery box 42 to integrate the amount of the wire electrodes 12 recovered in the recovery box 42 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the recovered electrode amount). In some cases.) Estimate. The recovered electrode amount estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 is stored in the storage medium 56.

The recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 may estimate the recovered electrode amount based on the feeding speed of the wire electrode 12 and the feeding time of the wire electrode 12. From the feed rate of the wire electrode 12 and the time at which the wire electrode 12 is fed, it can be seen how much is collected in the collection box 42. The recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 calculates the feed rate of the wire electrode 12 and the time for feeding the wire electrode 12 based on the detection signal detected by at least one encoder EC among the encoders EC1 to EC3.

Further, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 may estimate the recovered electrode amount from the remaining amount of the unused wire electrode 12 currently wound around the wire bobbin 22. The remaining amount of the unused wire electrode 12 wound around the wire bobbin 22 is calculated based on the winding diameter of the wire electrode 12 wound around the wire bobbin 22 and the shaft diameter of the wire bobbin 22 around which the wire electrode 12 is wound. can do. Specifically, the remaining amount of the wire electrode 12 currently wound around the wire bobbin 22 can be calculated by using a known method as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-53628.

The operation unit 51 outputs an instruction signal instructing whether or not to reset the amount of the recovered wire electrode 12 estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 to the control unit 54 in response to the operation of the operator. Therefore, when the operation unit 51 sends an instruction signal to reset, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 resets (zero) the estimated recovered electrode amount. As a result, the amount of recovered electrodes stored in the storage medium 56 becomes zero.

When the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the notification control unit (display control unit) 62 informs the notification device 52 that the collected electrode amount is reset. Notify. In addition, this notification (notification of resetting the recovered electrode amount) may be hereinafter referred to as a first notification for convenience.

Upon receiving this first notification, when the operator actually removes the collected wire electrode 12 collected in the collection box 42, the operator operates the operation unit 51 to instruct the reset. As a result, the recovered electrode amount estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 is reset. By this first notification, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to give the reset instruction. Further, even when the operator receives the first notification, if the recovered wire electrode 12 actually collected in the collection box 42 is not removed, the operator does not operate the operation unit 51 to reset. You just have to indicate that. For example, when another object or the like collides with the collection box 42 and the installation position of the collection box 42 shifts, the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed. Can also be supported. Therefore, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 can accurately estimate the amount of the recovered wire electrodes 12 in the recovery box 42.

The notification control unit 62 may notify the operator, for example, by displaying a screen prompting the display unit 52a to reset the collected electrode amount. Further, the notification control unit 62 may notify the operator that the recovered electrode amount is reset by causing the light emitting element 52b to emit light, or resets the recovered electrode amount by outputting sound from the speaker 52c. The operator may be notified of this.

When the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is off, the power supply to the notification device 52 is also stopped. Therefore, when the notification control unit 62 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position by the collection box detection unit 44 while the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is off, the notification control unit 62 next , The operator is notified that the recovered electrode amount is reset when the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is turned on.

For example, when the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed from a predetermined collection position, the storage removal flag of the storage medium 56 is set to “1”. Then, when the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is turned on, the notification control unit 62 reads the removal flag of the storage medium 56, and if the removal flag is "1", the recovered wire electrode 12 Notify the operator to reset the amount of. When this notification is performed, the notification control unit 62 resets the removal flag of the storage medium 56 to “0”.

This ensures that the operator resets the estimated recovered electrode amount even if the recovery box 42 is removed from the predetermined recovery position when the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is turned off. It can be notified. Further, when the power of the wire electric discharge machine 10 is off, it is not necessary to supply electric power to the notification device 52, so that the electricity bill can be saved.

In the notification control unit 62, after the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the collection box 42 is installed at the predetermined collection position again. When it is detected, the first notification may be performed. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operator who actually removed the wire electrode 12 in the collection box 42 from forgetting to give an instruction to reset the estimated amount of the collected wire electrode 12.

In this case, the re-installation flag is provided on the storage medium 56, and when the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 is installed at a predetermined collection position, the re-installation flag is set to “1”. Therefore, the notification control unit 62 reads the removal flag and the re-installation flag of the storage medium 56, and if both the removal flag and the re-installation flag are "1", reset the amount of the recovered wire electrode 12. Is notified to the operator. When the notification control unit 62 performs the first notification, both the removal flag and the reinstallation flag of the storage medium 56 are reset to "0".

Here, the operation unit 51 is erroneously operated by the notification device 52 even though the first notification is not performed (even though the wire electrode 12 collected in the collection box 42 is not removed). In that case, the recovered electrode amount estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 may be reset. Therefore, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 resets the estimated recovered electrode amount when a reset is instructed by the notification device 52 between the time when the first notification is given and the predetermined time elapses. You may. That is, even if a reset is instructed by the operation of the operation unit 51 by the operator outside the time from the first notification to the elapse of the predetermined time, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 still estimates the recovered electrodes. Do not reset the amount.

In this case, the notification control unit 62 outputs a notification signal indicating that the notification device 52 has performed the first notification to the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60, and the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 notifies. The instruction signal output from the operation unit 51 may be received between the time when the signal is received and the time when the predetermined time elapses.

When the operation unit 51 is composed of the operation buttons displayed on the display screen of the display unit 52a and the touch panel 50a, the notification control unit 62 uses the collection box detection unit 44 to place the collection box 42 at a predetermined collection position. When it is detected that the operation button has been removed from the display unit 52a, the above-mentioned operation button may be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 52a. In this case, the operator cannot operate the operation unit 51 until the collection box 42 is removed from the predetermined collection position. Further, the notification control unit 62 may display the above-mentioned operation button on the display screen of the display unit 52a after performing the first notification. In this case, the operator cannot operate the operation unit 51 until the first notification is given.

The planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 estimates the amount of the wire electrode 12 to be used (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the planned use electrode amount) used by executing the machining program. That is, the planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 estimates the amount of the wire electrodes 12 newly collected in the collection box 42 by executing the processing program. The planned use electrode amount estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 is stored in the storage medium 56.

The planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 calculates the planned use electrode amount based on the scheduled speed at which the wire electrode 12 is delivered and the scheduled time at which the wire electrode 12 is delivered by executing the machining program. The planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 determines the scheduled speed and scheduled time of the wire electrode 12 based on the machining program to be executed and the machining conditions.

The electrode amount determination unit 66 determines whether or not the total amount of the recovered electrode amount estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 and the planned use electrode amount estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 exceeds the threshold value. To judge.

When the notification control unit 62 determines that the total amount exceeds the threshold value by the electrode amount determination unit 66, the notification control unit 62 notifies the notification device 52 to that effect before executing the machining program. This notification may be referred to as a second notification for convenience. Thereby, the operator can recognize that the recovery box 42 is filled with the wire electrodes 12 or the recovery box 42 is overflowed with the wire electrodes 12 by executing the machining program before the execution of the machining program. When this second notification is given, the operator removes the collected wire electrode 12 collected in the collection box 42 before executing the machining program. The threshold value may be a value of the maximum storage capacity that can be stored in the collection box 42, or may be a value smaller than the maximum storage capacity.

The notification control unit 62 may notify the operator, for example, by displaying on the display unit 52a that the amount of the wire electrodes 12 in the collection box 42 exceeds the threshold value due to the execution of the machining program. Further, the notification control unit 62 may notify the operator to that effect by causing the light emitting element 52b to emit light, or may notify the operator to that effect by outputting sound from the speaker 52c.

The notification control unit 62 may notify the first notification and the second notification using the same notification unit, or notify the first notification and the second notification using different notification units. You may. For example, the first notification and the second notification may be notified using the display unit 52a, the first notification may be notified using the speaker 52c, and the second notification may be notified using the display unit 52a. You may. Further, when the first notification and the second notification are notified using the light emitting element 52b or the speaker 52c, they may be notified in different colors or different sounds in order to distinguish between them.

Next, the operation of the wire electric discharge machine 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. During the electric discharge machining by the wire electric discharge machine 10, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 estimates the recovered electrode amount. Further, not only during the electric discharge machining, the amount of the wire electrodes 12 conveyed into the collection box 42 by sending out the wire electrodes 12 is also estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60. First, the operation shown in FIG. 3 will be described, and then the operation shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

The operation for resetting the recovered electrode amount estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S1, the notification control unit 62 determines whether or not the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the removal flag of the storage medium 56 is "1". When the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the removal flag of the storage medium 56 is set to "1".

If it is determined in step S1 that the collection box 42 has not been removed from the predetermined collection position, the collection box 42 remains in step S1 until it is determined that the collection box 42 has been removed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the process proceeds to step S2.

Proceeding to step S2, the notification control unit 62 determines whether or not the collection box 42 is installed at a predetermined collection position. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the re-installation flag of the storage medium 56 is "1". When the collection box detection unit 44 detects that the collection box 42 has been installed at a predetermined collection position, the re-installation flag is set to "1".

If it is determined in step S2 that the collection box 42 is not installed at a predetermined collection position, the collection box 42 remains in step S2 until it is determined that the collection box 42 has been installed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the collection box 42 is installed at a predetermined collection position, the process proceeds to step S3.

Proceeding to step S3, the notification control unit 62 notifies the notification device 52 that the recovered electrode amount is reset. At this time, the notification control unit 62 resets both the removal flag and the reinstallation flag to “0”.

Next, in step S4, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 determines whether or not the reset is instructed by the operation of the operation unit 51 by the operator. Specifically, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 determines whether or not an instruction signal instructing a reset has been sent from the operation unit 51.

In step S4, if it is determined that the operation unit 51 has not been operated by the operator, the operation remains in step S4 until the operation unit 51 is operated, and if it is determined that the operation unit 51 has been operated by the operator, the process proceeds to step S5.

When the process proceeds to step S5, the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 resets the estimated recovered electrode amount and returns to step S1. As a result, the amount of recovered electrodes stored in the storage medium 56 becomes zero.

Next, the operation performed before executing the machining program will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S11, the electrode amount estimation unit 64 to be used determines whether or not the machining program will be executed from now on. If it is determined in step S11 that the machining program is not executed, the process stays in step S11 until it is determined that the machining program is executed, and if it is determined that the machining program is executed, the process proceeds to step S12.

Proceeding to step S12, the planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 estimates the planned use electrode amount used by executing the machining program. The planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 calculates the planned use electrode amount based on the scheduled speed at which the wire electrode 12 is delivered and the scheduled time at which the wire electrode 12 is delivered by executing the machining program. The calculated electrode amount to be used is stored in the storage medium 56.

Next, in step S13, the electrode amount determination unit 66 determines whether or not the total amount of the recovered electrode amount and the electrode amount to be used exceeds the threshold value. In step S13, if it is determined that the total amount does not exceed the threshold value, the process returns to step S11, and if it is determined that the total amount exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S14.

When the process proceeds to step S14, the notification control unit 62 notifies that the total amount exceeds the threshold value and returns to step S11.

In this way, when it is detected that the collection box 42 has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the operator is notified to reset the estimated recovered electrode amount. Then, when the reset instruction is given by the operation of the operator, the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode 12 is reset. Therefore, the amount of the wire electrode 12 collected in the collection box 42 can be estimated accurately.

Before executing the machining program, the amount of electrodes to be used is estimated by executing the machining program, and whether or not the total amount of the estimated amount of electrodes to be used and the amount of recovered electrodes exceeds the threshold value. Judged. Then, when the total amount exceeds the threshold value, the operator is notified to that effect. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recovery box 42 from being filled with the wire electrodes 12 or the recovery box 42 from overflowing with the wire electrodes 12 by executing the machining program.

The notification control unit 62 may display the amount of the recovered wire electrode 12 estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit 60 on the display unit 52a. This allows the operator to recognize the amount of wire electrodes 12 in the current collection box 42. Therefore, the operator can remove the wire electrode 12 in the collection box 42 at an appropriate timing.

Further, the notification control unit 62 may display the amount of the wire electrode 12 scheduled to be used estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation unit 64 on the display unit 52a. This allows the operator to recognize how much wire electrode 12 is collected in the collection box 42 by executing the machining program.

[Technical Thought Obtained from the Embodiment]
The technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiments are described below.

<First technical idea>
The wire electric discharge machine (10) is formed by the wire electrode (12) and the object to be machined while feeding the unused wire electrode (12) wound around the wire bobbin (22) toward the object to be machined. Electric discharge machining is performed on the object to be machined by applying a voltage between the electrodes to generate electric discharge. The wire electric discharge machine (10) detects whether the collection box (42) for collecting the used wire electrode (12) used for electric discharge machining and the collection box (42) are installed at predetermined collection positions. The recovery box detection unit (44), the recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60) that estimates the amount of the wire electrodes (12) recovered in the recovery box (42), and the recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60) by the operator. The recovery box (42) is subjected to a predetermined recovery by the operation unit (51) for instructing whether to reset the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated by 60) and the recovery box detection unit (44). When it is detected that the wire electrode (12) has been removed from the position, it is provided with a first notification unit (52a to 52c) for notifying the operator to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode (12). The recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60) resets the estimated recovered wire electrode amount (12) when a reset instruction is given by the operation of the operation unit (51) by the operator.

As a result, the accuracy of estimating the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) collected in the recovery box (42) is improved.

After the collection box detection unit (44) detects that the collection box (42) has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the first notification unit (52a to 52c) determines the collection box (42) again. If it is detected that the wire electrode (12) has been installed at the recovery position, the operator may be notified to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode (12). This ensures that the operator who actually removed the wire electrode (12) in the collection box (42) does not forget to give an instruction to reset the estimated amount of the collected wire electrode (12). it can.

In the first notification unit (52a to 52c), the collection box (42) was removed from the predetermined collection position by the collection box detection unit (44) while the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) was off. If this is detected, the operator may be notified that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes (12) will be reset the next time the wire electric discharge machine (10) is turned on. Good. As a result, even if the recovery box (42) is removed from the predetermined recovery position when the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) is turned off, the estimated recovered wire electrode (12) The operator can be reliably notified that the amount will be reset. Further, when the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) is off, it is not necessary to supply electric power to the notification device (52), so that the electricity bill can be saved.

The recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60) is notified by the first notification unit (52a to 52c) that the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) is to be reset, and the predetermined time elapses. , The estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes (12) may be reset when the reset is instructed by the operation of the operation unit (51) by the operator. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated from being reset due to an erroneous operation of the operation unit (51).

The wire electric discharge machine (10) is attached to a display unit (52a) that displays information as an image, a display control unit (62) that controls the display unit (52a), and a display screen of the display unit (52a). A touch panel (50a) may be provided. The operation unit (51) may be composed of an operation button displayed on the display screen of the display unit (52a) and a touch panel (50a). The display control unit (62) may display an operation button when it is detected that the collection box (42) has been removed from a predetermined collection position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated from being reset due to an erroneous operation of the operation unit (51).

The recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60) determines the feeding speed of the wire electrode (12) and the feeding time of the wire electrode (12), or the residue of the unused wire electrode (12) wound around the wire bobbin (22). The amount may be used to estimate the amount of wire electrode (12) recovered in the recovery box (42). This makes it possible to accurately estimate the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12).

The wire discharge processing machine (10) has a planned use electrode amount estimation unit (64) for estimating the amount of wire electrodes (12) to be used used by executing a machining program, and a recovered electrode amount estimation unit (60). Whether or not the total amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated by the above and the amount of the wire electrode (12) to be used estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation unit (64) exceeds the threshold value. When the electrode amount determination unit (66) and the electrode amount determination unit (66) determine that the total amount exceeds the threshold value, a second notification unit (66) notifies that fact before executing the machining program. 52a to 52c) and may be provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recovery box (42) from being filled with the wire electrode (12) or the recovery box (42) from being overflowed with the wire electrode (12) by executing the machining program.

The planned use electrode amount estimation unit (64) uses the scheduled speed at which the wire electrode (12) is delivered and the scheduled time at which the wire electrode (12) is delivered by executing the machining program of the wire electrode (12) to be used. The amount may be estimated. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the amount of the wire electrode (12) to be used.

<Second technical idea>
The estimation method estimates the amount of wire electrodes (12) used for processing by the wire electric discharge machine (10) and collected in the collection box (42). The wire electric discharge machine (10) sends out an unused wire electrode (12) wound around a wire bobbin (22) toward an object to be machined, and a pole formed by the wire electrode (12) and the object to be machined. By applying a voltage between them to generate electric discharge, the used wire electrode (12) is collected in the collection box (42) while performing electric discharge machining on the object to be machined. The estimation method includes a collection box detection step for detecting whether the collection box (42) is installed at a predetermined collection position, and a collection electrode for estimating the amount of wire electrodes (12) collected in the collection box (42). A quantity estimation step, an instruction step instructing whether to reset the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation step according to the operation of the operator, and a recovery box (42) are predetermined. When it is detected that the wire electrode (12) has been removed from the recovery position, the first notification step for notifying the operator to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) and the estimated wire electrode (12). When instructed to reset the amount of 12), it includes a reset step of resetting the estimated amount of recovered wire electrode (12).

As a result, the accuracy of estimating the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) collected in the recovery box (42) is improved.

The first notification step is when it is detected that the collection box (42) has been removed from the predetermined collection position and then it is detected that the collection box (42) has been installed in the predetermined collection position again. May inform the operator to reset the estimated amount of recovered wire electrode (12). This ensures that the operator who actually removed the wire electrode (12) in the collection box (42) does not forget to give an instruction to reset the estimated amount of the collected wire electrode (12). it can.

In the first notification step, when it is detected that the collection box (42) has been removed from the predetermined collection position while the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) is off, the wire electric discharge machine (10) is then subjected to the next step. The operator may be informed that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes (12) will be reset when the power of (10) is turned on. As a result, even if the recovery box (42) is removed from the predetermined recovery position when the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) is turned off, the estimated recovered wire electrode (12) The operator can be reliably notified that the amount will be reset. Further, when the power of the wire electric discharge machine (10) is off, it is not necessary to supply electric power to the notification device (52), so that the electricity bill can be saved.

The reset step is performed when a reset is instructed by an operator's operation between the time when the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) is notified to be reset by the first notification step and the time when a predetermined time elapses. , The estimated amount of recovered wire electrode (12) may be reset. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated from being reset due to an erroneous operation of the operation unit (51).

The wire electric discharge machine (10) may include a display unit (52a) for displaying information as an image and a touch panel (50a) attached to the display screen of the display unit (52a). The operation unit (51) for instructing the operator whether to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) is the operation button and the touch panel (51) displayed on the display screen of the display unit (52a). It may be composed of 50a) and. The estimation method may include a display control step of displaying an operation button on the display unit (52a) when it is detected that the collection box (42) has been removed from the predetermined collection position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12) estimated from being reset due to an erroneous operation of the operation unit (51).

The recovered electrode amount estimation step uses the feeding speed of the wire electrode (12) and the feeding time of the wire electrode (12), or the remaining amount of the unused wire electrode (12) wound around the wire bobbin (22). The amount of the wire electrode (12) collected in the collection box (42) may be estimated. This makes it possible to accurately estimate the amount of the recovered wire electrode (12).

The estimation methods include a planned use electrode amount estimation step for estimating the amount of the wire electrode (12) to be used used by executing the machining program, and a recovered wire electrode (12) estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation step. By the electrode amount determination step and the electrode amount determination step for determining whether or not the total amount of the sum of the amount of the wire electrode (12) to be used and the amount of the wire electrode (12) to be used estimated by the electrode amount estimation step exceeds the threshold value. If it is determined that the total amount exceeds the threshold value, a second notification step for notifying the fact before executing the machining program may be included. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recovery box (42) from being filled with the wire electrode (12) or the recovery box (42) from being overflowed with the wire electrode (12) by executing the machining program.

10 ... Wire electric discharge machine 12 ... Wire electrode 14 ... Machine body 16 ... Processing liquid processing device 18 ... Control device 22 ... Wire bobbins 32, 34 ... Wire guide 36 ... Pinch roller 38 ... Feed roller 42 ... Recovery box 44 ... Recovery box Detection unit 50 ... Input device 50a ... Touch panel 51 ... Operation unit 52 ... Notification device 52a ... Display unit (notification unit)
52b ... Light emitting element (notification unit) 52c ... Speaker (notification unit)
54 ... Control unit 56 ... Storage medium 60 ... Recovered electrode amount estimation unit 62 ... Notification control unit (display control unit)
64 ... Electrode amount estimation unit to be used 66 ... Electrode amount determination unit

Claims (15)

The machining is performed by sending an unused wire electrode wound around a wire bobbin toward an object to be machined and applying a voltage between the pole formed between the wire electrode and the object to be machined to generate an electric discharge. A wire electric discharge machine that performs electric discharge machining on an object.
A collection box for collecting the used wire electrode used for electric discharge machining, and a collection box for collecting the used wire electrode.
A collection box detection unit that detects whether the collection box is installed at a predetermined collection position,
A recovered electrode amount estimation unit that estimates the amount of the wire electrode recovered in the recovery box, and a recovered electrode amount estimation unit.
An operation unit for instructing the operator whether to reset the amount of the recovered wire electrode estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit, and
When the collection box detection unit detects that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the first method of notifying the operator that the estimated amount of the collected wire electrodes is reset. Notification unit and
With
The recovered electrode amount estimation unit is a wire electric discharge machine that resets the estimated recovered wire electrode amount when a reset instruction is given by the operation of the operation unit by the operator. The wire electric discharge machine according to claim 1.
In the first notification unit, after the collection box detection unit detects that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position, the collection box is installed again at the predetermined collection position. A wire electric discharge machine that notifies the operator that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes will be reset when is detected. The wire electric discharge machine according to claim 1 or 2.
When the first notification unit detects that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position by the collection box detection unit while the power of the wire electric discharge machine is off, the first notification unit is next. A wire electric discharge machine that notifies an operator that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes is reset when the power of the wire electric discharge machine is turned on. The wire electric discharge machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The recovered electrode amount estimation unit is operated by the operator during a predetermined time from the notification that the recovered electrode amount estimation unit resets the recovered wire electrode amount by the first notification unit. A wire electric discharge machine that resets the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes when reset is instructed by. The wire electric discharge machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A display unit that displays information as an image and
A display control unit that controls the display unit and
The touch panel attached to the display screen of the display unit and
With
The operation unit is composed of an operation button displayed on the display screen of the display unit and the touch panel.
The display control unit is a wire electric discharge machine that displays the operation button when it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position. The wire electric discharge machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The recovered electrode amount estimation unit is recovered in the recovery box using the feeding speed of the wire electrode, the feeding time of the wire electrode, or the remaining amount of the unused wire electrode wound around the wire bobbin. A wire discharge processing machine that estimates the amount of wire electrodes. The wire electric discharge machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An electrode amount estimation unit to be used for estimating the amount of the wire electrode to be used to be used by executing a machining program, and an electrode amount estimation unit to be used.
Whether or not the total amount of the recovered wire electrodes estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation unit and the wire electrode amount to be used estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation unit exceeds the threshold value. An electrode amount judgment unit that determines whether or not
When the electrode amount determination unit determines that the total amount exceeds the threshold value, a second notification unit that notifies that fact before executing the machining program, and a second notification unit.
Equipped with a wire electric discharge machine. The wire electric discharge machine according to claim 7.
The wire discharge estimation unit estimates the amount of the wire electrode to be used by executing the machining program, using the scheduled speed at which the wire electrode is delivered and the scheduled time at which the wire electrode is delivered. Processing machine. An estimation method for estimating the amount of wire electrodes used for machining by a wire electric discharge machine and recovered in a recovery box.
The wire electric discharge machine sends an unused wire electrode wound around a wire bobbin toward an object to be machined, and applies a voltage between the electrode formed by the wire electrode and the object to be machined to discharge the wire. By generating the above-mentioned wire electrode, the used wire electrode is collected in the collection box while performing electric discharge machining on the object to be processed.
A collection box detection step for detecting whether the collection box is installed at a predetermined collection position, and
A step of estimating the amount of recovered electrodes for estimating the amount of the wire electrodes recovered in the recovery box, and
An instruction step instructing whether or not to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode by the recovered electrode amount estimation step according to the operation of the operator.
When it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position, a first notification step for notifying the operator to reset the estimated amount of collected wire electrodes, and
When instructed to reset the estimated amount of the wire electrode, a reset step to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode, and
Estimating method, including. The estimation method according to claim 9.
In the first notification step, when it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position and then it is detected that the collection box has been installed in the predetermined collection position again. An estimation method that informs the operator that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes is to be reset. The estimation method according to claim 9 or 10.
In the first notification step, when it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position while the power of the wire electric discharge machine is off, the wire electric discharge machine is then subjected to the next step. An estimation method that informs the operator that the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes will be reset when the power is turned on. The estimation method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.
The reset step is performed when a reset is instructed by an operator's operation between the time when it is notified that the amount of the wire electrode collected by the first notification step is to be reset and the time when a predetermined time elapses. An estimation method that resets the estimated amount of recovered wire electrodes. The estimation method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.
The wire electric discharge machine is
A display unit that displays information as an image and
The touch panel attached to the display screen of the display unit and
With
The operation unit for instructing the operator whether to reset the estimated amount of the recovered wire electrode is composed of the operation buttons displayed on the display screen of the display unit and the touch panel.
An estimation method including a display control step of displaying the operation button on the display unit when it is detected that the collection box has been removed from the predetermined collection position. The estimation method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.
The recovered electrode amount estimation step is recovered in the recovery box using the feeding speed of the wire electrode and the feeding time of the wire electrode, or the remaining amount of the unused wire electrode wound around the wire bobbin. An estimation method for estimating the amount of the wire electrode. The estimation method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.
The planned use electrode amount estimation step for estimating the amount of the wire electrode to be used used by executing the machining program, and
Whether or not the total amount of the recovered wire electrodes estimated by the recovered electrode amount estimation step and the wire electrode amount to be used estimated by the planned use electrode amount estimation step exceeds the threshold value. The electrode amount judgment step to judge whether
When it is determined by the electrode amount determination step that the total amount exceeds the threshold value, a second notification step for notifying the fact before executing the machining program and a second notification step.
Estimating method, including.

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