Display devices, machine tools, and liquid discharge methods

Abstract

A display device, machine tool, and liquid dispensing method are provided that can create a liquid dispensing path for efficiently removing chips without extensive control processing. The display device, based on an image captured by a machine tool's camera unit (which includes a liquid dispensing unit for dispensing liquid to move chips generated from a workpiece and a camera unit for capturing an object area within the machine tool to detect chips) at a first and a second position, displays the image captured by the camera unit to move the chips in order to dispensing liquid into the object area within the machine tool. The device includes: a display unit that displays the image captured by the camera unit; a detection unit that detects a first input signal for the first position and a second input signal for the second position; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first and second input signals to a signal generation unit, which forms a liquid dispensing path based on the first and second positions and generates a control signal for controlling liquid dispensing based on the dispensing path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display device for displaying chips generated during workpiece machining in a machine tool, a machine tool, and a method for discharging liquid. Background Technology

[0002] Chips are generated during the machining of workpieces in a machine tool. If a large amount of chips accumulate, it becomes difficult to continue machining. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically stop the machine tool and manually remove the chips using methods such as air blowing, which reduces the machine tool's efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the chips without manual intervention.

[0003] As such a technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a machine tool that pre-obtains a template image inside the machine tool, compares it with an image taken after the workpiece is machined, determines the area where chips need to be removed based on the brightness difference of the images, and releases liquid to remove the chips.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-120589 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the differences in the state of the machine tool before and after processing also include differences beyond chips (such as the coolant released during processing). Furthermore, the brightness around the workpiece varies depending on its shape. Therefore, if the determination is to be based on the differences in the state of the machine tool before and after processing, as in Patent Document 1, an appropriate threshold for brightness must be determined according to a template image of the workpiece, requiring extensive control processing to determine the liquid release path.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge path technology that enables efficient movement of chips without extensive control processing.

[0010] Methods used to solve problems

[0011] Therefore, the technology described in the technical solution provided by this invention.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, a liquid discharge path that enables efficient movement of chips can be created without extensive control processing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of one implementation of the working system.

[0015] Figure 1B This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of another implementation of the working system.

[0016] Figure 2 An example representing a grid region.

[0017] Figure 3 This represents a rough photographic image taken inside the machine tool.

[0018] Figure 4A This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system.

[0019] Figure 4B This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system. Figure 4A The corresponding coolant discharge path.

[0020] Figure 5A This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system.

[0021] Figure 5B This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system. Figure 5A The corresponding coolant discharge path.

[0022] Figure 6A This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system.

[0023] Figure 6B This is an example of a display section showing the coolant discharge path of a working system. Figure 6A The corresponding coolant discharge path.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a flowchart used to illustrate the actions of a working system.

[0025] Figure 8 It is a flowchart used to illustrate the actions of a working system. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1A This describes the configuration of the working system 1 in this embodiment. The working system 1 includes a machine tool 10 and a display device 30. The machine tool 10 is a device for machining a workpiece, which is fed into the machine tool, by cutting, grinding, or performing other machining operations. When machining a workpiece, a portion of the workpiece separates, generating chips that accumulate inside the machine tool.

[0028] (Work System)

[0029] The machine tool 10 includes a liquid discharge section 11 and a camera section 12. The liquid discharge section 11 includes, for example, a nozzle capable of discharging liquid, an actuator driving the nozzle, and a pump drawing liquid from a liquid storage section. By discharging liquid from the nozzle onto the chips, the chips can be moved to a chip conveyor or similar device outside the machining area, and ultimately removed from the machining area. The liquid can be a coolant used to cool and lubricate the workpiece that generates heat during machining and the spindle of the machining device, or other liquids. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the case where a coolant is used as the liquid to move the chips. The liquid discharge section 11 can change the position of the nozzle, the direction of coolant discharge from the nozzle, and the discharge pressure of the coolant. Preferably, the liquid discharge section 11 has multiple nozzles. In the liquid discharge area of ​​one nozzle, a space area is formed that is blocked by the machine tool's components. This is because if the chips enter this space, the liquid flow from the nozzle cannot act on the chips sufficiently, making it difficult to move them.

[0030] The camera unit 12 is, for example, a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS, capable of capturing images of the interior of the machine tool 10. The camera unit 12 is disposed within the machining area of ​​the machine tool 10. The camera unit 12 is, for example, fixed to the upper part of the machine tool 10. Preferably, the camera unit 12 (camera) is fixed within the machining area with an image angle capable of capturing at least a portion of the horizontal plane and at least a portion of the side plane of the defined machining area in a single photograph. Alternatively, the camera unit 12 may also be fixed within the machining area with an image angle capable of capturing both the horizontal plane and the side plane of the machining area, including the entire workpiece setting surface containing the worktable, in a single photograph.

[0031] The camera unit 12 can output the captured images to the display device 30, which will be described later. The machine tool 10 may also include multiple camera units 12 depending on the performance and imaging range of the camera unit 12. In this embodiment, the machine tool 10 can be equipped with two camera units 12. When two camera units 12 are provided, by configuring another camera unit to capture areas that cannot be captured by one camera unit, the entire machining area within the machine tool can be confirmed based on the images captured by the camera unit.

[0032] The display device 30 includes: an arithmetic unit 31 that processes the image captured by the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10 to create a coolant release path; a display unit 32 that displays the image captured by the camera unit 12; a storage unit 33 that stores information such as the image and position processed by the arithmetic unit 31 as needed; and an input unit 34 that outputs input signals to the arithmetic unit 31. The display device 30 may be, for example, a computer or tablet computer, a device capable of receiving and displaying images. The display device 30 may also be referred to as an information processing device. The display device 30 and the machine tool 10 can communicate via wired or wireless communication. Alternatively, the display device 30 may be integrated into the machine tool 10.

[0033] Figure 1B This describes the configuration of a working system 1X according to another embodiment. The working system 1X includes a machine tool 10X and an information processing device 30X. The information processing device 30X includes: an arithmetic unit 31, which acquires (receives) and processes image images captured by the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10X, and creates a coolant discharge path; and a storage unit 33, which stores information such as the image and position processed by the arithmetic unit 31 as needed. The information processing device 30X can also be called an image processing device. On the other hand, the machine tool 10X includes: a display unit 32, which displays the image images captured by the camera unit 12 and the image generated by the processing in the arithmetic unit 31; and an input unit 34, which outputs input signals to the arithmetic unit 31. The display unit 32 and the input unit 34 can also be mounted on the operation panel of the machine tool 10X. Alternatively, the display unit 32 and the input unit 34 can be respectively provided on the information processing device 30X and the machine tool 10X, allowing the user to select and use any display unit 32 and input unit 34.

[0034] The display unit 32 can be, for example, a computer monitor, a monitor for the control panel of the machine tool 10X, etc., enabling the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10 to capture images and output them to the display device 30 or the information processing device 30X for image display. Alternatively, it can display images processed by the arithmetic unit 31, such as a combination of grids created in the grid division unit 36 ​​(described later). Furthermore, it can be configured to display information such as the presence or absence of chips and the amount of chips within the grid areas formed by the grid. Information about the presence of chips can also be associated with the grid areas. For the processing described later, the display unit 32 can also be, for example, a resistive film display or a capacitive display, a so-called touch panel that allows direct image input by the operator touching the displayed image.

[0035] Input unit 34 is, for example, a mouse, a common input device for computers. In display device 30 or display unit 32, the operator can input some kind of instruction, such as position information, through input unit 34. Input unit 34 outputs this instruction as an input signal to detection unit 37. In the case of a touch panel, a mechanism for detecting the position touched by the operator, which is part of the aforementioned display or the like, can be equivalent to input unit 34 (and detection unit 37 described later).

[0036] The arithmetic unit 31 includes an acquisition unit 35, a grid division unit 36, a detection unit 37, a transmission unit 38, a signal generation unit 39, and a signal transmission unit 40. The arithmetic unit 31 and its processing units 35-40 include general-purpose processors such as CPUs or MPUs that execute programs to achieve predetermined functions. The arithmetic unit 31 and its processing units 35-40 perform various processes on the display device 30 or the information processing device 30X by calling and executing, for example, a control program stored in the storage unit 33. The arithmetic unit 31 and its processing units 35-40 are not limited to achieving predetermined functions through hardware and software cooperation; they can also be dedicated hardware circuits designed to achieve predetermined functions. That is, the arithmetic unit 31 and its processing units 35-40 can be implemented by various processors such as CPUs, MPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, DSPs, and ASICs.

[0037] The acquisition unit 35 acquires the image captured by the camera unit 12 and outputs it to the grid division unit 36.

[0038] The grid segmentation unit 36 ​​can divide at least a portion of the image captured by the camera unit 12 into multiple grid regions. A grid region is an area of ​​the image captured by dividing it into a defined geometric shape (grid). The camera unit 12 captures an image with a range that includes the potential scattering area of ​​chips generated during processing. Because the scattering range is included, multiple chips may be contained in the image. If these are analyzed as a whole image, the analysis takes time; therefore, the image is divided into grids, probabilities are calculated for each grid region, and the presence or absence of chips is determined based on these probabilities. For example, if the amount of chips is large, the probability might be 90% when 100 is the maximum, and less than 20% when there are no chips. If the probability for a single grid region is greater than 20 but less than 70, it can be set to "slightly present chips," etc. In this way, a large area of ​​the processing area can be captured, and the presence or absence of chips can be determined comprehensively and efficiently.

[0039] Figure 2This is an image captured by the internal camera of the machine tool 10, divided into square grid areas. Such an image composed of multiple grid areas can be called a grid image. The size and shape of the grid can be changed as needed. By dividing the image into grid areas, the operator can easily indicate the location. Furthermore, the grid area does not need to be a divided area; it can also be an area delineated by the grid in the captured image. That is, both the captured image and the grid are stored as their respective data, and this is called a grid image. The grid areas are output to the display unit 32 and the detection unit 37. This working system can also be configured without the grid division unit 36; in this case, the captured image acquired by the acquisition unit 35 is output to the display unit 32 and the detection unit 37.

[0040] The detection unit 37 receives signals containing position information output from the input unit 34 when the operator operates the input unit 34, based on the image displayed on the display unit 32. Therefore, the operator determines the presence or absence of chips based on the image captured by the camera unit 12, and if chips are present, the accumulation position of the chips indicated by the operator through the input unit 34 can be detected. When there are multiple indicated positions, the detection unit 37 detects multiple input signals according to their number. For example, when there are two indicated positions, a first input signal for the first indicated position and a second input signal for the second indicated position are detected. If an input signal to a specified position is detected, each input signal is output to the transmission unit 38. Each input signal contains at least information about the specified position indicated by the operator. Furthermore, the order of the operator's instructions can be determined based on the input signal. Each indicated position is a position within a two-dimensional image displayed on the display unit 32. Each indicated position is associated with its actual position in the three-dimensional space within the machine tool. The actual position within the machine tool differs from the coordinate system in the image; it is determined by setting the spindle direction to the Z-axis coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis). That is, each indicated position is associated with the X, Y, and Z-axis coordinates within the machine tool.

[0041] For example, if the input unit 34 is a mouse as described above, the detection unit 37 can detect the position indicated by the operator using the mouse. Furthermore, the input unit 34 and the detection unit 37 can also be integrated into one unit. In this case, for example, if the display unit 32 is a touch panel as described above, the input unit 34 and the detection unit 37 can detect the position where the operator touches (i.e., inputs) the touch panel. The detection unit 37 can also detect the indicated position based on the grid area created by the grid segmentation unit 36. That is, the detection unit 37 can also establish a correlation between the input signal and the grid area for detection. For example, if the detection unit 37 detects an input signal at any position within a grid area, it can also detect the indicated position by indicating the entire grid area. When the grid segmentation unit 36 ​​creates multiple grid regions including a first grid region and a second grid region, the detection unit 37 can also establish an association between a first input signal for a first indicated position in the image displayed on the display unit 32 and the first grid region associated with information about the presence of chips, and establish an association between a second input signal for a second indicated position in the displayed image and the aforementioned second grid region associated with information about the presence of chips, and thus detect the presence of chips. The information about the presence of chips can be the probability of chips in each grid region, the presence or absence of chips, or the quantity of chips. Furthermore, the presence or absence of chips and the quantity of chips can be determined based on the probability of chips in each grid region, or it can be empirical historical data, or a learning model that has learned the presence or absence and quantity of chips through machine learning. For example, a learning model is one that, if a grid region created by the grid segmentation unit 36 ​​is input as input, can calculate and output information about the presence or quantity of chips in that grid region.

[0042] The transmitting unit 38 transmits one or more detected input signals to the signal generating unit 39 respectively.

[0043] The details of the signal generation unit 39 will be described later, but it generates a control signal by forming a coolant discharge path in the target area based on multiple indicated positions (e.g., a first indicated position and a second indicated position) (in other words, based on coordinates within the machine tool associated with the first indicated position and the second indicated position). The control signal is a signal that controls the discharge of coolant based on this discharge path. If there is only one indicated position, a control signal can be generated to discharge coolant to that position, or a coolant discharge path can be formed based on that indicated position using a predetermined algorithm, and a control signal can be generated accordingly. A control signal can also be generated to consider information about the presence of chips when forming the coolant discharge path, for example, releasing more coolant through an indicated position with a greater amount of chips. For example, a control signal can also be generated to stop the nozzle at a predetermined indicated position or to change its movement speed along a predetermined path.

[0044] The signal transmitting unit 40 sends a control signal for the coolant to the liquid discharging unit 11. Based on the control signal, the liquid discharging unit 11 of the machine tool 10 drives the nozzle to discharge the coolant, discharging it in the forward direction tangential to the discharging path. When the machine tool 10 and the display device 30 are integrated, this working system 1 can also be configured to directly output a signal from the signal generating unit 39 to the liquid discharging unit 11 without the signal transmitting unit 40.

[0045] Storage unit 33 is a recording medium that records various types of information. Storage unit 33 can be implemented using, for example, DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, MRAM, ReRAM, FeRAM, SSD (Solid State Device), hard disk, other storage devices, or appropriate combinations thereof. Storage unit 33 can store image captured by acquisition unit 35, grid areas (grid images) created by grid segmentation unit 36, information from one or more predetermined locations detected by detection unit 37, coolant discharge paths created by signal generation unit 39, etc. Furthermore, each processing unit of arithmetic unit 31 can read images, information, and signals stored in storage unit 33 as needed. In this specification, a configuration is described in which inputs of images, etc., to each processing unit, and outputs of images, etc., processed or created by that processing unit are directly input from one processing unit to that processing unit and directly output from that processing unit to other processing units. However, it is not limited to this. Each processing unit of the arithmetic unit 31 may also read images from the storage unit 33 during image processing or signal detection, and may also store images and information processed or created by the processing unit in the storage unit 33.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a video image taken from the interior of the machine tool 10, showing the accompanying worktable 13, cover 14, worktable 15, rotating door 16, side 17, inclined surface 18, protective part 19, inclined groove 20, and spindle 21. In this embodiment, Figure 3 The major axis 22 of the spindle 21 shown is defined as the front-to-back direction inside the machine tool 10, the root side of the spindle 21 is defined as the front side, and the front end side is defined as the inner side. In addition, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the major axis 22 is defined as the left-right direction, and the vertical direction orthogonal to the major axis 22 is defined as the up-down direction.

[0047] The camera unit 12 captures images of the object area within the machine tool 10, including its sides and horizontal surfaces, in a single photograph. The camera unit 12 is fixed to the upper part of the machine tool. This allows for imaging over a wide area, including the sides and horizontal surfaces within the machine tool, encompassing the potential scattering range of chips generated during processing. Furthermore, by using operator image recognition, efficient liquid discharge paths for chip movement can be created. In contrast, when the camera unit 12 is mounted, for example, on the front end of a robot, and imaging and cleaning are performed while moving such a robot, it is difficult to capture images over a wide area, including the sides and horizontal surfaces within the machine tool, and it is also difficult to utilize operator image recognition. Additionally, the display device 30 or display unit 32 can display the captured images, in addition to the case where the camera unit 12 captures images while irradiating the object area with a line laser.

[0048] The accompanying worktable 13 is a table that holds and fixes the workpiece 23. The machine tool 10 can be equipped with multiple accompanying worktables 13. Therefore, when changing the workpiece being processed, the workpiece can be changed by changing the accompanying worktable 13, thus achieving high efficiency in processing time.

[0049] Cover 14 is Figure 3 The parts located on the left and right sides of the accompanying worktable 13 are separated from the worktable 15 by lifting the accompanying worktable 13 with a cover, for example, when the rotating door 16 is rotated to replace the accompanying worktable 13 (described later). In this embodiment, the cover 14 is fixed to the rotating door 16.

[0050] The rotating door 16 is a door capable of rotating around axis 24. When the rotating door 16 rotates, the cover 14 separates the accompanying worktable 13 from the worktable 15, causing it to rotate together with the accompanying worktable 13 and the cover 14. This allows the accompanying worktable 13, after workpiece processing is complete, to be sent out to the accompanying worktable storage section 25. Furthermore, it allows the accompanying worktable 13, with a workpiece to be processed next, to be sent into the machine tool from the accompanying worktable storage section. Alternatively, the cover 14 can be installed on both sides of the rotating door, inside the machine tool and on the storage section side, allowing the accompanying worktable to be sent in and out simultaneously by rotating the rotating door 180 degrees.

[0051] Side 17 is an openable and closable wall of the machine tool 10. Side 17 divides the interior and exterior of the machine tool 10, allowing the operator to enter the interior of the machine tool 10 when side 17 is opened. Furthermore, side 26 (not shown), located opposite side 17, divides the interior of the machine tool 10 and the tool storage section 27. The tool storage section 27 stores multiple tools; during machining, side 17 can be opened as needed to replace the tool mounted on the spindle 21 with another tool stored in the tool storage section 27.

[0052] The inclined groove 20 is where chips flow through the cleaning process. The inclined surface 18 and the protective part 19 are provided on the lower side of the rotating door 16 and the sides 17 and 26, respectively, and are inclined downward toward the inclined groove 20 so that the chips can easily flow into the inclined groove 21.

[0053] The spindle 21, by mounting a tool at its front end and rotating around its long axis 22, can machine the workpiece. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the main shaft 21 has a cylindrical shape.

[0054] (Creating the coolant release path)

[0055] While referring to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6A and Figure 6B The instructions explain how to create the coolant discharge path.

[0056] Figure 4A This describes an example of a display unit 32 in a working system 1 configured to perform automatic cleaning and instructive cleaning. The display unit 32 includes a screen 50 for displaying camera images and grid images, a mode selection area 51, a first image selection area 52, and a second image selection area 53. Each selection area 51-53 has a region (selection area) that is detected by a detection unit 37 based on operator instructions (e.g., by touching the display unit 32 if it is a touch panel), and where a cleaning method can be selected and an image displayed on the screen 50 can be selected. The mode selection area 51 includes an automatic cleaning mode selection unit 54 and an instructive cleaning mode selection unit 55; by selecting either selection unit 54 or 55, the system can switch between automatic cleaning mode and instructive cleaning mode.

[0057] The first image selection area 52 displays an image seen from one of the two camera units 12 in this embodiment, showing the discharge direction of the first coolant based on the liquid discharge unit 11. The first image selection area 52 includes a camera image selection unit 56, a grid image selection unit 57, and a coolant discharge path selection unit 58. If the operator selects the camera image selection unit 56, the image captured by the camera unit 12 is displayed on the screen unit 50. If the grid image selection unit 57 is selected, a grid image created by the grid division unit 36 ​​is displayed on the screen unit 50.

[0058] The second image selection area 53 represents an image seen from the camera unit 12, which is different from the image in the first image selection area 52, showing the discharge direction of the second coolant discharged from the other liquid discharge unit 11. The second image selection area 53 has a camera image selection unit 59, a grid image selection unit 60, and a coolant discharge path selection unit 61. The selection units 59 to 61 operate in the same manner as the selection units 56 to 58 in the first image selection area 52.

[0059] For example, in the case of a cleaning mode, the operator can indicate a specified position (including position 1 and position 2) to the camera image or grid image displayed on the screen 50 (e.g., by touching the screen 50). Figure 4A This is a grid image created by the grid division unit 36 ​​based on the camera image captured by the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10's internal camera, reflecting the position indication made by the operator. Figure 4A The display unit 50 contains grid areas with numbers representing the positions indicated by the operator, with the numbers increasing in the order indicated by the operator. By using the operator's image recognition in this way, a liquid discharge path that allows for efficient chip movement can be created. The positions indicated by the operator can be shown on the image displayed on the display unit 32, for example, after chips are generated during the machining of the workpiece 23, or they can be empirically indicated as areas where chips tend to accumulate. The detection unit 37 detects the indicated positions and their order in each grid area as input signals and outputs them to the sending unit 38. The sending unit 38 then sends this signal to the signal generation unit 39.

[0060] The signal generation unit 39, for example, can create a coolant discharge path in the target area according to the order in which multiple input signals are indicated. Hereinafter, this method will be referred to as the first discharge path creation method. Figure 4B Indicates for Figure 4AThis is an example of a coolant discharge path created by the first discharge path creation method using a grid area. The discharge path of this method is formed by passing through the grid area in sequence, as indicated by the operator, including positions 1 and 2. If the coolant discharge path selection unit 58 is selected, the coolant discharge path is displayed on the screen unit 50. At this time, either the captured image or the grid image can be displayed. This allows the operator to confirm the coolant discharge path. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays the image (a), position 1 (b), and position 2 (c) captured by the camera unit 12. The display unit 32 can also overlay the image (a), position 1 (b), position 2 (c), and the discharge path connecting position 1 and position 2 (d). This makes it easy for the operator to identify each image and the discharge path. If the discharge path is the same as intended, a control signal is generated to drive the nozzle and discharge coolant in a manner that discharges coolant in the forward direction (travel direction side) tangentially to the discharge path, and output to the signal transmitting unit 40. If the discharge path is different from the intended one, the discharge path can be canceled and the position can be indicated to the display unit 32 again. Furthermore, in order to indicate multiple discharge paths, the display unit 32 can be configured to continuously indicate the position.

[0061] In this embodiment, the display unit 32 includes a screen unit 50 and various selection units 54 to 61. However, the display unit 32 may also only include a screen unit 50, with the other selection units configured as mechanical switches.

[0062] Details are omitted, but this working system 1 may also include a chip recognition unit in the arithmetic unit 31 that automatically identifies chips based on camera images or grid images. With such a configuration, in automatic cleaning mode, it can be configured such that, for example, if chips are automatically identified, coolant is released to the area in the machine tool where chips exist based on the position of the chips in the camera image.

[0063] Furthermore, the signal generation unit 39 is capable of creating a coolant discharge path based on the indicated position, regardless of the indicated order. Hereinafter, this method will be referred to as the second discharge path creation method. Figure 5A and Figure 4A Similarly, it is a diagram that reflects the positional indications made by the operator onto a grid image. Figure 5A The screen portion 50 was instructed to be in conjunction with Figure 4A The screen has 50 different grid areas. Figure 5B Indicates for Figure 5A An example of a coolant discharge path created by the second discharge path creation method for a mesh region. In this method, adjacent mesh regions are grouped together, and a discharge path is formed passing through all the mesh regions grouped together based on a prescribed algorithm. Figure 5A In the example, grid region 6 is adjacent to grid region 1, but grid region 4 is not adjacent to grid region 1. For grid region 6, grid region 4 is adjacent to grid region 6 diagonally. Therefore, since grid region 1 is adjacent to grid region 6, and grid region 6 is adjacent to grid region 4, these three grid regions are treated as a group of adjacent grid regions. The output path can be created, for example, by using the grid region first indicated in this group as the starting point and the grid region furthest from the starting point as the ending point. Alternatively, the output path can be formed by using the furthest grid region in the group as the starting point and the ending point. When there are multiple input signals in a group, each group forms one output path. Figure 5A In this context, for grid regions marked with black squares (■), grid regions marked with black circles (●) are defined as adjacent grid regions. As long as they remain adjacent, they are grouped into a single grid region.

[0064] Similarly, the generated discharge path can be displayed on the display unit 32 for operator confirmation. Therefore, if the discharge path matches the intended path, an instruction can be given to discharge the coolant; if the discharge path differs from the intended path, the discharge path can be cancelled and the position can be indicated to the display unit 32 again. Furthermore, the discharge path can be manually corrected. To add a discharge path, the position can be indicated to the display unit 32. The display device 30 or the information processing device 30X can also be configured to select between a first discharge path creation method and a second discharge path creation method when creating the coolant discharge path. The generated discharge path is stored in the storage unit 33, and a control signal based on the discharge path is sent from the signal transmission unit 40 to the machine tool 10 as needed, enabling coolant discharge.

[0065] Both the first and second methods of creating a release path can be used without a grid. In the first method of creating a release path without a grid, the release path is formed by passing through multiple indicated positions on the displayed image in the order specified by the operator.

[0066] Figure 6A It's not like this in the first method of creating the release path. Figure 4A Instead of using a grid image, the operator indicates the coolant release location to the camera image, and the indication and its sequence are displayed on the screen 50. Figure 6AThe positions marked with numbers are the positions indicated by the operator, and the numbers increase in the order indicated by the operator. As described above, if the detection unit 37 detects the position indicated by the operator to the camera image displayed on the screen unit 50 via the input unit 34, the signal generation unit 39 can create a coolant discharge path in the target area. If the coolant discharge path selection unit 58 is selected, then... Figure 6B The coolant discharge path is then displayed on the screen 50.

[0067] In the second method of creating the output path, if a grid is not used, other indicator positions in the displayed image that are within a specified distance from the indicated specific indicator position can be grouped together to form an output path that passes through all the indicator positions in that group. For example, if the image resolution is 1920×1080, if there are other indicator positions within a range of 100 pixels from a certain indicator position, these indicator positions can also be grouped together by setting them within a specified distance. Of course, the specified distance is not limited to the above and can be changed appropriately. Alternatively, an area can be defined within the machine tool where multiple indicator positions are grouped together.

[0068] Furthermore, the operator can also draw an arbitrary curve on the image displayed on the display unit 32 to indicate the specified position. In this case, the detection unit 37 detects the input signals continuously input by the operator and outputs them to the signal generation unit 39 via the transmission unit 38. The signal generation unit 39 forms a coolant discharge path along the indicated curve and generates a control signal based on the discharge path to control the discharge of coolant.

[0069] The output path can also be formed by an information processing device that has at least the functions of the aforementioned arithmetic unit 31. In this case, for example, the display unit 32 can be connected to the information processing device via some communication means to detect input signals and create the output path. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signal generation unit 39 is included in the arithmetic unit 31 of the display device 30 or the information processing device 30X, but it can also be included in the machine tool 10, or it can be equipped in a device other than the working system 1, such as a cloud that can be connected via any communication means.

[0070] (Control example of the first method for creating an output path)

[0071] While referring to Figure 7 The flowchart below describes a control example of the first release path creation method of the working system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the working system 1 of this embodiment based on the first release path creation method.

[0072] First, the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10 takes a picture, and the acquisition unit 35 of the display device 30 or the information processing device 30X acquires the picture image (S10). The grid segmentation unit 36 ​​creates a grid area for the picture image acquired in step S10 and creates a grid image (S11). The display unit 32 displays the grid image or the picture image created in step S11 (S12).

[0073] If the operator identifies the chips in the displayed image and indicates via input unit 34 that they wish to release coolant at more than one location (including position 1 and position 2), then detection unit 37 detects this as an input signal to each location (S13). If detection unit 37 detects each input signal, it outputs it to transmission unit 38 (S14). Transmission unit 38 then transmits each input signal to signal generation unit 39 (S15).

[0074] The signal generation unit 39 forms a discharge path for the coolant in the target area, taking into account the instructed sequence, based on each input signal. Furthermore, it generates a control signal to control the coolant discharge based on the discharge path (S16). The display unit 32 displays the formed discharge path along with a camera image or a grid image (S17). The operator checks the discharge path; if there is a problem, the process returns to step S13 (S18). If there is no problem, the signal transmission unit 40 sends the generated control signal to the machine tool 10 or 10X (S19), and the machine tool drives the nozzle to discharge the coolant in a manner that discharges the coolant in the forward direction tangential to the discharge path (S20), and the process ends. The above describes the process of creating a coolant discharge path based on the first discharge path creation method.

[0075] (Control example of the second release path creation method)

[0076] Then, while referring to Figure 8 The flowchart below describes a control example of the second release path creation method of the working system 1 in this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the working system 1 of this embodiment based on the second release path creation method.

[0077] First, the camera unit 12 of the machine tool 10 takes a picture, and the acquisition unit 35 of the display device 30 or the information processing device 30X acquires the picture image (S30). The grid segmentation unit 36 ​​creates a grid area for the picture image acquired in step S30, and creates a grid image (S31). The display unit 32 displays the grid image or picture image created in step S31 (S32).

[0078] If the operator identifies the chips in the displayed image and indicates via input unit 34 that they wish to release coolant at more than one location (including position 1 and position 2), then detection unit 37 detects this as an input signal to each location (S33). If detection unit 37 detects each input signal, it outputs it to transmission unit 38 (S34). Transmission unit 38 then transmits each input signal to signal generation unit 39 (S35).

[0079] When the grid image is indicated, the signal generation unit 39 sets adjacent grid areas into a group of grid areas based on each input signal. When the camera image is indicated, if there are other indication positions within a specified distance, they are set into a group of indication positions (S36). A release path for coolant in the target area is formed, passing through all the indication positions or grid areas set into a group, and a control signal is generated (S37). The display unit 32 displays the formed release path along with the camera image or grid image (S38). The operator checks the release path; if there is a problem, the process returns to step S33 (S39). If there is no problem, the signal sending unit 40 sends the generated control signal to the machine tool 10 or 10X (S40), and the machine tool drives the nozzle to release coolant in a manner that releases coolant in the forward direction tangential to the release path (S41), and the process ends. The above describes the process of creating a coolant release path based on the second release path creation method.

[0080] The display device, machine tool, and liquid dispensing method of the present invention are implemented through hardware resources such as processors, memory, and programs. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and various modifications and design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0081] Label Explanation

[0082] 1. 1X Working System

[0083] 10, 10X machine tools

[0084] 11 Liquid Discharge Section

[0085] 12. Camera Department

[0086] 30 display devices

[0087] 30X Information Processing Device

[0088] 32 Display Section

[0089] 36 Grid Division Section

[0090] 37. Testing Department

[0091] 38. Sending Department

[0092] 39 Signal Generation Unit

Claims

1. A display device that, based on a first position and a second position within an image captured by a camera unit of a machine tool, displays an image captured by the camera unit other than when the image is captured while a line laser is irradiating the object area, for the purpose of moving chips generated from a workpiece by releasing liquid into an object area within the machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises a liquid release unit for releasing liquid to move the chips and the camera unit for capturing an object area within the machine tool, including a side surface and a horizontal surface, by capturing an image in one capture, wherein the object area is used to detect chips generated from the workpiece. have: The display unit displays the image captured by the camera unit and the first and second positions mentioned above; The detection unit creates multiple grid regions including a first grid region and a second grid region for at least a portion of the image captured by the camera unit, and (i) establishes a correlation between a first input signal for the first position in the image displayed on the display unit and the first grid region associated with information about the presence of the chips, and (ii) establishes a correlation between a second input signal for the second position in the displayed image and the second grid region associated with information about the presence of the chips; as well as The transmitting unit sends the detection signal detected by the detection unit to the signal generating unit, which generates a control signal to control the formation of a discharge path for the liquid in the target area based on the first position and the second position, and discharges the liquid based on the discharge path. The display unit displays (a) the image, (b) the first position, (c) the second position, and (d) the output path that connects the first position and the second position.

2. The display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The signal generation unit generates the emission path based on the sequence of detecting the first grid region associated with the first input signal and the second grid region associated with the second input signal.

3. A machine tool, characterized in that, have: Liquid discharge section, which discharges liquid to move chips generated from the workpiece; The camera unit can capture images of the object area, including the side and horizontal surfaces, within the machine tool by irradiating the object area with a line laser, in addition to capturing images of the object area where chips generated from the workpiece are detected in a single image. The display unit displays an image captured by the camera unit and a first position and a second position within the image; The detection unit creates multiple grid regions including a first grid region and a second grid region for at least a portion of the image captured by the camera unit, and (i) establishes a correlation between a first input signal for the first position in the image displayed on the display unit and the first grid region associated with information about the presence of the chips, and (ii) establishes a correlation between a second input signal for the second position in the displayed image and the second grid region associated with information about the presence of the chips; as well as The transmitting unit sends the detection signal detected by the detection unit to the signal generating unit, which generates a control signal to control the formation of a discharge path for the liquid in the target area based on the first position and the second position, and discharges the liquid based on the discharge path. The display unit displays (a) the image, (b) the first position, (c) the second position, and (d) the output path that connects the first position and the second position.

4. A method for releasing liquid, characterized in that, the liquid is released to move chips generated from a workpiece. have: The steps include, except for the case where a line laser is used to irradiate the object area inside the machine tool, including the side and horizontal surfaces, and taking an image of the object area where chips generated from the workpiece are detected, and the first and second positions within the image, in a single photograph; The steps include: (i) creating a plurality of grid regions comprising a first grid region and a second grid region for at least a portion of the captured image; (ii) establishing a correlation between a first input signal at the first position within the displayed image and the first grid region associated with information regarding the presence of the chip; and (iii) establishing a correlation between a second input signal at the second position within the displayed image and the second grid region associated with information regarding the presence of the chip. In order to generate a control signal to control the formation of a liquid discharge path in the target area based on the first position and the second position, and to discharge the liquid based on the discharge path, a step is taken to send the detection signal detected in the detection step. The above-mentioned display steps include overlapping the above-mentioned output path that connects (a) the above-mentioned image, (b) the above-mentioned first position, (c) the above-mentioned second position, and (d) the above-mentioned output path that connects the above-mentioned first position and the above-mentioned second position.

Images