Control device

Abstract

During preparation work, an operator can easily check the work status without having to remember what work must be performed next. The control device includes: an extraction unit that extracts a plurality of work items included in preparation work for the next machining process on the machine tool as either mandatory settings or optional settings, based on a mechanical structure including at least one of the number of axes and the number of systems in the machine tool to be set; a determination unit that dynamically determines whether the plurality of work items extracted as mandatory settings or optional settings correspond to the content of operations performed on the machine tool during the preparation work from the completion of the most recent machining process on the machine tool to the current time point; and an operation control unit that disallows machining operations on the machine tool if any of the mandatory settings are not completed or updated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. Background Art

[0002] The preparation work for the machine tool is performed by transitioning through multiple screens to set multiple work items.

[0003] In this regard, a known technique is to select a desired processing method on a processing selection screen, display screens for setting the selected processing method in a predetermined order, and sequentially input the required data for the processing method, thereby automatically generating a desired processing program. For example, see Patent Document 1.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-126937 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Preparing a machine tool requires setting up multiple tasks, including tool settings and workpiece coordinates. However, in machining processes like cutting, there's no specific order for these settings, and operators perform them in the order they find easiest. Consequently, depending on the preparation, the work can be time-consuming, and operators often struggle to remember what tasks remain to be completed while they work, which can be burdensome. Furthermore, operating a machine tool with only the necessary work remaining can cause damage to the machine or workpiece.

[0009] Therefore, it is desired that during the preparation work, the operator can easily check the work status without having to remember what work must be performed next.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] One embodiment of the control device disclosed herein comprises: an extraction unit that extracts a plurality of work items included in a preparation operation for subsequent processing in a machine tool including at least one of the number of axes and the number of systems in the machine tool that is a setting object as required settings or optional settings; a determination unit that dynamically determines which of the required settings and the optional settings the plurality of work items extracted as required settings or optional settings comply with, corresponding to the operation content in the preparation operation for the machine tool from the completion of the most recent processing of the machine tool to the current time point; and an action control unit that does not allow the processing action of the machine tool if there is an incomplete or unupdated required setting.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect, during the preparatory work, the operator can easily check the work status without having to remember what work must be performed next. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control system according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a work item table.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which work items can be displayed in a distinguishable manner.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a setting screen for creating / editing a machining program.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a setting screen for selecting a machining program.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen including a setting screen for measuring and setting a workpiece.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen including tool settings.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen including the setting of custom macro variables.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart explaining the setting process of the control device.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical display of soft keys. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] An embodiment is described below using the accompanying drawings. Five preparatory tasks are exemplified here: "Machining program creation / editing," "Machining program selection," "Workpiece measurement and setting," "Tool setting," and "Custom macro variable setting." The present invention is not limited to these tasks and is also applicable to setting items other than those described above.

[0026] <One embodiment>

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the control system 1 includes a machine tool 10 and a control device 20 .

[0028] The machine tool 10 and the control device 20 may also be directly connected to each other via a connection interface (not shown). Alternatively, the machine tool 10 and the control device 20 may be connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In this case, the machine tool 10 and the control device 20 may include a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with each other via such a connection.

[0029] Furthermore, the control device 20 may also be included in the machine tool 10 .

[0030] The machine tool 10 is a well-known machine tool to those skilled in the art, and operates according to operation instructions from the control device 20 .

[0031] Furthermore, the machine tool 10 may store a tool management table (not shown) for managing all tools attached to a spindle (not shown) of the machine tool 10, for example, in a storage unit (not shown) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) included in the machine tool 10. Furthermore, the control device 20, described later, may obtain information such as the tool name, tool diameter, and tool length from the tool management table (not shown) of the machine tool 10 based on the tool number set in the machining program during setup.

[0032] Furthermore, the machine tool 10 may store, for example, configuration information indicating the mechanical configuration of the machine tool 10, such as the number of axes, the number of systems, and the presence or absence of a pallet changer, in a storage unit (not shown) of the machine tool 10. Furthermore, the control device 20, described later, may obtain the mechanical configuration of the machine tool 10, such as the number of axes, the number of systems, and the presence or absence of a pallet changer, based on the configuration information of the machine tool 10 during preparation for operation.

[0033] <Control device 20>

[0034] The control device 20 is a numerical control device well known to those skilled in the art. The control device 20 generates motion commands based on instructions from an operator received via an input device (not shown) such as a touch panel included in the control device 20, or based on the executed machining program, and transmits the generated motion commands to the machine tool 10. Thus, the control device 20 controls the operation of the machine tool 10.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the control device 20 includes a control unit 210, a display unit 220, and a storage unit 230. Furthermore, the control unit 210 includes a processing completion detection unit 211, an operation detection unit 212, an extraction unit 213, a determination unit 214, a display control unit 215, an action control unit 216, and a notification unit 217. Furthermore, the storage unit 230 includes a work item table 231.

[0036] The display unit 220 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and has a touch panel (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the display device. Figure 2 As shown, in the case of a preparation operation, the display unit 220 displays a screen 100 including a setting screen for the work items "Creation / Editing of Machining Programs," "Selection of Machining Programs," "Measurement and Setting of Workpieces," "Setting of Tools," and "Setting of Customized Macro Variables" included in the preparation operation, in accordance with a control instruction from the display control unit 215 (described later). Furthermore, the settings of each of the work items "Creation / Editing of Machining Programs," "Selection of Machining Programs," "Measurement and Setting of Workpieces," "Setting of Tools," and "Setting of Customized Macro Variables" can also be performed by an operator's input operation via a touch panel (not shown), for example.

[0037] Figure 2 The screen 100 shown has, for example, an area for displaying a setting screen for a work item selected by the operator (hereinafter also referred to as the "setting display area 110"). Furthermore, the screen 100 has an area for displaying soft keys 121(1)-121(m) in a vertical row (hereinafter also referred to as the "vertical key display area 120") and an area for displaying soft keys 131(1)-131(n) in a horizontal row (hereinafter also referred to as the "horizontal key display area 130"). Note that m and n are positive integers.

[0038] For example, the display control unit 215, described later, assigns to the soft keys 121(1) to 121(m) a function for transitioning to a setting screen for each work item, such as "Creation / Editing of Machining Program," which is a preparatory work item displayed in the setting display area 110. Furthermore, the display control unit 215, described later, assigns to the soft keys 131(1) to 131(n) a function for performing screen operations corresponding to each setting screen.

[0039] Furthermore, the soft keys 121 ( 1 ) to 121 ( m ) may be assigned a function of operating a screen, and the soft keys 131 ( 1 ) to 131 ( n ) may be assigned a function of transitioning a setting screen for each work item.

[0040] The following description assumes m = 8 and n = 10, but the same operation is performed even when m is a number other than 8 and n is a number other than 10. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of the soft keys 121(1) to 121(8), they are collectively referred to as "soft key 121." Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of the soft keys 131(1) to 131(10), they are collectively referred to as "soft key 131."

[0041] The storage unit 230 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD, or the like, and may store a work item table 231 together with various control programs.

[0042] <Work Item List 231>

[0043] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the work item table 231 .

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the work item table 231 includes, for example, "work items" in preparation for the next machining operation in the machine tool 10 from the completion of the most recent machining operation in the machine tool 10 to the current time point. The work item table 231 includes "required / optional" and "work status" corresponding to each work item.

[0045] The “work items” in the work item table 231 set work items required for the preparation work for the next machining in the machine tool 10 from the completion of the most recent machining to the current time point. Figure 3 In the operation items, you can also set "creation / editing of machining program", "selection of machining program", "measurement and setting of workpiece", "setting of tool" and "setting of custom macro variables".

[0046] The "Required / Optional" in the operation item table 231 stores each setting of the operation item as a required operation item (hereinafter also referred to as "required setting") or an optional operation item (hereinafter also referred to as "optional setting") according to the extraction result of the extraction unit 213 described later or the judgment result of the judgment unit 214 described later.

[0047] The “work status” in the work item table 231 stores either “not completed” or “not updated” or “completed” or “not updated” according to the determination result of the determination unit 214 described later.

[0048] <Control Unit 210>

[0049] The control unit 210 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM, RAM, CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory, etc., which are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a bus, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0050] The CPU is a processor that controls the control device 20 as a whole. The CPU reads the system program and application program stored in the ROM via the bus, and controls the control device 20 as a whole according to the system program and application program. Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 210 is configured to implement the functions of a processing completion detection unit 211, an operation detection unit 212, an extraction unit 213, a determination unit 214, a display control unit 215, an operation control unit 216, and a notification unit 217. Various data, such as temporary calculation data and display data, are stored in the RAM. Furthermore, the CMOS memory is configured as a non-volatile memory that is backed up by a battery (not shown) and maintains the stored state even when the power to the control device 20 is turned off.

[0051] The machining completion detection unit 211 detects, for example, that machining of one workpiece in the machine tool 10 is completed.

[0052] The operation detection unit 212 detects the contents of the operation such as the operator's operation on the machine tool 10 and the operator's input operation via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220 .

[0053] Specifically, the operation detection unit 212 detects, for example, the operation content of operations related to the preparation work for the next processing in the machine tool 10 from the time when the completion of the most recent processing is detected by the processing completion detection unit 211 to the current time point (for example, the operation of changing the selection of the main program of each system, the operation of changing the main program of each system, the operation of changing the tool number (T number) or tool offset value of each system, the operation of changing the workpiece coordinates, and the operation of changing the customized macro variables, etc.).

[0054] <Extraction Unit 213>

[0055] Extraction unit 213 extracts, based on the mechanical configuration of machine tool 10 including at least one of the number of axes and the number of systems, multiple work items included in preparation for the next machining operation on machine tool 10 as either mandatory settings or optional settings. Extraction unit 213 updates the "mandatory / optional" field in work item table 231 based on the extraction results.

[0056] Specifically, for example, when the machining completion detection unit 211 detects the completion of the most recent machining operation, the extraction unit 213 obtains configuration information from the machine tool 10 indicating the machine tool 10's mechanical structure, such as the number of axes, the number of systems, and the presence or absence of a pallet changer. If the machine tool 10 has a pallet changer in the obtained configuration information, the extraction unit 213 may extract the task item "measurement and setting of workpiece" as "optional setting" because, in the case of a machine tool 10 with a pallet changer, measurement and setting of workpiece coordinates are not required for each machining operation. On the other hand, if the machine tool 10 does not have a pallet changer, measurement and setting of workpiece coordinates are required for each machining operation. Therefore, the extraction unit 213 may extract the task item "measurement and setting of workpiece" as "mandatory setting."

[0057] Furthermore, since it is necessary to set the workpiece coordinates corresponding to the number of axes based on the number of axes in the acquired structural information, the extraction unit 213 may extract the work item “measurement and setting of workpiece” as “necessary setting”.

[0058] In addition, since it is necessary to set the main program according to the number of systems in the obtained structural information and set the tool offset according to the number of systems, the extraction unit 213 can also extract the work items "selection of processing program" and "setting of tool" as "mandatory settings".

[0059] <Determination Unit 214>

[0060] After the extraction unit 213 extracts each work item of the preparation work as a required setting or an optional setting, the determination unit 214 dynamically determines which of the required setting and the optional setting the work item of the preparation work extracted as the required setting or the optional setting meets, corresponding to the operation content in the preparation work detected by the operation detection unit 212.

[0061] Specifically, if the operation detected by the operation detection unit 212 includes a change in the selection of the main program of each system, the setting of the latest machining end time point requires the setting of a tool offset. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts it as an optional setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Tool setting" as "Required setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" setting in the work item table 231. Furthermore, if the selection of the main program of each system is changed, the setting of the latest machining end time point requires the change of a custom macro variable. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts it as an optional setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Customized macro variable setting" as "Required setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" setting in the work item table 231.

[0062] Furthermore, if the operation detected by the operation detection unit 212 includes a change in the main program of each system, there may be no need to change the tool offset for the setting of the latest machining end time point. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts it as a required setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Tool setting" as "Optional setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" in the work item table 231. Furthermore, if the main program of each system is changed, there may be no need to change the custom macro variable for the setting of the latest machining end time point. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts it as a required setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Customized macro variable setting" as "Optional setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" in the work item table 231.

[0063] Furthermore, if the operation detected by the operation detection unit 212 includes a change in the tool number (T number) or tool offset value of each system, a change in the setting of the latest machining end time point is required for the machining program. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts the operation as an optional setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Creation / Editing of Machining Program" as "Required Setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" in the work item table 231. Alternatively, if the tool number (T number) or tool offset value of each system is changed, a change in the selection of the machining program is required for the setting of the latest machining end time point. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts the operation as an optional setting, the determination unit 214 may determine the work item "Selection of Machining Program" as "Required Setting" and dynamically change the "Required / Optional" in the work item table 231.

[0064] Furthermore, if the operation detected by the operation detection unit 212 involves a change in the workpiece coordinates, there may be no need to change the machining program for the setting of the most recent machining end time point. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 identifies the operation as a required setting, the determination unit 214 determines the task item "Create / Edit Machining Program" as "Optional Setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" setting in the operation item table 231. For example, if the workpiece coordinates are changed for fine-tuning, there is no need to modify the machining program. Therefore, the determination unit 214 changes the task item "Create / Edit Machining Program" in the operation item table 231 to "Optional Setting."

[0065] Furthermore, if the operation detected by the operation detection unit 212 includes a change in a custom macro variable, the setting of the latest machining end time point requires a change in the machining program. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts an optional setting, the determination unit 214 determines the work item "Creation / Editing of Machining Program" as "Required Setting" and dynamically changes the "Required / Optional" setting in the work item table 231. Alternatively, if a change in a custom macro variable includes a change in the setting of the latest machining end time point, the selection of the machining program requires a change. Therefore, even if the extraction unit 213 extracts an optional setting, the work item "Selection of Machining Program" may be determined as "Required Setting" and dynamically changed in the "Required / Optional" setting in the work item table 231.

[0066] In addition, for example, in the operation of the operation item "Creation / Editing of Processing Program", the operation detection unit 212 detects an operation such as the operator pressing the "Save" soft key 131. When the processing program is created or edited, the judgment unit 214 can also update the "operation status" of the operation item "Creation / Editing of Processing Program" in the operation item table 231 from an unfinished or unupdated state to a completed or updated state.

[0067] In addition, in the operation of the operation item "Selection of processing program", the operation detection unit 212 detects operations such as the operator pressing the "Set" soft key 131. When the main program is set in the control device 20, the judgment unit 214 can also update the "operation status" of the operation item "Selection of processing program" in the operation item table 231 from an unfinished or unupdated state to a completed or updated state.

[0068] In addition, in the operation of the operation item "Measurement and setting of the workpiece", the operation detection unit 212 detects operations such as the operator pressing the "Set" soft key 131. When the workpiece coordinates are set in the control device 20, the judgment unit 214 can also update the "operation status" of the operation item "Measurement and setting of the workpiece" in the operation item table 231 from an unfinished or unupdated state to a completed or updated state.

[0069] In addition, in the operation of the work item "Tool setting", the operation detection unit 212 detects operations such as the operator pressing the "Set" soft key 131. When the tool is set in the control device 20, the judgment unit 214 can also update the "work status" of the work item "Tool setting" in the work item table 231 from an unfinished or unupdated state to a completed or updated state.

[0070] In addition, in the operation of the operation item "Setting of customized macro variables", the operation detection unit 212 detects an operation such as the operator pressing the "Set" soft key 131. When the customized macro variables are set in the control device 20, the judgment unit 214 can also update the "operation status" of the operation item "Setting of customized macro variables" in the operation item table 231 from an unfinished or unupdated state to a completed or updated state.

[0071] <Display Control Unit 215>

[0072] The display control unit 215 dynamically changes and displays on the display unit 220 the work items "creation / editing of machining program", "selection of machining program", "measurement and setting of workpiece", "setting of tool" and "setting of customized macro variables" in a manner that can distinguish between required setting and optional setting, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 214.

[0073] Specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the display control unit 215 dynamically displays the display method (for example, the color, type, thickness, background color, effect, etc. of the frame line) of the soft keys 121 to which the respective functions of the work items "creation / editing of machining program", "selection of machining program", "measurement and setting of workpiece", "setting of tool", and "setting of customized macro variables" correspond to the judgment result of the judgment unit 214 in a manner that can distinguish between required settings and optional settings.

[0074] The following describes a case where the determination unit 214 determines that the work items "Creation / Editing of Machining Programs," "Selection of Machining Programs," "Tool Settings," and "Customized Macro Variable Settings" are required settings, while the determination unit 214 determines that the work item "Measurement and Setting of Workpieces" is optional. However, this also applies if the required or optional settings for each of the work items "Creation / Editing of Machining Programs," "Selection of Machining Programs," "Measurement and Setting of Workpieces," "Tool Settings," and "Customized Macro Variable Settings" dynamically change in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit 214.

[0075] like Figure 4As shown, the display control unit 215 may, for example, assign to the soft keys 121 (2) to 121 (6) the function of migrating to the setting screen of the work items "Machining program creation / editing", "Machining program selection", "Workpiece measurement and setting", "Tool setting", and "Custom macro variable setting", and display the names such as "Edit", "Select", "Workpiece", "Tool", and "Macro". In addition, the display control unit 215 may also display the display mode that must be set and is not set / updated (for example, the color of the soft key frame line, the type of frame line, the thickness of the frame line, the color of the soft key background, etc.) in a different manner from the display mode of the arbitrary setting. In addition, the display control unit 215 may, for example, display patterns representing the work items "Machining program creation / editing", "Machining program selection", "Workpiece measurement and setting", "Tool setting", and "Custom macro variable setting" on the soft keys 121 (2) to 121 (6).

[0076] Furthermore, in order to emphasize that the work items "Machining program creation / editing," "Machining program selection," "Tool setting," and "Custom macro variable setting" are unfinished / unupdated required settings, the display control unit 215 displays the frames of soft keys 121(2), 121(3), 121(5), and 121(6) in bold. On the other hand, since the machine tool 10 has a pallet changer, the display control unit 215 displays the frame of soft key 121(4) in bold dashed lines in order to emphasize that the work item "Workpiece measurement and setting" is an unfinished / unupdated optional setting.

[0077] This eliminates the need for the operator to remember what work must be done next, thereby preventing work from being missed.

[0078] Furthermore, the display control unit 215 changes the line type according to the required settings and the optional settings to highlight them, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 215 may display the display mode of the required settings that have not been set / updated (e.g., the color of the soft key border, the type of border, the thickness of the border, the color of the soft key background, etc.) in a different manner from the display mode of the optional settings.

[0079] Next, the screen transitions to the various setting screens for the work items "Machining Program Creation / Editing," "Machining Program Selection," "Workpiece Measurement and Settings," "Tool Settings," and "Custom Macro Variable Settings" will be described. While the following description describes the transitions to the setting screens in the order of the work items "Machining Program Creation / Editing," "Machining Program Selection," "Workpiece Measurement and Settings," "Tool Settings," and "Custom Macro Variable Settings," the transitions to the setting screens for each work item can also be performed in a sequence that is convenient for each operator.

[0080] The display control unit 215 is, for example, Figure 4 In the screen 100, when the operator presses the soft key 121 (2) of "Edit" via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, a setting screen 111 of the work item “Creation / Editing of Machining Program” is displayed in the setting display area 110 .

[0081] When a new machining program is created, the display control unit 215 may also display a new setting screen 111 in a further state, and display the new machining program created by the operator's input operation via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220 on the setting screen 111 .

[0082] Furthermore, when creating a machining program by partially changing an existing machining program, for example, to make the shape of a component partially different, the display control unit 215 may display a copied existing machining program on the setting screen 111 in response to an operator input operation via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220. The display control unit 215 may also display a machining program partially changed by an operator input operation via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220 on the setting screen 111.

[0083] Furthermore, when the machine tool 10 is a one-system machine, at least one machining program is required. When the machine tool 10 is a two-system machine, at least one machining program is required for each system.

[0084] Next, the display control unit 215 is turned on when the operator presses the Figure 5 In the case of the soft key 121 (3) of the "Select" on the screen 100, the display is Figure 5 The setting screen 111 of the work item "Machining program creation / editing" is moved to Figure 6 The screen 100 is a setting screen 112 of the operation item "selection of processing program". Figure 6 As shown, since the operation status of the operation item "Creation / Editing of Processing Program" in the operation item table 231 is completed or updated, the display control unit 215 can also display the soft key 121 (2) of the operation item "Creation / Editing of Processing Program" with a shadow to emphasize that it has been completed.

[0085] Furthermore, the display control unit 215 preferably displays the completed work items in a display mode (eg, frame color, type, thickness, background color, effect, etc.) different from the display modes set by the required setting and the optional setting.

[0086] like Figure 6As shown, the display control unit 215 may display the structure of the folder storing the files of each processing program on the left side of the setting screen 112, and display a list of processing programs set for each system and registered in the control device 20 on the right side of the setting screen 112. For example, based on the input operation of the operator via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220, a processing program is selected and set for each system. Figure 6 In the case where, for example, the machine tool 10 has a two-system mechanical structure, the machining program "O0022" may be set as the main program in the first system and the machining program "O0001" may be set as the main program in the second system.

[0087] Next, the display control unit 215 is turned on when the operator presses the Figure 6 In the case of the soft key 121 (4) of the "workpiece" of the screen 100, the display is Figure 6 The setting screen 112 of the work item "Selection of machining program" is moved to Figure 7 The screen 100 is a setting screen 113 of the work item "measurement and setting of workpiece". Figure 7 As shown, since the operation status of the operation items "Creation / Editing of Processing Program" and "Selection of Processing Program" in the operation item table 231 is completed or updated, the display control unit 215 can also display the soft keys 121 (2) and 121 (3) with shadows indicating completion.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, when the machine tool 10 is a three-axis machine tool, the display control unit 215 displays the workpiece coordinates of the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis set for the workpiece placed on the machine tool 10 on the setting screen 113 .

[0089] Here, the workpiece coordinates are set by, for example, an operator operating a handle to move a touch sensor mounted on the machine tool 10 so that it contacts the end surface of the workpiece in each of the X, Y, and Z directions. The control device 20 sets the measured values ​​in each of the X, Y, and Z directions as the workpiece coordinates.

[0090] Furthermore, the machine tool 10 may be a five-axis machine tool in addition to the three-axis machine tool, and the coordinates of the workpiece may be set in the same manner as in the three-axis case.

[0091] Furthermore, when the machine tool 10 does not have a pallet changer, the task item “measurement and setting of workpiece” is a required setting and must be set each time a workpiece is set on the machine tool 10 .

[0092] Next, the display control unit 215 is turned on when the operator presses the Figure 7In the case of the soft key 121 (5) of the "Tools" of the screen 100, the display is Figure 7 The setting screen 113 of the work item "Measurement and setting of workpiece" is moved to Figure 8 The screen 100 is a setting screen 114 of the work item "tool setting". Figure 8 As shown, since the operation status of the operation items "creation / editing of processing program", "selection of processing program", and "measurement and setting of workpiece" in the operation item table 231 is completed or updated, the display control unit 215 can also display the soft keys 121 (2)-121 (4) with shadows indicating completion.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the display control unit 215 displays the set tool number, tool name, tool diameter, tool length, etc. on the setting screen 114, for example.

[0094] Here, regarding the setting of the tool, for example, the dimensions of the tool are measured using a tool presetter, a touch sensor, or the like, and the measured values ​​are set as the offset of the tool (tool diameter, tool length).

[0095] Furthermore, the tool number (T number) must match the one specified in the machining program. For example, if "T1" is specified in the machining program, "Drill" must be specified for "T1." In other words, if the main program is changed, the tool offsets assigned to each tool number (T number) must also be changed.

[0096] The tool number (T number) and tool name may be set by, for example, the control device 20 acquiring a tool management table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the machine tool 10 and based on the acquired tool management table (not shown).

[0097] Next, the display control unit 215 is turned on when the operator presses the Figure 8 In the case of the soft key 121 (6) of the "macro" of the screen 100, the display is Figure 8 The setting screen 114 of the work item "Tool Setting" is moved to Figure 9 The screen 100 is a setting screen 115 of the work item "custom macro variable setting". Figure 9 As shown, since the operation status of the operation items "creation / editing of processing program", "selection of processing program", "measurement and setting of workpiece", and "setting of tool" in the operation item table 231 is completed or updated, the display control unit 215 can also display the soft keys 121 (2)-121 (5) with shadows indicating completion.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, the display control unit 215 displays the values ​​set for the custom macro variables (for example, “500”, “501”, “502”, etc.) on the setting screen 115 .

[0099] When the work item "custom macro variable setting" is completed, the display control unit 215 may display the soft key 121 (6) of the work item "custom macro variable setting" with a shade indicating completion according to the work item table 231.

[0100] Furthermore, custom macro variables must be consistent with those in the machining program. That is, if the main program is changed, the custom macro variables must also be changed. However, if the machining program does not use custom macro variables, no settings are required.

[0101] Furthermore, when the display control unit 215 receives an alert from the notification unit 217 (described later) indicating that a processing operation is not permitted due to the presence of an incomplete or unupdated required setting, it may display a warning such as "Processing operation is not permitted due to the presence of an incomplete or unupdated required setting" or "Please complete the required setting before starting processing" on the display unit 220. Furthermore, the display control unit 215 may display a warning on the display unit 220 and automatically switch to the setting screen for the incomplete or unupdated required setting.

[0102] The operation control unit 216 monitors and controls the operation states of the machine tool 10 and the control device 20 .

[0103] Specifically, when the operation control unit 216 receives an instruction to perform a machining operation, such as by an operator pressing a start button (not shown) for a machining operation provided on the machine tool 10 or the control device 20, the operation control unit 216 checks whether any required settings are incomplete or unupdated based on the work item table 231 stored in the storage unit 230. If any required settings are incomplete or unupdated, the operation control unit 216 disallows the machining operation of the machine tool 10. Furthermore, the operation control unit 216 may cause the notification unit 217 (described later) to output a warning indicating that the machining operation is disallowed due to the presence of any incomplete or unupdated required settings.

[0104] This can avoid erroneous execution of machining when a work omission occurs due to necessary settings, and can prevent damage to the machine tool 10 or the workpiece due to work errors.

[0105] The notification unit 217 may also output a warning indicating that the processing operation is not permitted due to the presence of incomplete or unupdated required settings based on an instruction from the operation control unit 216 , and display the output warning on the display unit 220 via the display control unit 215 .

[0106] <Setting Process of Control Device 20>

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 10 , while explaining the flow of the setting processing of the control device 20.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a flowchart for explaining the setting process of the control device 20. The flow shown here is executed every time the preparation work is performed.

[0109] In step S11 , the extraction unit 213 extracts a plurality of work items for preparation for the next machining in the machine tool 10 as required settings or optional settings, respectively, based on the mechanical structure of the machine tool 10 .

[0110] In step S12, the determination unit 214 dynamically determines which of the required settings and the optional settings the work items extracted as preparatory work for the required settings or the optional settings comply with, corresponding to the operation content of the operator from the completion of the most recent processing to the current time point detected by the operation detection unit 212.

[0111] In step S13 , the display control unit 215 displays the soft key 121 of each work item on the display unit 220 in a manner that allows discrimination between required setting and optional setting, based on the determination result.

[0112] In step S14 , the display control unit 215 displays the screen 100 including a setting screen for a work item selected by the worker by pressing the soft key 121 via the touch panel (not shown) of the display unit 220 .

[0113] In step S15 , each time the operation control unit 216 determines that the setting of the work item selected in step S14 is completed, the display control unit 215 displays the soft key 121 of the work item in a display format indicating completion.

[0114] In step S16, the determination unit 214 determines whether there are any unfinished or unupdated work items based on the work item table 231 stored in the storage unit 230. If there are any unfinished or unupdated work items, the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if there are no unfinished or unupdated work items, the process ends.

[0115] Furthermore, during the processing of step S16, upon receiving an instruction from the operator regarding a machining operation of the machine tool 10, the motion control unit 216 may check whether any uncompleted or unupdated required settings exist based on the work item table 231 stored in the storage unit 230. Furthermore, if any uncompleted or unupdated required settings exist, the motion control unit 216 may cause the notification unit 217 to output a warning indicating that the machining operation is not permitted due to the presence of uncompleted or unupdated required settings. The display control unit 215 may also automatically transition to a setting screen for the uncompleted or unupdated required settings, along with the warning output from the notification unit 217 indicating that the machining operation is not permitted due to the presence of uncompleted or unupdated required settings.

[0116] This can prevent damage to the machine tool 10 or the workpiece due to operating errors.

[0117] According to the above, the control device 20 of one embodiment extracts multiple work items for the preparation work for the next processing in the machine tool 10 as required settings or optional settings, respectively, according to the mechanical structure of the machine tool 10. The control device 20 dynamically determines which of the required settings and optional settings the work items for the preparation work extracted as required settings or optional settings meet, corresponding to the operation content in the preparation work for the machine tool 10 from the completion of the most recent processing to the current time point. The control device 20 dynamically displays each of the work items determined to be required settings or optional settings in a manner that can be distinguished. As a result, the control device 20 allows the operator to easily confirm the work status during the preparation work without having to remember what work must be performed next, and can prevent work from being missed.

[0118] Furthermore, if a necessary setting is omitted, the control device 20 does not permit the execution of processing by the machine tool 10. This prevents damage to the machine tool 10 or the workpiece due to a work error.

[0119] Although one embodiment has been described above, the control device 20 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes modifications and improvements within a range that can achieve the purpose.

[0120] Modifications

[0121] In the above embodiment, the control device 20 assigns the work items for the preparatory work to the soft keys 121 of the vertical key display area 120, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 20 may display the work items in a hierarchical manner.

[0122] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of hierarchical display of the soft keys 121 .

[0123] like Figure 11As shown, the control device 20 assigns the function of "item selection" for hierarchically displaying work items to one soft key 121(2) among the first-level soft keys 121. When the operator presses soft key 121(2), the control device 20 may display, for example, soft keys 121A(1)-121A(8) for the work items set in the second level in the vertical key display area 120. Furthermore, the soft keys 121A(1)-121A(8) of the second level correspond to each of the soft keys 121(1)-121(8) of the first level.

[0124] In this case, the first-level "Item Selection" soft key 121(2) is preferably displayed in a manner that emphasizes the presence of uncompleted or unupdated required settings in the second-level work items, if any. Furthermore, the first-level "Item Selection" soft key 121(2) is preferably displayed in a manner that emphasizes the presence of uncompleted or unupdated optional settings in the second-level work items, if no uncompleted or unupdated required settings exist but any uncompleted or unupdated optional settings exist.

[0125] In addition, each function included in the control device 20 in one embodiment can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, realization by software means that the computer reads a program and executes it.

[0126] Various types of non-transitory computer-readable media (Non-transitory computerreadable medium) can be used to store the program and provide it to the computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media (Tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), optical magnetic recording media (e.g., optical magnetic disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs). In addition, the program can also be provided to the computer via various types of transitory computer-readable media (Transitory computerreadable medium). Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electric signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can provide the program to the computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0127] Furthermore, the steps describing the program recorded in the recording medium are, of course, processes performed in chronological order according to this order, but also include processes not necessarily performed in chronological order and processes executed in parallel or individually.

[0128] In other words, the control device of the present disclosure can take various embodiments having the following structures.

[0129] (1) The control device 20 disclosed in the present invention comprises: an extraction unit 213, which extracts a plurality of work items included in the preparation work for the next processing in the machine tool 10 as required settings or optional settings, based on the mechanical structure of at least one of the number of axes and the number of systems in the machine tool 10 including the setting object; a determination unit 214, which dynamically determines which of the required settings and the optional settings the plurality of work items extracted as required settings or optional settings conform to, corresponding to the operation content in the preparation work for the machine tool 10 from the completion of the most recent processing of the machine tool 10 to the current time point; and an action control unit 216, which does not allow the processing action of the machine tool if the required setting is not completed or updated.

[0130] According to the control device 20 , during the preparatory work, the operator can easily check the work status without having to remember what work must be performed next.

[0131] (2) The control device 20 described in (1) may further include a display control unit 215 that displays the plurality of work items on the display unit 220 in a manner that allows identification of required settings and optional settings based on the determination result of the determination unit 214.

[0132] Thereby, the control device 20 can reliably perform necessary settings.

[0133] (3) The control device 20 described in (2) may further include a notification unit 217 that outputs a warning when the operation control unit 216 does not permit the machining operation of the machine tool 10 , and the display control unit 215 displays the warning on the display unit 220 .

[0134] Thus, the control device 20 can prevent damage to the machine tool 10 or the workpiece due to operating errors.

[0135] (4) In the control device described in (2) or (3), when the motion control unit 216 does not permit the machining operation of the machine tool 10, the display control unit may transition to a setting screen for required settings that are not completed or updated.

[0136] Thereby, the control device 20 can reliably perform necessary settings before the machining operation.

[0137] (5) In the control device 20 described in any one of (2) to (4), the display control unit 215 may display the setting-completed or updated work items among the plurality of work items in a manner that allows discrimination between required settings and optional settings.

[0138] Thus, when a work omission occurs, the control device 20 can prevent damage to the machine tool 10 or the workpiece due to a work error.

[0139] Description of Reference Numerals

[0140] 1 Control System

[0141] 10 Machine Tools

[0142] 20 Control device

[0143] 210 Control Department

[0144] 211 Processing Completion Inspection Department

[0145] 212 Operation Detection Unit

[0146] 213 Extraction Department

[0147] 214 Judgment Department

[0148] 215 Display Control Unit

[0149] 216 Motion Control Department

[0150] 217 Notification Department

[0151] 220 Display unit

[0152] 230 Storage Department

[0153] 231 Assignment List.

Claims

1. A control device, characterized in that: have: an extracting unit that extracts a plurality of work items included in a preparatory work for a subsequent machining operation in a machine tool as required settings or optional settings, based on a mechanical structure including at least one of the number of axes and the number of systems in the machine tool to be set; an operation detection unit for detecting content of an operator's operation on the machine tool; a determination unit that dynamically determines, for each of the plurality of work items extracted as required settings or optional settings, whether the required settings or optional settings are satisfied, based on the content of the operations performed in the preparatory work on the machine tool from the completion of the most recent machining operation of the machine tool to the current time point, and updates the work status of the work item from an uncompleted or unupdated state to a completed or updated state when the operation detection unit detects a specific operation corresponding to the work item; The operation control unit prohibits the machining operation of the machine tool when the unfinished or unupdated required setting operation item exists among the plurality of operation items.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device further includes a display control unit configured to display each of the plurality of work items on a display unit in a manner that allows identification of whether the work items are the required settings or the optional settings, based on a determination result of the determination unit.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control device further includes a notification unit that outputs a warning when the operation control unit does not allow the machining operation of the machine tool. The display control unit displays the warning on the display unit.

4. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: When the operation control unit does not permit the machining operation of the machine tool, the display control unit transitions to a setting screen for the required setting that is not completed or updated.

5. The control device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The display control unit displays the setting-completed or updated work items among the plurality of work items in a manner that allows discrimination between the required settings and the optional settings.

Images