JP7817812B2 - Workpiece processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

This specification relates to a workpiece processing device.

As one type of workpiece machining device, Patent Document 1 discloses a numerical control device in which sampling start and end commands for acquiring machining status information are incorporated into the NC machining program. In this numerical control device, machining status information and machining location information are stored in memory, and machining status information can be acquired in association with the machining location.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-011203

The numerical control device described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above can acquire machining status information for all machining locations set in the program in response to sampling start and end commands. However, there are some machining locations for which it is not necessary to acquire machining status information. From the perspective of improving user convenience, there is a demand for a workpiece machining device that can appropriately determine whether or not machining status information needs to be acquired.

In light of these circumstances, this specification discloses a workpiece machining device that can appropriately determine whether or not machining status information needs to be acquired.

This specification discloses a workpiece processing device that includes a setting unit that automatically sets whether or not data relating to a plurality of processing steps in which workpiece processing is performed is required to be saved based on whether or not each of the processing steps has been performed in the processing program when the processing program that performs the processing of the workpiece is normally terminated, the processing program having a designated processing command for specifying the processing step for which the data is required to be saved, the setting unit is able to search for the designated processing command and set whether or not the data is required to be saved for the processing step specified by the searched designated processing command, the data includes a judgment threshold for determining, for each processing step, the state of a detectable physical quantity that is a physical quantity related to the processing of the workpiece and can be detected, the detectable physical quantity is a processing load related to the processing of the workpiece, and the judgment threshold is at least one of an upper limit value of a maximum load of the processing load, an upper limit value of an average load of the processing load, and a lower limit value of the average load of the processing load.

According to the present disclosure, the workpiece machining device can automatically set whether or not to save data related to each machining process based on whether or not the machining process is performed in the machining program (i.e., whether or not the machining process is being performed). This allows the workpiece machining device to automatically save data related to each machining process depending on whether or not machining is being performed, without user operation, making it possible to appropriately determine whether or not to save data related to the machining process (whether or not to acquire machining status information).

1 is a front view showing a machine tool 10 to which a workpiece machining device is applied. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the machine tool 10 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a machine tool 10. 4 is a flowchart showing a program executed by the control device 50 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a path database. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the path information to be used before a change and the path information to be used after a change in the machining program 1. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the path information to be used before the change and the path information to be used after the change in the machining program 2. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a program (logon/off setting) executed by the control device 50 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 shows a path setting screen 50h. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an axis setting screen 50g.

(machine tools)
An embodiment of a machine tool to which a workpiece machining device is applied will be described below. In the following drawings, directions in the drawings will be described using an XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, a plane parallel to the horizontal plane is defined as the XZ plane. In this XZ plane, the axial direction of spindles 20a and 20b of a machine tool 10 (described later) is referred to as the Z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is referred to as the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the XZ plane is referred to as the Y-axis direction.

The machine tool 10 is a workpiece machining device that processes a workpiece W. As shown in FIG. 1, the machine tool 10 includes a main body 11, a pair of spindles 20a, 20b, a pair of tool tables 30a, 30b, a pair of workpiece transport robots (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as robots) 40a, 40b, and a control device 50 that controls the spindles 20a, 20b, the tool tables 30a, 30b, and the workpiece transport robots 40a, 40b.

The spindle 20a rotatably holds the workpiece W. The spindle 20a is rotatably supported by a headstock (not shown) provided on the main body 11 so that it is positioned horizontally along the left-right direction (Z-axis direction) in FIG. 2. A spindle chuck 21 that detachably grips the workpiece W is provided at the tip of the spindle 20a. The spindle chuck 21 has multiple gripping jaws 21a that can grip the workpiece W by closing these jaws 21a and release the workpiece W by opening them. The spindle chuck 21 opens and closes in response to commands from the control device 50. The spindle 20a is driven to rotate by a servo motor 22 (see FIG. 3). The current (drive current) of the servo motor 22 is detected by a current sensor 23 (see FIG. 3), and the detection result (detected current value) is output to the control device 50, which will be described later. The spindle 20b has a similar configuration to the spindle 20a.

The tool table 30a is a device that imparts a feed motion to a cutting tool 31, which is a processing tool. The tool table 30a is a so-called turret-type tool table and has a tool holder 32 on which multiple cutting tools 31 for cutting the workpiece W are attached. The tool holder 32 is rotatably supported by a rotary drive unit (not shown) and can be positioned at a predetermined cutting position. The tool table 30a, and therefore the cutting tools 31, are moved left and right (X-axis direction) and front and rear (Z-axis direction) in Figure 1 by a tool table moving device 33.

The tool table moving device 33 includes an X-axis drive device 33a (see FIG. 3; this is the X-axis drive shaft and may be simply referred to as the X-axis) that moves the tool table 30a along the X-axis direction, and a Z-axis drive device 33b (see FIG. 3; this is the Z-axis drive shaft and may be simply referred to as the Z-axis) that moves the tool table 30a along the Z-axis direction. The X-axis drive device 33a is driven to rotate by a servo motor 33a1 (see FIG. 3). The current (drive current) of the servo motor 33a1 is detected by a current sensor 33a2 (see FIG. 3), and the detection result (detected current value) is output to the control device 50 (described later). The Z-axis drive device 33b is driven to rotate by a servo motor 33b1 (see FIG. 3). The current (drive current) of the servo motor 33b1 is detected by a current sensor 33b2 (see FIG. 3), and the detection result (detected current value) is output to the control device 50 (described later). Tool stand 30b is configured in the same way as tool stand 30a.

The above-mentioned spindle 20a and tool rest 30a constitute the processing unit 35a that processes the workpiece W. The above-mentioned spindle 20b and tool rest 30b constitute the processing unit 35b that processes the workpiece W.

(robot)
Robots 40a and 40b can each travel on the same travelling platform, and can load and unload workpieces W onto spindles 20a and 20b and workpiece loading device 60. Workpiece loading device 60 is a device that can load workpieces W, and includes, for example, a workpiece loading device that loads the workpiece W to be loaded into machine tool 10 onto a loading surface, a workpiece unloading device that loads the workpiece W to be unloaded from machine tool 10 onto a loading surface, and an inversion/shift device that inverts or shifts the posture of the workpiece W unloaded from machine tool 10.

Robot 40a is equipped with a running unit 41 for running (movement along the X-axis), a gripping unit 42 for detachably gripping the workpiece W, and a gripping unit movement unit 43 for moving the gripping unit 42 relative to the running unit 41. In this embodiment, robot 40a is, for example, a three-axis Cartesian robot (three-axis gantry robot). Robot 40a is not limited to a Cartesian robot, and may also be a vertical articulated robot, a horizontal articulated robot (SCARA robot), or a parallel link robot. Robot 40b is configured similarly to robot 40a.

(Running part)
As shown in Figure 1, the running unit 41 includes a running unit slider 41a (which may also be referred to as an X-axis slider), a guide unit 41b which is a running platform that guides and runs the running unit slider 41a, and a running drive device (not shown) that drives the running unit slider 41a to run.

The running slider 41a can be equipped with a gripping section 42 and a gripping section moving section 43, and is guided by a guide section 41b extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in Figure 1, allowing it to reciprocate (linearly move) in the left-right direction.

The guide portion 41b is provided on the main body 11 and is arranged above the spindles 20a, 20b and tool tables 30a, 30b. One end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the guide portion 41b extends to directly above the workpiece placement device 60 installed on the left side of the main body 11. The other end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the guide portion 41b extends to directly above the workpiece placement device 60 installed on the right side of the main body 11. The travel slider 41a and the guide portion 41b form a travel drive shaft (X-axis drive shaft). The travel drive device is provided on the travel slider 41a or guide portion 41b side.

(gripping part)
As shown primarily in FIG. 2, the gripping unit 42 is rotatably connected to a Y-axis slider 45a via a rotation drive unit 42b. The gripping unit 42 has a triangular prism-shaped main body 42a having two orthogonal side surfaces and a remaining side surface. One of the two orthogonal side surfaces is a plane that can be parallel to the X-Z plane, and is provided with a robot chuck 42c that detachably grips the workpiece W. The other side surface is a plane that is parallel to the X-Y plane, and is provided with a robot chuck 42d that detachably grips the workpiece W.

The main body 42a is rotatable by the rotation drive unit 42b, and each robot chuck 42c, 42d can be rotated between two positions (a downward position in the Y-axis direction and a rearward position in the Z-axis direction). As a result, the gripping unit 42 can transfer the workpiece W to a mounting surface facing upward in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the mounting surface of the workpiece mounting device 60) by positioning each robot chuck 42c, 42d in the downward position in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the gripping unit 42 can transfer the workpiece W to a mounting surface facing forward in the Z-axis direction (e.g., the mounting surface of the spindle chuck 21 of the spindles 20a, 20b) by positioning each robot chuck 42c, 42d in the rearward position in the Z-axis direction. The robot chucks 42c, 42d have multiple gripping jaws (not shown), which can be closed to grip the workpiece W and opened to release the workpiece W. The robot chucks 42c and 42d are opened and closed in response to instructions from the control device 50.

A rotary drive unit 42b is attached (connected) to the remaining side of the main body 42a. The remaining side of the main body 42a is arranged parallel to the inclined surface at the tip (lower end) of the Y-axis slider 45a. As shown in Figure 2, the rotary drive unit 42b has a rotary drive shaft 42e attached to the rotary drive unit 42b and a rotary drive device (not shown) that rotates the rotary drive shaft 42e.

(grip moving part)
The gripper moving unit 43 moves the gripper 42 relative to the running unit slider 41a in the left-right direction (Z-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Y-axis direction) in Fig. 2. The gripper moving unit 43 has a Z-axis driving unit 44 that moves the gripper 42 along the Z-axis direction, and a Y-axis driving unit 45 that moves the gripper 42 along the Y-axis direction.

(Z-axis drive unit)
The Z-axis drive unit 44 moves a Z-axis slider 44a, which is slidably attached to the running unit slider 41a, along the Z-axis direction. As shown primarily in Figure 2, the Z-axis drive unit 44 includes the Z-axis slider 44a, a Z-axis guide unit 44b that guides and moves the Z-axis slider 44a, and a Z-axis drive device (not shown) that drives and moves the Z-axis slider 44a.

The Z-axis slider 44a can mount the Y-axis drive unit 45 and thus the gripper 42. It extends left and right in FIG. 2 (the Z-axis direction) and is guided by the Z-axis guide unit 44b, allowing it to reciprocate (linearly move) along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis guide unit 44b is provided on the running unit slider 41a. The Z-axis drive device is provided on the Z-axis guide unit 44b or the Z-axis slider 44a.

(Y-axis drive unit)
The Y-axis driving unit 45 moves a Y-axis slider 45a (on which the gripping unit 42 is supported) slidably attached to the Z-axis slider 44a along the Y-axis direction. As shown primarily in Fig. 2, the Y-axis driving unit 45 includes the Y-axis slider 45a, a Y-axis guide unit 45b that guides and moves the Y-axis slider 45a, and a Y-axis driving device (not shown) that drives and moves the Y-axis slider 45a.

The Y-axis slider 45a can carry the gripping portion 42, extends in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) in Figure 2, and is guided by the Y-axis guide portion 45b to reciprocate (linearly move) along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis guide portion 45b is provided on the Z-axis slider 44a. The Y-axis drive unit is provided on the Y-axis guide portion 45b or the Y-axis slider 45a.

(Control device)
The control device 50 is a control device that drives and controls the spindles 20a, 20b, tool tables 30a, 30b, and robots 40a, 40b. In particular, the control device 50 controls the drive of the spindles 20a, 20b and tool tables 30a, 30b. As shown in FIG. 3 , the control device 50 is connected to an input device 50a, a display device 50b, a storage device 50c, current sensors 23, 33a2, 33b2, and servo motors 22, 33a1, 33b1. The input device 50a is provided on the front of the machine tool 10 and allows an operator (user) to input various settings, instructions, and the like to the control device 50. The display device 50b is provided on the front of the machine tool 10 and displays information such as the operating status and maintenance status to the operator. The memory device 50c stores data related to the control of the machine tool 10, such as a control program (machining program), parameters used in the control program, data related to various settings and instructions, actual detection data, and association data (storage unit). The control device 50 has a microcomputer (not shown), which includes an input/output interface, a CPU, RAM, and ROM (all not shown), each connected via a bus. The CPU executes various programs to acquire data, detection signals, control information, etc. from the input device 50a, the memory device 50c, and the current sensors 23, 33a2, and 33b2, and to control the display device 50b and the servo motors 22, 33a1, and 33b1. The RAM temporarily stores variables necessary for executing the programs, and the ROM stores the programs.

(Workpiece processing)
Furthermore, automation of the setting of the log of the load detection function by the workpiece machining device (machine tool 10) described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4. The control device 50 carries out processing in accordance with this flowchart.

In step S102, the control device 50 determines whether the machining program has started. If there is an instruction to start machining new workpieces W (predetermined quantity) on the machine tool 10, the control device 50 determines that the machining program has started ("YES" in step S102) and proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to start machining the workpieces W, the control device 50 determines that the machining program has not started ("NO" in step S102) and repeats the determination process of step S102 until there is an instruction to start machining the workpieces W.

In step S104, the control device 50 clears the path information used. That is, each time a machining program is started, the control device 50 clears the path information used that is temporarily stored in the memory device 50c.

A path indicates the location of the load monitoring target (i.e., the load detection target), and is defined between a designated start processing command (e.g., "M130" in the M code) indicating the location where load detection begins and a designated end processing command (e.g., "M131" in the M code) indicating the location where load detection ends. The designated start processing command is preferably placed at the beginning of the processing step that is the target of load monitoring, and the designated end processing command is preferably placed at the end of the processing step. Therefore, a path can be said to indicate a processing step. The designated start processing command and designated end processing command are designated processing commands for specifying the processing step for which data saving is required, and the processing program contains these designated processing commands.

It is preferable that the designated start processing command include a code indicating the path number (for example, a B code). For example, the B code is represented by a five-digit number (argument), and the designated start processing command is represented as M130B00001. When the control device 50 recognizes the M code, it also recognizes the argument of the B code, and is therefore able to recognize the path number corresponding to the argument.

The path information used is information about the path related to the machining program, and includes, for example, the path number and logon/off information. The path information used is an example of data related to paths, which will be described later. The path number is a number that indicates the path, i.e., the machining process (machining location). It is preferable that path numbers are set so that the same path number does not overlap between workpieces. The logon/off information is information that indicates whether data related to the path is to be logged on (stored) or logged off (not stored). Note that logging on means that data related to the path needs to be saved, and logging off means that data related to the path does not need to be saved.

Path-related data includes the thresholds (judgment thresholds) for each drive axis, tool numbers, tool counters, etc. for that path.

The judgment threshold is a value used to determine the state of the machining load (a detectable physical quantity related to the machining of the workpiece W) for each machining process (pass). The machining load is the load generated when the workpiece W is cut (machined) by the cutting tool 31, and is a physical quantity that acts as resistance to machining (machining resistance). Here, the machining load refers to the magnitude of the force or energy consumed by the workpiece W or cutting tool 31 (the driven side) that generates machining resistance on the driving side (in this embodiment, the servo motors mentioned above), for example, the torque load on the drive shaft. Note that the detectable physical quantity is not limited to the machining load; the current consumption or power consumption of the servo motor may also be used.

In this embodiment, the judgment thresholds can include two upper limits for maximum load, which are the maximum value of the machining load; two upper limits for average load, which are the average value of the machining load; and a lower limit for average load. The upper limit for maximum load has an abnormal upper limit, which determines an abnormal state requiring the machine tool 10 to stop machining of the workpiece, and a warning upper limit, which determines an abnormal state (warning state) requiring a warning without requiring the machine tool 10 to stop machining of the workpiece. Like the upper limit for maximum load, the upper limit for average load also has an abnormal upper limit and a warning upper limit. The lower limit for average load is a value which determines an abnormal state (warning state) requiring a warning without requiring the machine tool 10 to stop machining. The lower limit for average load may also be a value which determines an abnormal state requiring the machine tool 10 to stop machining. Alternatively, a lower limit for minimum load, which is the minimum value of the machining load, may be used.

The control device 50 updates the usage path information with new content each time a new machining program is started. That is, the control device 50 newly registers usage path information related to the path to be used in the machining program currently being executed. The control device 50 registers usage path information based on the load detection M code. Specifically, if the control device 50 detects a load detection M code in step S106, it stores the path corresponding to the detected M code in the storage device 50c as a path related to the usage path information (step S108). That is, the control device 50 searches for a specified processing command (M code) (search unit; step S106) and registers the machining process (path) specified by the searched specified processing command as usage path information (registration unit; step S108). On the other hand, if the control device 50 does not detect a load detection M code in step S106, it determines that load detection is not performed in the machining program and does not store the path related to the usage path information in the storage device 50c.

In step S106, when the control device 50 detects an M code, it can recognize the corresponding path from the B code attached to the M code. In step S108, the control device 50 acquires data corresponding to the detected path from a path database (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage device 50c or a management computer (a computer that collectively manages multiple machine tools 10), and stores the data in the storage device 50c as usage path information. In addition, although the start of processing in steps S104 and S106 is set to the start of processing the machining program, this is not limited thereto and may also be set to the point when the machining program is pre-loaded before the start of the processing.

As shown in Figure 5, the path database stores (contains) path numbers and log-on/off information associated with those path numbers. In this embodiment, paths 1 to 50 are stored. The path database may also include thresholds for each drive axis, tool numbers, tool counters, etc. for each path, or a separate path database may be provided that includes thresholds for each drive axis, tool numbers, tool counters, etc. for each path.

Furthermore, the control device 50 updates and stores the path usage information according to the actual usage status (i.e., updates and stores whether or not data needs to be saved) only if the machining program has ended normally. In other words, the control device 50 prohibits updating the path usage information if the machining program has not ended normally. This makes it possible to suppress (restrict) the adoption of the path usage status when the machining program has not ended normally, and to reliably adopt the path usage status when the machining program has ended normally.

When a machining program has ended normally (determined "YES" in step S110), the control device 50 sets the path used in the machining program to logon (step S124; first setting unit) and sets the path not used in the machining program to logoff (step S118; second setting unit). The first setting unit and second setting unit may be collectively referred to as the setting unit. That is, when a machining program has ended normally, the control device 50 (setting unit) can set whether data related to the path needs to be saved by reflecting the save necessity status of the most recent path at the time of termination. The control device 50 (setting unit) can also search for the specified processing command (search unit) and set whether data needs to be saved for the machining process (path) specified by the searched specified processing command.

The control device 50 can automatically set paths that are actually in use (paths where machining processes are being performed) to logon during execution of the machining program (first setting unit), and automatically set paths that are not actually in use (paths where no machining processes are being performed) to logoff (second setting unit). In other words, the control device 50 sets whether or not data related to multiple machining processes (paths) in which the workpiece W is machined is to be saved based on whether or not each machining process is being performed in the machining program that processes the workpiece W (setting unit).

Specifically, if the currently logged-on path (all paths logged on at the start of the machining program) in the path information for that machining program is in use (YES in step S116), the control device 50 maintains the current logon/off state. Note that the currently logged-on path being in use means that it is registered in the path information for use. On the other hand, if the currently logged-on path is not in use (NO in step S116), the control device 50 sets the unused path to logoff (step S118). This process is repeated until all paths set for logon have been processed.

Furthermore, after the determination of all logged-on paths has been completed, the setting process is performed for all remaining logged-off paths (all paths that were logged off at the start of the machining program). The control device 50 determines "YES" in step S122 for the currently logged-on path (path that was logged on at the start of the machining program), and maintains the current logged-on/off state of logged-on. On the other hand, the control device 50 determines "NO" in step S122 for the currently logged-off path, and sets the used path to logged-on (step S124). This process is performed for all paths that have been set to logged-off, i.e., until it is completed for all used path information.

If the machining program has ended normally, the control device 50 determines "YES" in step S110 and proceeds to step S114. If the machining program has ended other than normally (if an abnormality occurs during execution of the machining program), the control device 50 determines "NO" and "YES" in steps S110 and S112 and ends this flowchart. If the machining program is being executed and has not ended, the control device 50 determines "NO" in steps S110 and S112 and returns the program to step S106.

Furthermore, in step S114, it is determined whether one or more pieces of used path information are in use. If there is zero used path information, the control device 50 terminates this flowchart, as it is not necessary to set a log for the path. On the other hand, if there is one or more used path information, the control device 50 proceeds to step S116 and beyond, as it is necessary to set a log for the path.

In step S120, it is determined whether or not the evaluation of all currently logged-on paths has been completed. Until the evaluation of all logged-on paths has been completed, the control device 50 returns the program to step S116. On the other hand, once the evaluation of all logged-on paths has been completed, the control device 50 proceeds to step S122. In step S126, it is determined whether or not the evaluation of all paths in the used path information has been completed. Until the evaluation of all paths in the used path information has been completed, the control device 50 returns the program to step S122. On the other hand, once the evaluation of all paths in the used path information has been completed, the control device 50 ends this flowchart.

(Example (machining program 1, machining program 2))
Furthermore, the processing (control) according to the above-mentioned flowchart will be explained using specific examples (machining program 1 and machining program 2). It is assumed that machining program 1 includes pass 1, pass 2, and pass 3, and machining program 2 includes pass 4, pass 5, and pass 6. As mentioned above, it is assumed that pass 1 to pass 50 are registered.

The following describes the case where machining is performed based on machining program 1. When processing of machining program 1 begins, paths 1, 2, and 3 are detected (step S106), and data related to paths 1, 2, and 3 is obtained from the path database (see Figure 5). The obtained path-related data is registered in storage device 50c as usage path information for new machining by machining program 1 (step S108). Here, it is assumed that paths 1 to 3 are in a logged-on state when machining program 1 begins.

Therefore, when registering path information for machining program 1, paths 1, 2, and 3 are registered as paths, and the logon/off information for each path at the current time (e.g., when machining starts, when the machining program is loaded) is associated with these paths and registered. As shown in Table 1 below, the logon/off status for paths 1 to 3 is all logged on.

Furthermore, when the machining process using machining program 1 is completed normally ("YES" in step S110), paths not actually used in the machining process are set to logoff (steps S116, S118), and paths actually used in the machining process are set to logon (steps S122, S124).

For example, if the path usage status (setting status) is changed by an operator while Machining Program 1 is being executed, or after the previous Machining Program 1 has been executed (and before the current Machining Program 1 is executed), the need to save path-related data for that machining process will change. We will explain the case where Path 1 and Path 2 are used, but Path 3 is not (see Figure 6).

For path 1, the logon/off information is "logged on" and is in use, so step S116 returns "YES" and step S122 returns "YES", and the logon/off information remains "logged on". For path 2, as with path 1, the logon/off information remains "logged on".

For path 3, the logon/off information is "logon" and is not in use, so step S116 returns "NO," and step S118 sets (changes) the logon/off information for path 3 to "logoff." Then, step S122 determines whether the logon/off information at the start of the machining program is "logon," so for path 3, whose logon/off information at the start is "logon," step S122 returns "YES," and the logon/off information remains at "logoff," which was the logon/off information before the determination in step S122.

As shown in Figure 6, the path information in use (path information before change) in which paths 1 to 3 are each logged on before the path change can be automatically updated and registered to path information in use (path information after change) in which paths 1 and 2 are each logged on and path 3 is logged off, corresponding to a usage situation in which paths 1 and 2 are used but path 3 is not. The contents of the path information after change are then reflected in the path database. Therefore, the path usage status is automatically reflected in the contents of the path database, and the latest logon/off information (path 1: logon, path 2: logon, path 3: logoff) can be maintained.

Next, we will explain the case where machining is performed based on machining program 2. When processing of machining program 2 begins, paths 4, 5, and 6 are detected (step S106), and data related to paths 4, 5, and 6 is obtained from the path database (see Figure 5). The obtained path-related data is registered in storage device 50c as usage path information for new machining by machining program 2 (step S108). Here, we assume that paths 4, 5, and 6 are in the logged-on, logged-off, and logged-off states, respectively, at the start of machining program 2.

Therefore, when registering path information for machining program 2, paths 4, 5, and 6 are registered as paths, and the current logon/off information for each path is associated with these paths and registered. As shown in Table 2 below, the logon/off status for paths 4, 5, and 6 is logged on, logged off, and logged off.

Furthermore, when the machining process using machining program 2 is completed normally ("YES" in step S110), paths not actually used in the machining process are set to logoff (steps S116, S118), and paths actually used in the machining process are set to logon (steps S122, S124).

For example, if the path usage status (setting status) is changed by an operator during the execution of machining program 2 or after the previous execution of machining program 2 (and before the current execution of machining program 2), the need to save path-related data for that machining process will change. We will explain the case where paths 4 and 5 are used, but path 6 is not (see Figure 7).

For path 4, the logon/off information is "logon" and is in use, so step S116 returns "YES" and step S122 returns "YES," and the logon/off information remains "logon."

For path 5, the logon/off information is "logged off" and path 5 is in use, so step S116 returns "NO" and the program proceeds to step S118. In step S118, paths that are not in use are logged off, but paths that are in use are not logged off and the current logon/off information is maintained. Therefore, since path 5 is in use, the logon/off information for path 5 is maintained as "logged off." Then, in step S122, it is determined whether the logon/off information at the start of the machining program is "logged on." Therefore, for path 5, whose logon/off information at the start is "logged off," step S122 returns "NO," and the logon/off information for path 5 is set (changed) to "logged on" (step S124).

For path 6, the logon/off information is "logged off" and path 6 is not in use, so step S116 returns "NO" and the program proceeds to step S118. In step S118, unused paths are logged off, so the logon/off information for unused path 6 is maintained at "logged off." Then, in step S122, it is determined whether the logon/off information at the start of the machining program is "logged on." Therefore, for path 6, whose logon/off information at the start is "logged off," step S122 returns "NO," and the program proceeds to step S124. In step S124, paths in use are logged on, but the current logon/off information for unused paths is maintained. Therefore, since path 6 is not in use, the logon/off information for path 6 is maintained at "logged off."

As shown in Figure 7, the path usage information (path usage information before change) in which paths 4 to 6 are logged on, logged off, and logged off, respectively, before the path change can be automatically updated and registered to path usage information (path usage information after change) in which paths 4 and 5 are logged on and path 6 is logged off, corresponding to a usage situation in which paths 4 and 5 are used but path 6 is not. The contents of the path usage information after change are then reflected in the path database. Therefore, the contents of the path database automatically reflect the path usage status, and the latest logon/off information (path 4: logon, path 5: logon, path 6: logoff) can be maintained.

(Changes in pass usage)
Furthermore, a change by a user of the logon/off setting for each path (change in the path usage status) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S202, the control device 50 determines whether the logon/off setting has been changed by a user operation. The logon/off setting is changed by a user operation as follows: When the log-on switch 50h7 shown in FIG. 9 is turned on by the user, the user is logged on. Furthermore, when the log-off switch 50h8 is turned on by the user, the user is logged off.

Figure 9 shows the path setting screen 50h. The path setting screen 50h has a judgment threshold display field 50h1, a path display field 50h2, a workpiece number display field 50h3, a tool number display field 50h4, a program display switch 50h5, a judgment threshold display operation switch group 50h6, a log ON switch 50h7, and a log OFF switch 50h8.

The judgment threshold display field 50h1 is a field that displays the judgment threshold for each axis, and displays, from left to right, the axis to be displayed, the abnormal upper limit (for maximum load), the warning upper limit (for maximum load), the maximum load which is the largest of the load data used to calculate the judgment threshold, the abnormal upper limit (for average load), the warning upper limit (for average load), the warning lower limit, and the average load which is the average of the load data used to calculate the judgment threshold.

The path display field 50h2 displays the path number for which the judgment threshold is displayed (load data is stored). The workpiece number display field 50h3 displays the management number of the workpiece for which the judgment threshold is displayed (load data is stored). The tool number display field 50h4 displays the management number of the cutting tool for which the judgment threshold is displayed (load data is stored). The program display switch 50h5 is a switch for switching the screen to a screen that displays the program line (or path) for which the machining load is detected. The judgment threshold display operation switch group 50h6 has switches for scrolling the lines displayed in the judgment threshold display field 50h1 upward or downward.

The log-on switch 50h7 is a switch for setting whether or not data related to the path currently displayed in the path display field 50h2 needs to be saved (logon). The log-off switch 50h8 is a switch for setting whether or not data related to the path currently displayed in the path display field 50h2 needs to be saved (logoff).

When the log-on switch 50h7 is turned on by the user (determined as "YES" in step S202), the control device 50 sets (changes) the log-on/off information of the path information used for that path to log-on (step S204). Also, when the log-off switch 50h8 is turned on by the user (determined as "YES" in step S202), the control device 50 sets (changes) the log-on/off information of the path information used for that path to log-off (step S204). On the other hand, when the log-on switch 50h7 and the log-off switch 50h8 are not operated by the user (determined as "NO" in step S202), the control device 50 maintains the log-on/off information of the path information used for that path to the current log-on or log-off state, and temporarily ends this flowchart.

As a result, when the need to save path-related data is changed by a user operation, the setting unit can set whether or not to save path-related data based on the result of the change.

The log on switch 50h7 and log off switch 50h8 may be provided on the axis setting screen 50g shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, the judgment threshold for the X axis can be displayed for each pass. The axis setting screen 50g is provided with a judgment threshold display field 50g1, an axis display field 50g2, a workpiece number display field 50g3, a program display switch 50g4, a judgment threshold display operation switch group 50g5, a log on switch 50g6, and a log off switch 50g7. The workpiece number, which is the workpiece's management number, the tool number used to machine the workpiece, and the type of drive axis related to the machining are associated with the load data.

The judgment threshold display field 50g1 displays the judgment threshold for each pass. From left to right, it displays the pass number, the tool number used, the abnormal upper limit (for maximum load), the warning upper limit (for maximum load), the maximum load (which is the largest of the load data used to calculate the judgment threshold), the abnormal upper limit (for average load), the warning upper limit (for average load), the warning lower limit, and the average load (which is the average of the load data used to calculate the judgment threshold). The axis display field 50g2 displays the axis on which the judgment threshold is displayed (the axis on which load data is stored). The workpiece number display field 50g3 displays the workpiece management number on which the judgment threshold is displayed (the workpiece management number on which load data is stored). The program display switch 50g4 switches the screen to display the program line (or pass) on which the machining load is detected. The judgment threshold display operation switch group 50g5 has switches for scrolling the lines displayed in the judgment threshold display field 50g1 upward or downward. The log ON switch 50g6 and the log OFF switch 50g7 are the same switches as the log ON switch 50h7 and the log OFF switch 50h8 described above.

On this axis setting screen 50g, you can specify the path for which you want to change the logon/off settings by selecting the path number in the judgment threshold display field 50g1. After selecting the path number, simply operate the log on switch 50g6 or log off switch 50g7. This makes it easy to change the logon/off settings.

Changes to path usage status due to operator operation may occur while a machining program is being executed, or may occur during periods when a machining program is not being executed. Changes to path usage status may occur not only due to operator operation, but also due to automatic settings by the machine tool 10 or management computer.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a cutting tool is used as the processing tool, but other processing tools for processing the workpiece W may also be used. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a dual gantry type machine tool 10 is provided with two spindles, two tool tables, and two robots, but it is also possible to adopt a single gantry type machine tool with one spindle, one tool table, and one robot.

(Effects of this embodiment)
The workpiece machining device (machine tool 10) according to the embodiment described above is equipped with a setting unit (control device 50; steps S118, 124) that sets whether or not data (sometimes simply referred to as data in this specification) relating to the multiple machining processes (paths) in which machining of the workpiece W is respectively performed needs to be saved based on whether or not each machining process (path) is being performed in the machining program that performs machining of the workpiece W.

According to this embodiment, the machine tool 10 can automatically set whether or not to save data related to each machining process (path) based on whether or not machining related to the machining process (path) is performed in the machining program (i.e., whether or not the machining process (path) is performed). This allows the machine tool 10 to automatically save data related to each machining process (path) depending on whether or not machining is performed, without user operation, making it possible to appropriately determine whether or not to save data related to the machining process (path) (whether or not to acquire machining status information).

In addition, in this embodiment, the setting unit (control device 50) sets whether or not data should be saved when the machining program has finished normally (steps S110, 118, 124). This makes it possible to prevent the saving of such inappropriate data when the machining program has not finished normally, as the data adopted (used) at that time is generally inappropriate. This ultimately makes it possible to save only appropriate data.

In addition, in this embodiment, the machining program has a designated processing command for specifying the machining process (path) for which data storage is required, and the setting unit (controller 50) searches for the designated processing command (step S106) and can set whether data storage is required for the machining process (path) specified by the searched designated processing command (steps S118, S124). This makes it possible to properly search for the machining process (path), and ultimately to properly store data for the properly searched machining process (path).

In addition, in this embodiment, the data includes a judgment threshold value for each machining process (pass) to determine the state of a detectable physical quantity that is a physical quantity related to the machining of the workpiece W and can be detected. This makes it possible to reliably save the judgment threshold value for the machining process (pass) desired by the user.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the need for data storage is changed by user operation (steps S202, 204), the setting unit (control device 50) can set whether or not data storage is required based on the result of the change (steps S118, 124). This makes it possible to automatically set whether or not data related to each processing step (path) needs to be stored, reflecting the result of the operation, when the need for data storage is changed by user operation.

10...machine tool (workpiece machining device), 50...control device (setting unit (steps S118, 124)), 50c...storage device (storage unit), W...workpiece.

Claims (4)

a setting unit that automatically sets whether or not data relating to a plurality of machining steps in which workpiece machining is respectively performed is to be saved based on whether or not each of the machining steps has been performed in the machining program when the machining program for performing the workpiece machining is normally completed ;
the processing program has a designation processing command for designating the processing step for which the data needs to be saved;
the setting unit is capable of searching for the designated processing command and setting whether or not the data needs to be saved for the processing step designated by the searched designated processing command,
The data includes a determination threshold value for determining a state of a detectable physical quantity that is a physical quantity related to the machining of the workpiece and that can be detected, for each of the machining steps,
the detectable physical quantity is a processing load related to processing of the workpiece,
A workpiece machining device , wherein the judgment threshold value is at least one of an upper limit value of a maximum load of the machining load, an upper limit value of an average load of the machining load, and a lower limit value of the average load of the machining load. The workpiece machining device described in claim 1, wherein, when the need for saving the data is changed by a user operation, the setting unit is capable of setting whether or not to save the data based on the result of the change. a setting unit that automatically sets whether or not data relating to a plurality of machining steps in which workpiece machining is respectively performed is to be saved based on whether or not each of the machining steps has been performed in the machining program when the machining program for performing the workpiece machining is normally completed ;
The setting unit of the workpiece processing device automatically sets the data relating to the actually performed processing step to be saved when the processing step is actually performed, and automatically sets the data to be saved when the processing step is not actually performed. a setting unit that automatically sets whether or not data relating to a plurality of machining steps in which workpiece machining is respectively performed is to be saved based on whether or not each of the machining steps has been performed in the machining program when the machining program for performing the workpiece machining is normally completed ;
When the necessity of storing the data is changed by a user operation, the setting unit can set the necessity of storing the data based on the necessity result after the change,
The change by the user's operation is to change log-on/off information indicating whether the log-on means that the data related to the machining process needs to be saved or the log-off means that the data does not need to be saved to the log-on when a log-on switch is turned on by the user, and to change the log-on/off information to the log-off when a log-off switch is turned on by the user,
The workpiece machining device has a plurality of drive shafts for performing the machining, and
A workpiece machining device that satisfies at least one of the following conditions (a) to (b):
(a) the log-on switch and the log-off switch are provided on a path setting screen,
The path setting screen further includes a machining process display field for displaying the machining process number, and a first judgment threshold display field for displaying a judgment threshold for each of the drive axes for each of the machining processes,
When the log-on switch and/or the log-off switch is operated, the log-on/off information relating to the machining process displayed in the machining process display field is changed.
(b) the log-on switch and the log-off switch are provided on an axis setting screen;
the axis setting screen further includes an axis display field for displaying the drive axis, and a second judgment threshold display field for displaying a judgment threshold for each of the machining steps for each of the drive axes,
When the log-on switch and the log-off switch are operated after the machining process number in the second judgment threshold display field is selected, the log-on/off information relating to the selected machining process is changed.