Process for controlling a machine tool

• US 10,481,582 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2017
• Issued: 11/19/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Citizen Watch Co Limited (Citizen Electronics Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Citizen Watch Co Limited (Citizen Electronics Company Limited)
• Inventors: Asahara, Noriyuki
• Primary Examiner(s): Bahta, Kidest
• Application Number:
  US15/686,587
• Publication Number:
  US 20170364055A1
• Time in Patent Office: 816 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 1/0045 Control panels or boxes
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 11/0089 actuating operator protecting means, e.g. closing a cover element, producing an alarm signal
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 11/0891 arranged between the working area and the operator
• CPC Class Codes: B23Q 17/2404 Arrangements for improving direct observation of the working space, e.g. using mirrors or lamps structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for, F21V33/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/406 characterised by monitoring or safety G05B19/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4063 Monitoring general control system G05B19/4062 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31379 Master monitors controllers, updates production progress, allocates resources
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34384 Execute next block after predetermined time
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/34394 Execute a certain number of program blocks and stop

Abstract

A machine tool includes a machining chamber, an illuminator in the machining chamber, and an NC unit. The NC unit includes a manual execution unit for executing the machining operation via a pulse signal generated in response to operation of a manually operated part, and has a one-block stop mode in which the NC program is executed for one block and then stopped. A notification unit issues a notification of completion of the execution of one block of the NC program while the machining operation is executed manually using the manual execution unit in the one-block stop mode, and the notification unit includes the illuminator. A change in the illumination state of the illuminator enables an operator to observe the interior of the machining chamber continuously while being notified of the completion of the execution of the one block of the NC program.

Claims

1. A process by which an operator controls a machine tool, said machine tool comprising:

a machining chamber;

a tool arranged in the machining chamber;

an illuminator provided in the machining chamber;

an NC unit for performing a control of a machining operation in the chamber on the basis of an NC program, the NC unit including a manual control and a manual execution unit responsive to said manual control, and being operable alternatively in an automatic mode, and in a manual mode wherein said control is under a control of said manual execution unit, and said NC unit having a selectable one-block stop mode in which the NC program is executed for one block and then stopped; and

a notification unit for issuing a notification to said operator, while said operator is continuously visually observing the interior of the machining chamber while operating the machine tool, of completion of the execution of said one block of the NC program while said control is manually executed using the manual execution unit in the one-block stop mode;

wherein said notification unit comprises the illuminator; and

wherein, in said process;

said operator, by operating said manual control, causes the manual execution unit in said one block stop mode to execute the machining operation;

throughout said control using the manual execution unit in said one block stop mode, said operator continuously visually observes the machining operation in said machining chamber using the manual execution unit in said one block stop mode;

said illuminator in the machining chamber provides continuous illumination at a level of luminescence sufficient to enable said continuous visual observation by said operator of the machining operation; and

said notification unit causes a change in the level of illumination emitted by said illuminator upon completion of the execution of said one block of the NC program, whereby the operator is notified of the completion of the execution of said one block of the NC program while continuously visually observing the machining operation.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit reduces the level of illumination emitted by said illuminator upon completion of the execution of said one block of the NC program.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit causes said the illuminator to blink upon completion of the execution of said one block of the NC program.