Program simulation system and numerical control system for industrial machinery

Abstract

The present invention provides a program simulation system and a numerical control system for industrial machinery, which do not require a machine operator to perform simulation, thereby reducing or alleviating the burden on the machine operator. The program simulation system (10) for industrial machinery is configured to perform simulations corresponding to a program. The program simulation system (10) comprises: a machine selection unit (8) for selecting at least one industrial machinery to be simulated; an identification data group creation unit (11) having a function of automatically adding an identification code for identifying the industrial machinery to the program after simulating the program corresponding to the industrial machinery selected by the machine selection unit (8), and creating a data group of the program and the identification code; and a determination unit (14) for determining whether the identification code in the data group sent to the industrial machinery is consistent with the identification code of the industrial machinery representing the industrial machinery itself.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program simulation system for industrial machinery and a numerical control system including the program simulation system for industrial machinery. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, for example, in the field of mechanical work, CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) technology is applied to numerically control the movement amount and movement speed of tools by computers, thereby highly automating the repetition of the same processing process and the processing of complex shapes.

[0003] In addition, design and drawing are performed using CAD (Computer Aided Design), and action programs (machining programs, etc.) that match the CAD data are produced using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). The data produced by CAM is acquired by the CNC, and various data such as input options, parameters, NC programs, macro programs, macro variables, workpiece origin offsets, tool offsets, tool shape data, and tool management data are used for control. This also automates NC machine tools from design to manufacturing.

[0004] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown, the programmer selects a CNC / machine model on a PC and performs a simulation using the program created using CAM. The machine operator then takes the program created by the programmer and transfers it to the CNC. Before executing the program on the actual machine, the operator simulates the program on the machine (on the CNC mounted on the machine) to confirm that the program is appropriate.

[0005] Incidentally, Patent Document 1 discloses "an automatic programming device for generating a program for controlling an NC processing machine, the automatic programming device being characterized in that it comprises: a raw material shape defining section for defining a raw material shape represented by a three-dimensional solid model; a processing unit preparing section for preparing a plurality of processing units in advance, the processing units being obtained by unifying a processing area represented by a three-dimensional solid model and information on processing attributes including a processing method and tool information for processing the processing area; a processing unit defining section for selecting a specified processing unit from the processing units prepared in advance by the processing unit preparing section, and defining a processing unit for execution by specifying the configuration and size of the processing area of the selected processing unit with respect to the raw material shape defined by the raw material shape defining section; a processed raw material shape generating section for removing the processing area shape of the processing unit defined by the processing unit defining section from the raw material shape defined by the raw material shape defining section by means of a set operation, thereby generating a processed raw material shape; a processing sequence setting section for setting a processing sequence for the processing units defined by the processing unit defining section; and an NC data generating section for generating NC data based on the processing units whose sequence is set by the processing sequence setting section."

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-207523 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Here, in recent years, simulation accuracy has been improved by PC-side simulation models, and by using PC-side simulation models, simulations that are extremely close to reality can be performed.

[0011] Furthermore, by importing realistic models of the CNC system and machinery and performing simulation based on realistic acquired information, accurate motion can be reproduced and realistic simulation can be performed.

[0012] Therefore, simulation on the machine side is usually used only as a precaution to confirm whether an incorrect program is used.

[0013] That is, factors that may cause machine operators to use incorrect machining programs include situations where program makers use incorrect CNC models or machine models for simulation. Especially when there are multiple types of machines, the number of models increases accordingly with the number of machine types, so the frequency of errors increases.

[0014] Furthermore, there are cases where errors occur due to machine operators misunderstanding the purpose of a program created by a programmer.

[0015] Therefore, in the event that such an erroneous program is used or the purpose of the program is misunderstood, a simulation is usually performed on the machine side for the sake of caution.

[0016] However, it takes a lot of time and effort for the machine operator to perform simulation on the machine. In addition, there are cases where it is not easy to judge whether the correct procedure is executed only by the simulation results. In such cases, Figure 6 As shown, the machine operator needs to inquire with the program creator, and the machine operator needs considerable technical knowledge.

[0017] Therefore, there is a strong demand for a method or means that eliminates the need for simulation on the machine operator side and can reduce or alleviate the burden on the machine operator side.

[0018] Solutions for solving problems

[0019] One embodiment of the program simulation system for industrial machinery disclosed herein is a program simulation system for industrial machinery that performs simulations corresponding to programs, and the program simulation system is configured to include: a machinery selection unit that selects at least one industrial machinery as a simulation object; an identification data group production unit that has the function of automatically adding an identification code for determining the industrial machinery to the program after simulating the program corresponding to the industrial machinery selected by the machinery selection unit, and produces a data group of the program and the identification code; and a determination unit that determines whether the identification code in the data group sent to the industrial machinery side is consistent with the identification code representing the industrial machinery itself.

[0020] One aspect of the numerical control system disclosed herein includes: the program simulation system described above; and an industrial machine equipped with a numerical control device, wherein the numerical control system controls the operation of the industrial machine based on a determination result of the determination unit.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to one embodiment of the program simulation system and numerical control system for industrial machinery disclosed herein, it is possible to prevent human errors such as a machine operator executing a program verified using an incorrect model on a machine (preventing low-level errors).

[0023] The re-simulation that was previously required by the machine operator can be eliminated, and the workload of the machine operator can be significantly reduced.

[0024] There is no need for analog functions on the machine side, which can reduce costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a numerical control system and a program simulation system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining a control method of a numerical control system or a program simulation system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a control method of a numerical control system or a program simulation system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining a control method of a numerical control system or a program simulation system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining a control method of a numerical control system or a program simulation system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining a conventional numerical control system and a control method of a program simulation system for industrial machinery.

[0031] Description of Reference Numerals

[0032] 1: Numerical control system; 2: CAD; 3: Machining program production unit (program production unit); 4: Machining simulator unit (simulator unit); 5: CAM; 6: CNC; 7: CNC / mechanical model storage unit; 8: CNC / mechanical model selection unit (mechanical selection unit); 9: Simulation judgment unit; 10: Program simulation system; 11: Identification data group production unit; 12: PC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 5 A program simulation system and a numerical control system for industrial machinery according to one embodiment will be described.

[0034] Here, the program simulation system and numerical control system of industrial machinery in this embodiment are systems for simulating the movements of industrial machinery according to programs and systems for controlling the movements. As industrial machinery, for example, machine tools, punches, presses, die-casting machines, injection molding machines, cutting machines, robots, conveyors, measuring instruments, testing equipment, printing machines, food machinery, packaging machines, welding machines, cleaning machines, coating machines, assembly equipment, installation machines, woodworking machinery, sealing devices, etc. can be listed as all industrial machinery whose movements can be controlled by numerical control.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, the following description assumes that the industrial machine is a machine tool.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the numerical control system 1 of this embodiment includes: CAD 2, which is used for designing and drawing products; a processing program creation unit (program creation unit) 3, which creates a processing program (program) based on the processing shape data created by CAD 2; CAM 5, which has a processing simulator unit (simulator unit) 4 for performing processing simulation; CNC 6, which is an instruction unit that sends instruction signals based on processing plan information (G code, operation plan information, etc.) sent from CAM 5; and a motor control unit (not shown in the figure), which controls the drive of the servo motor (drive unit: not shown in the figure) of the machine tool based on the instructions of CNC 6.

[0037] The servo motor of the driving unit is, for example, a servo motor for driving a feed axis for moving a table holding a workpiece, a spindle for attaching a tool, etc., and the motor control unit is, for example, a servo amplifier.

[0038] In this embodiment, for example, a numerical control device CNC 6 is installed in a machine tool for industrial machinery. In this embodiment, a plurality of machine tools are installed within a numerical control system 1, and the operation of these plurality of machine tools is controlled by a single numerical control system 1. Of course, this configuration does not necessarily require control of a plurality of machine tools.

[0039] On the other hand, the numerical control system 1 includes a program simulation system 10 for simulating the operation of a machine tool using a machining program created by a program creator.

[0040] The program simulation system 10 of this embodiment includes: a machining program production unit 3; a machining simulator unit 4, which performs machining simulation; a CNC / mechanical model storage unit 7, which stores CNC models and mechanical models; a CNC / mechanical model selection unit (mechanical selection unit) 8, which is used to select the CNC model and mechanical model stored in the CNC / mechanical model storage unit 7; a simulation judgment unit 9, which judges whether the simulation performed by the machining simulator unit 4 is good; and an identification data group production unit 11, which adds identification information (identification code such as ID) to data such as machining programs and produces a data group when the simulation judgment unit 9 judges that the simulation is good.

[0041] In this embodiment, the machining program creation unit 3, machining simulator unit 4, CNC / machine model storage unit 7, CNC / machine model selection unit 8, simulation determination unit 9, and recognition data group creation unit 11 are configured on the PC (personal computer) 12 side operated by the program creator.

[0042] The program simulation system 10 of this embodiment includes a CNC / mechanical model identification information storage unit 13, a data group management / judgment unit (judgment unit) 14, a warning unit 15 and an execution unit 16, which are arranged on the side of the machine tool equipped with the CNC 6. The CNC / mechanical model identification information storage unit 13 stores the CNC model of the machine itself and the identification information (identification code) of the mechanical model. The data group management / judgment unit (judgment unit) 14 compares the data group produced and sent by the identification data group production unit 11 with the information (code) stored in the CNC / mechanical model identification information storage unit 13 to determine whether it is good or not. The warning unit 15 issues a warning when the judgment result of the data group management / judgment unit 14 is poor. The execution unit 16 outputs an operation instruction for the machine tool based on the processing program and other information received from the CAM 5 when the judgment result of the data group management / judgment unit 14 is good.

[0043] In this embodiment, the CNC / machine model identification information storage unit 13 , the data group management / determination unit 14 , the warning unit 15 , and the execution unit 16 are provided on the CNC 6 on the machine side operated by the machine operator.

[0044] In the program simulation system 10 and the numerical control system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, Figure 1 、 Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the CNC / mechanical model selection unit 8 on the PC side selects at least one machine tool as a simulation object from multiple machine tools, simulates the program corresponding to the selected machine tool through the simulator unit 4, and the simulation judgment unit 9 judges the simulation results and further determines whether the machining program is good.

[0045] After the simulation determination unit 9 determines that the program is appropriate, the identification data set creation unit 11 automatically adds an identification code such as an ID for specifying the machine tool to the program, and creates a data set of the program and the identification code.

[0046] Then, the data group produced by the identification data group production unit 11 is sent to the data group management / determination unit 14 on the machine side. The data group management / determination unit 14 compares the identification code in the data group with the identification code of the machine tool itself stored in the CNC / machine model identification information storage unit 13 to determine whether the identification codes are consistent with each other.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the identification code includes, for example, at least one of a manufacturer name of the industrial machine, an identification code for identifying the industrial machine, and a version identification code for identifying the version of the industrial machine.

[0048] In the program simulation system 10 and the numerical control system 1 of this embodiment, control is performed as follows: when the judgment result of the data group management / judgment unit 14 is consistent, the execution unit 16 is allowed to execute the action; when the judgment result is inconsistent, the execution unit 16 is prohibited from executing the action; and when the judgment result is that only the machine tool version is inconsistent, a warning is issued from the warning unit 15.

[0049] More specifically, in the program simulation system 10 and the numerical control system 1 of this embodiment, first, the program creator verifies the machining program using the CNC / machine model via the simulator unit 4 on the PC side, that is, verifies the machining program on the simulation software.

[0050] After verification is completed, the simulation software registers the used model ID into the processing data set.

[0051] For example, when a plurality of CNC / machine models are used for one machining program in accordance with a machining program that can be easily transferred or a difference in CNC / machine versions, a plurality of model IDs can be registered in one machining data group.

[0052] On the machine side, if the model ID information included in the machining data group is different from the model ID information pre-stored in the machine, the CNC outputs an error and prohibits program execution.

[0053] If the models are the same and only the CNC and machine versions are different, only a warning "Version Different" will be displayed, and the execution of the machining program will not be prohibited.

[0054] This saves the effort and time of asking the program creator to register the model ID.

[0055] Here, the content of the mechanical model includes the structure and physical information of the machine, and is therefore generally set by the machine tool manufacturer. In addition, the CNC 6 is also selected by the machine tool manufacturer.

[0056] For example, generally, a machine model and a CNC model can be unified into one ID, and consistency / inconsistency can be determined based on a combination of information including a machine manufacturer name ID, a machine name ID, and a machine version ID.

[0057] During the determination process, if the machine manufacturer name and machine name (model) match but the machine versions differ, a warning can be output instead of an error, allowing the machine operator to choose whether to execute the machining program. For example, consider a situation where the machining area's operation remains unchanged even if the machine versions differ due to differences in the operating screen or tool changer.

[0058] Therefore, in the program simulation system 10 and numerical control system 1 of the industrial machinery of this embodiment composed of the above-mentioned structure, the ID information (identification code, identification information) of the CNC / mechanical model and the machining program used by the program maker in the machining simulation are managed in the form of a group (machining data group), and before the program is executed, the ID information of the CNC and mechanical model used in the machining simulation is compared with the model ID set in advance by the machine tool manufacturer on the machine side to determine whether the correct ID is used.

[0059] In the industrial machine program simulation system 10 and the numerical control system 1 of this embodiment, when a machining data group sent to a machine operator is input to the CNC 6, the CNC 6 can automatically determine whether the model IDs of the machining data groups match.

[0060] Thus, according to the process simulation system 10 for industrial machinery and the numerical control system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent human errors such as a machine operator executing a program verified by an erroneous model on a machine (preventing low-level errors).

[0061] The re-simulation by the machine operator, which was previously required, can be eliminated, and the workload of the machine operator can be reduced.

[0062] This eliminates the need for analog functions on the machine side, thus reducing costs.

[0063] Furthermore, the data set must contain at least the program and the model ID (identification code, identification information), but may of course also contain other data related to the program.

[0064] An embodiment of the process simulation system and numerical control system for industrial machinery has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified appropriately without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A program simulation system for industrial machinery, performing a simulation corresponding to a program, the program simulation system comprising: a machine selection unit that selects at least one industrial machine as a simulation object; a simulation determination unit that performs a simulation of a program corresponding to the industrial machine selected by the machine selection unit and determines whether the simulation is satisfactory; an identification data set creating unit that automatically adds an identification code for identifying the industrial machine to the program when the program is determined to be good by the simulation determining unit, and creates a data set of the program and the identification code; as well as The determination unit determines whether the identification code in the data group transmitted to the industrial machine side matches the identification code indicating the industrial machine itself.

2. A numerical control system comprising: the program simulation system according to claim 1; and an industrial machine equipped with a numerical control device, wherein: The numerical control system controls the operation of the industrial machine based on the determination result of the determination unit.

3. The numerical control system according to claim 2, wherein: The identification code includes at least one of a manufacturer name of the industrial machine, an identification code for identifying the industrial machine, and a version identification code for identifying a version of the industrial machine.

4. The numerical control system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The industrial machine is controlled as follows: If the determination result of the determination unit is consistent, allowing the action to be executed; If the determination result of the determination unit is inconsistent, prohibiting execution of the action; as well as If the determination result of the determination unit is that only the versions of the industrial machine are inconsistent, a warning is issued.

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