Control device, machine tool system, and control method

Abstract

A control device (14) includes a change instruction accepting section (62) that accepts a change instruction of a control parameter (54) and a machining program (52); a history storage control section (64) that causes a storage section (48) to store a change history (56) of the control parameter (54) and the machining program (52); an Undo / Redo processing section (66) that performs Undo / Redo based on the change history (56); a determination section (68) that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied; and a history deletion control section (70) that deletes the change history (56) when the determination section (68) determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a control device that controls a machine tool, a machine tool system having the control device, and a control method of a machine tool. BACKGROUND

[0002] A control system of a machine tool that performs machining based on a control parameter and a machining program is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-061017. In addition, a technology in which the control parameter is changeable is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-061017. Furthermore, a technology in which an Undo / Redo operation of the changed control parameter is possible is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-061017. SUMMARY

[0003] A machine tool performs machining based on a control parameter and a machining program. The control parameter and the machining program are stored in a control device of the machine tool. In this case, the machine tool is able to perform machining by automatic operation. Here, for example, in a preparation work before the start of the automatic operation or after the start of the automatic operation, an operator unintended Undo / Redo is sometimes performed on the control parameter and the machining program. In this case, the machine tool performs an operator unintended action in the automatic operation.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a control device, a machine tool system, and a control method that suppress the execution of an operator unintended Undo / Redo.

[0005] A first aspect of the present application is a control device that controls a machine tool that performs machining on a machining object based on a control parameter and a machining program, thereby causing the machine tool to perform automatic operation, the control device including: a change instruction accepting section that accepts a change instruction of the control parameter and the machining program by an operator; a history storage control section that causes a storage section to cumulatively store the change instruction of the operator, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history of the control parameter and the machining program; an Undo / Redo processing section that performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to an instruction of the operator; a determination section that determines whether a predetermined condition for preventing the machine tool from performing an action unintended by the operator due to the execution of the Undo / Redo is satisfied; and a history deletion control section that deletes the change history stored in the storage section in a case where the determination section determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0006] A second aspect of the present application is a control device that controls a machine tool that processes a workpiece based on a control parameter and a processing program, thereby causing the machine tool to automatically operate, wherein the control device includes: a change instruction receiving section that receives a change instruction of the control parameter and the processing program by an operator; a history storage control section that causes a storage section to cumulatively store the change instruction by the operator, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history of the control parameter and the processing program; an Undo / Redo processing section that performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to an instruction by the operator; and an Undo / Redo prohibition section that prohibits the Undo / Redo processing section from performing the Undo / Redo during a period from a start to an end of the automatic operation.

[0007] A third aspect of the present application is a machine tool system that includes: the control device of the first aspect or the second aspect; and a machine tool that is controlled by the control device thereby to automatically operate.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present application is a control method that controls a machine tool that processes a workpiece based on a control parameter and a processing program, thereby causing the machine tool to automatically operate, wherein the control method includes: a change instruction receiving step that receives a change instruction of the control parameter and the processing program by an operator; a history storage step that causes a storage section to cumulatively store the change instruction by the operator, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history of the control parameter and the processing program, in order to enable Undo / Redo of the change instruction by the operator; a determination step that determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition being used to prevent the machine tool from performing an unintended operation by the operator due to execution of the Undo / Redo; and a history deletion control step that deletes the change history stored in the storage section in a case where it is determined in the determination step that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0009] According to the aspects of the present application, a control device, a machine tool system, and a control method that suppress execution of Undo / Redo unintended by an operator are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a whole configuration view of a machine tool system of a first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2A is a schematic view showing a first example of a setting change screen displayed by a display section of the first embodiment. Figure 2B is a schematic view showing a second example of a setting change screen displayed by a display section of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the first example of the control method in variant example 1.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the second example of the control method of Modified Example 1.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the machine tool system according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are listed, and the control device, machine tool system, and control method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] [First Implementation Method]

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the machine tool system 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The X and Y axes shown are parallel to the horizontal plane. The Z axis is parallel to the direction of gravity. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, Figure 1 The U-axis is a direction axis parallel to the X-axis. The V-axis is a direction axis parallel to the Y-axis.

[0020] The machine tool system 10 of this embodiment includes a machine tool 12 and a control device 14 (see reference). Figure 1 The machine tool 12 in this embodiment is a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine. Therefore, the machine tool 12 will also be referred to as wire EDM machine 12 below. However, wire EDM machine 12 is an example. Therefore, the type of machine tool 12 is not limited to wire EDM machine.

[0021] The wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine 12 is a machine tool that performs electrical discharge machining on the workpiece W by generating a discharge through the machining gap g between the wire electrode 16 and the workpiece W. The wire EDM machine 12 includes a worktable 18, an upper guide 20, a lower guide 22, and a power supply 24 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0022] The table 18 is a support table that supports the work object W. The upper guide 20 is a wire electrode guide that guides the wire electrode 16 upward in the Z direction of the table 18. The lower guide 22 is a wire electrode guide that guides the wire electrode 16 downward in the Z direction of the table 18. The wire electrode 16 is disposed between the upper guide 20 and the lower guide 22. Thus, the wire electrode 16 forms a machining gap g together with the work object W.

[0023] The wire electric discharge machine 12 further has a wire electrode feed mechanism that feeds the wire electrode 16 in the Z direction. However, in the present embodiment, the illustration of the wire electrode feed mechanism is omitted. The wire electrode feed mechanism has, for example, a plurality of rollers and a motor. Here, the wire electrode 16 is disposed on each of the rollers. The motor controls the rotational torque of each of the rollers.

[0024] The power supply 24 is an element for applying a voltage to the wire electrode 16 and the work object W, respectively. For example, the power supply 24 has a circuit capable of generating a voltage pulse. In the machining gap g, the above-described electric discharge is generated in accordance with the voltage pulse of the power supply 24.

[0025] The wire electric discharge machine 12 further has a table moving mechanism 26, an upper guide moving mechanism 28, and a lower guide moving mechanism 30.

[0026] The table moving mechanism 26 is a mechanism for moving the table 18 in each of the X direction and the Y direction. The table moving mechanism 26 has, for example, an X-axis motor 32 and a Y-axis motor 34. The X-axis motor 32 is a drive source for moving the table 18 in the X direction. The Y-axis motor 34 is a drive source for moving the table 18 in the Y direction. By moving the table 18 in the horizontal direction, relative movement of the work object W on the table 18 and the wire electrode 16 in the horizontal direction is achieved.

[0027] The upper guide moving mechanism 28 is a mechanism for moving the upper guide 20 in each of the U direction and the V direction. The upper guide moving mechanism 28 has, for example, a U-axis motor 36 upper and a V-axis motor 38 upper. The U-axis motor 36 upper is a drive source for moving the upper guide 20 in the U direction. The V-axis motor 38 upper is a drive source for moving the upper guide 20 in the V direction. The lower guide moving mechanism 30 is a mechanism for moving the lower guide 22 in each of the U direction and the V direction. The lower guide moving mechanism 30 has, for example, a U-axis motor 40 lower and a V-axis motor 42 lower. The U-axis motor 40 下侧 lower is a drive source for moving the lower guide 22 in the U direction. The V-axis motor 42 下侧Ris a drive source for moving the lower guide 22 in the V direction. The upper guide moving mechanism 28 and the lower guide moving mechanism 30 can make the relative positions of the upper guide 20 and the lower guide 22 in the horizontal direction coincide. Thereby, between the upper guide 20 and the lower guide 22, the wire electrode 16 is parallel to the Z axis. In addition, the upper guide moving mechanism 28 and the lower guide moving mechanism 30 can also make the relative positions of the upper guide 20 and the lower guide 22 in the horizontal direction different. Thereby, between the upper guide 20 and the lower guide 22, the wire electrode 16 is inclined with respect to the Z axis.

[0028] The above wire electric discharge machine 12 relatively moves the wire electrode 16 with respect to the work W while generating discharge in the machining gap g. Thereby, the wire electric discharge machine 12 machines the work W into a shape along a path of the relative movement of the wire electrode 16 (machining path). In addition, as described above, the wire electric discharge machine 12 can easily adjust the inclination angle of the wire electrode 16 with respect to the Z axis. Therefore, the wire electric discharge machine 12 can easily perform so-called taper machining.

[0029] The control device 14 is an electronic device that controls the wire electric discharge machine 12 so that the wire electric discharge machine 12 performs automatic operation. The control device 14 has a display section 44, an operation section 46, a storage section 48, and a calculation section 50 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0030] The display section 44 displays information. The display section 44 has, for example, a monitor of liquid crystal or organic EL (OEL: Organic Electro-Luminescence).

[0031] The operation section 46 accepts information input by an operator of the machine tool system 10. The operation section 46 has, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. The touch panel is provided, for example, in the monitor of the display section 44.

[0032] The storage section 48 stores information. The storage section 48 has a memory. Here, the memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage section 48 of the present embodiment stores a machining program 52, a control parameter 54, and a change history 56. The change history 56 is a change history of the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54.

[0033] Processing program 52 is a predetermined program that specifies the aforementioned processing path. The operator can modify (edit) processing program 52 via operation unit 46. The changes to processing program 52 are cumulatively stored in storage unit 48 as change history 56 by history storage control unit 64. History storage control unit 64 will be described later.

[0034] Control parameter 54 refers to all information required for controlling the wire electrical discharge machine 12 that the operator can specify but is excluding the machining path. Storage unit 48 can store various control parameters 54 (54A, 54B, ...) (see reference). Figure 1 Regarding the types of control parameters 54, there are, for example, pulse intervals of voltage pulses (stop time) and relative movement speed of the wire electrode 16 relative to the workpiece W (feed rate). However, control parameters 54 are not limited to stop time and feed rate. For example, control parameters 54 may also include information related to the diameter (wire diameter) or material of the wire electrode 16. In addition, control parameters 54 may also include information related to the material or plate thickness of the workpiece W. The operator can change control parameters 54 via operation unit 46. The changes to control parameters 54 are cumulatively stored in storage unit 48 as change history 56 by history storage control unit 64, which will be described later.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 50 performs calculations and processing on the information. The arithmetic unit 50 includes a processor. Here, the processor may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The arithmetic unit 50 includes an operation control unit 58, a display control unit 60, a change instruction receiving unit 62, a history storage control unit 64, an Undo / Redo processing unit 66, a decision unit 68, and a history deletion control unit 70 (see reference). Figure 1 The operation control unit 58, display control unit 60, change instruction receiving unit 62, history storage control unit 64, undo / redo processing unit 66, judgment unit 68, and history deletion control unit 70 are virtually implemented by the arithmetic unit 50 executing a predetermined control program. Here, the predetermined control program is pre-stored in the storage unit 48 (not shown) in a manner that the arithmetic unit 50 can read.

[0036] The operation control section 58 controls the wire electric discharge machine 12 based on the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54, thereby causing the wire electric discharge machine 12 to perform automatic operation. The operation control section 58, for example, in a case where the operator has instructed start of automatic operation via the operation section 46, refers to the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54 stored in the storage section 48. The operation control section 58 starts automatic operation of the wire electric discharge machine 12 based on the referred machining program 52 and control parameter 54. In this automatic operation, the operation control section 58, for example, automatically controls the stop time based on the control parameter 54 related to the power source 24. In addition, the operation control section 58 automatically controls the relative movement of the wire electrode 16 (the table movement mechanism 26) based on the machining program 52.

[0037] The display control section 60 causes the display section (monitor) 44 to display a setting change screen 72 (refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B ). The setting change screen 72 is a screen for the operator to change at least one of the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54. In addition, the change instruction accepting section 62 accepts a change instruction of the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54 according to the operation of the operator to the operation section 46. Thereby, the operator can transmit a change instruction to the change instruction accepting section 62 while observing the setting change screen 72. The change instruction accepting section 62 changes (updates) the machining program 52 and the control parameter 54 according to the change instruction of the operator.

[0038] Figure 2A is a schematic view that shows a first example of the setting change screen 72 displayed by the display section 44 of the first embodiment. Figure 2B is a schematic view that shows a second example of the setting change screen 72 displayed by the display section 44 of the first embodiment.

[0039] The setting change screen 72, for example, has a setting change screen 72A (refer to Figure 2A ) and a setting change screen 72B (refer to Figure 2B ). In addition, the user interface of the setting change screen 72A is not limited to the example of Figure 2A . In addition, the user interface of the setting change screen 72B is not limited to the example of Figure 2B .

[0040] In a case where the operator changes the control parameter 54, the setting change screen 72A is displayed on the display section 44. Here, the display control section 60 causes the display section 44 to display the setting change screen 72A. A plurality of items for designating the control parameter 54 are displayed in the setting change screen 72A. Here, the plurality of items include, for example, an item for designating the above-mentioned stop time and an item for designating the feed speed. The operator can designate the control parameter 54 corresponding to each item via the operation section 46 while observing the setting change screen 72A. The designation of the control parameter 54 referred to here includes a change operation of the control parameter 54 that the operator has designated.

[0041] In a case where the operator changes (edits) the machining program 52, the setting change screen 72B is displayed on the display section 44. Here, the display control section 60 causes the display section 44 to display the setting change screen 72B. The content of the machining program 52 is displayed in the setting change screen 72B. That is, a code representing the machining path is displayed in the setting change screen 72B. The operator can perform a change (editing) operation of the machining program 52 via the operation section 46 while observing the setting change screen 72B.

[0042] The setting change screen 72 (72A, 72B) includes two icons 74 (74 UNDO , 74 REDO ). The two icons 74 are commonly displayed in both the setting change screen 72A and the setting change screen 72B. The icon 74 UNDO is an icon 74 for the operator to instruct Undo. The operator can instruct the control device 14 to execute Undo by clicking the icon 74 UNDO with a mouse or touching a touch panel. In addition, the icon 74 REDO is an icon 74 for the operator to instruct Redo. The operator can instruct the control device 14 to execute Redo by clicking the icon 74 REDO with a mouse or touching a touch panel.

[0043] Here, Undo / Redo is explained. However, Undo / Redo is known, and thus is simply explained. "Undo / Redo" is a process that includes two processes of "Undo" and "Redo". Undo is a process of canceling a change instruction. When Undo is executed, the machining program 52 or the control parameter 54 returns to a state before the change instruction was issued. When Undo is executed continuously, the change instruction of the machining program 52 or the control parameter 54 is canceled a number of times corresponding to the number of times of execution of Undo. On the other hand, Redo is a process of canceling the above Undo. When Redo is executed after Undo is executed, the machining program 52 or the control parameter 54 returns to a state before Undo was executed. In addition, when Redo is executed continuously, execution of Undo a number of times corresponding to the number of times of execution is canceled.

[0044] The control device 14 needs to record the past change instructions of the operator cumulatively in order to execute Undo / Redo. In the present embodiment, the history storage control section 64 causes the storage section 48 to store the change history 56. That is, the history storage control section 64 causes the storage section 48 to store the change instructions of the operator cumulatively, and thereby causes the storage section 48 to store the change history 56 of the control parameter 54 and the machining program 52.

[0045] The Undo / Redo process section 66 performs Undo / Redo processes in the present embodiment. The Undo / Redo process section 66 executes Undo when the operator has pressed the icon 74 UNDO . Here, the Undo / Redo process section 66 refers to the change history 56 as necessary. In addition, the Undo / Redo process section 66 executes Redo when the operator has pressed the icon 74 REDO . Here, the Undo / Redo process section 66 also refers to the change history 56 as necessary.

[0046] The determination section 68 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition decided in order to prevent the wire electric discharge machine 12 from performing an operation unintended by the operator due to execution of Undo / Redo. The history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 stored in the storage section 48 when the determination section 68 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0047] The predetermined condition specifies the start timing of the period during which execution of Undo / Redo is prohibited. The change history 56 is deleted when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, the Undo / Redo processing section 66 cannot refer to the change history 56 after the predetermined condition is satisfied. Thus, Undo / Redo by the Undo / Redo processing section 66 is substantially prohibited after the predetermined condition is satisfied. As a result, execution of Undo / Redo that is unexpected by the operator is prevented after the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, the possibility of the wire electric discharge machine 12 performing an action that is unexpected by the operator can be reduced.

[0048] Hereinafter, a specific example of the predetermined condition will be described. When Undo / Redo is executed during the period from the start of machining by automatic operation to the end of the machining, the wire electric discharge machine 12 can perform an action that is unexpected by the operator. In view of this, the predetermined condition is, for example, "start of automatic operation of the wire electric discharge machine 12". In this case, in a case where the wire electric discharge machine 12 has started automatic operation, the determination section 68 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. In addition, in a case where the wire electric discharge machine 12 has started automatic operation, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 stored in the storage section 48. Thus, Undo / Redo during automatic operation is substantially prohibited.

[0049] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the control method of the first embodiment.

[0050] Hereinafter, the control method illustrated in Figure 3 will be described. The control device 14 can execute the control method of Figure 3 . Figure 3 The control method illustrated in contains a change instruction accepting step S1, a history storing step S2, a determination step S3, and a history deletion control step S4.

[0051] The change instruction accepting step S1 and the history storing step S2 are contained in the preparatory work (so-called "preparation") of the operator. The preparation is performed before the wire electric discharge machine 12 starts automatic operation. In the change instruction accepting step S1, the change instruction accepting section 62 accepts a change instruction of the control parameter 54 and the machining program 52 by the operator. Here, in a case where the history storing step S2 has been performed one or more times (described later), the change history 56 has already been stored in the storage section 48. In this case, the operator can also instruct execution of Undo / Redo to the Undo / Redo processing section 66 as needed.

[0052] In the history storing step S2, the history storing control section 64 causes the storage section 48 to store the change history 56. Thus, the Undo / Redo processing section 66 can perform Undo / Redo according to the instruction of the operator.

[0053] The change instruction acceptance step S1 and the history storage step S2 can be repeated until the setting operation of control parameter 54 and machining program 52 is completed. Figure 3 Until the "Change complete?" option is met (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0054] In determination step S3, determination unit 68 determines whether the wire electrical discharge machine 12 has started automatic operation (whether a predetermined condition has been met). Here, if it is determined that automatic operation has started (S3: Yes), the history deletion control step S4 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that automatic operation has not started (S3: No), the control method of this embodiment ends directly (returns).

[0055] In the history deletion control step S4, the history deletion control unit 70 deletes the change history 56 stored in the storage unit 48. This prevents unexpected undo / redo operations from being performed after the history deletion control step S4. In this embodiment, as described above, the history deletion control step S4 is executed when automatic operation begins.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment, a control device 14 is provided that reduces the likelihood of the machine tool 12 performing unexpected actions during automatic operation by suppressing unintended undo / redo operations by the operator. Furthermore, a machine tool system 10 including this control device 14 is provided. Additionally, a control method executable by the control device 14 is provided.

[0057] [Variation Example]

[0058] The first embodiment has been described above as an example of the present invention. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the first embodiment. Furthermore, as can be seen from the scope of protection, such modifications or improvements can be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0059] Hereinafter, variations of the first embodiment will be described. However, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible in the following description. Unless otherwise specified, reference numerals for the constituent elements already described in the first embodiment will be used from the first embodiment.

[0060] (Variation Example 1)

[0061] The predetermined conditions are not limited to "the automatic operation of machine tool 12 has started" (first embodiment).

[0062] For example, the determination section 68 can also determine whether the processing is ended periodically after the start of the processing by the automatic operation. In this case, the determination section 68 can determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied each time it is determined that the processing by the automatic operation is not ended. In this case, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 each time it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the history deletion control section 70 periodically deletes the change history 56 during the execution of the processing by the automatic operation. The designer or the operator of the machine tool system 10 can also consider and decide the time interval at which the determination section 68 makes the determination.

[0063] According to the present modification, the change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation is permitted, and the execution of Undo / Redo unintended by the operator is prevented. That is, the control device 14 of the first embodiment prevents the execution of Undo / Redo after the start of the automatic operation. However, for example, there is a case where the operator notices a setting error after the start of the automatic operation. In consideration of such a case, it is preferable to permit the operator to consciously change the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 during the automatic operation. However, in this case, the change history 56 is newly stored in the storage section 48 based on the change instruction by the operator after the start of the automatic operation. Thereby, the control device 14 can execute Undo / Redo again. Here, the history deletion control section 70 of the present modification periodically deletes the change history 56 while the machine tool system 10 is in the execution process of the automatic operation. In order not to execute Undo / Redo, the time interval at which the deletion process is repeated preferentially is as small as possible. Thereby, the control device 14 permits the change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation, and prevents the execution of Undo / Redo unintended by the operator.

[0064] Further, the machine tool system 10 sometimes temporarily stops the automatic operation. The machine tool system 10 temporarily stops the automatic operation, for example, for the following reasons (1) to (4). (1) A case where the machine tool system 10 executes a program including a temporary stop of the automatic operation. (2) A case where an alarm is generated in the processing. (3) A case where the operator issues a stop instruction. (4) A case where the wire electrode 16 is broken. In the temporary stop of the automatic operation, the automatic operation control is interrupted but the processing is not ended. Therefore, it is not preferable to change the control parameter 54 and the processing program 52 during the temporary stop of the automatic operation except for the case where the operator consciously issues a change instruction. According to the above reasons, it is preferable that the determination section 68 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied also in the case where the automatic operation is temporarily stopped. Thereby, the history deletion control section 70 also deletes the change history 56 during the temporary stop of the automatic operation. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the execution of Undo / Redo unintended by the operator. It is also possible to periodically make the determination whether the automatic operation is temporarily stopped.

[0065] Figure 4is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a first example of the control method of Modification Example 1.

[0066] The determination section 68 of the above example determines whether or not the processing has ended (S3') after the automatic operation is started. Here, in a case where it is assumed that the automatic operation is temporarily stopped, it is preferable that the determination section 68 determines that the processing has not ended. In a case where it is determined that the processing has not ended (S3': No), the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 (S4') of the above example. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the processing has ended (S3': Yes), the control method ends (returns). Figure 4 Figure 4 In a case where it is determined that the processing has not ended (S3': No), the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 (S4') of the above example. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the processing has ended (S3': Yes), the control method ends (returns).

[0067] In addition, as another example of the present modification, the history storage control section 64 can not cause the storage section 48 to store the change instruction from the start of the automatic operation to the end of the processing. Thereby, the change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation is permitted, and the execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator is prevented. That is, as described above, it is preferable to permit the operator to consciously change the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 during the automatic operation. However, when the change history 56 based on the change instruction of the operator is stored in the storage section 48, it is not possible to prevent the execution of Undo / Redo thereafter. Therefore, the history storage control section 64 does not cause the storage section 48 to store the change history 56 of the change instruction issued during the period from the start of the automatic operation to the end of the processing. Thereby, the control device 14 of the present modification can permit the change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation, and can prevent the execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator.

[0068] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a second example of the control method of Modification Example 1.

[0069] The history storage control section 64 of the above example does not accumulate and store the change instruction of the operator (S5) during the period from the start of the automatic operation to the end of the processing. The determination section 68 determines whether or not the processing has ended (S6) after the automatic operation is started. Here, in a case where it is determined that the processing has ended (S6: Yes), the storage of the change instruction is permitted (S7). Thereafter, in a case where the change instruction is issued, the history storage control section 64 updates the change history 56 based on the change instruction. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the processing has not ended (S6: No), the storage of the change instruction is continuously prohibited. Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 5 In the example of

[0070] In the example of Figure 5 Figure 5 ​​​​S4") is the start of automatic operation. Thus, Undo / Redo is prevented from being executed in automatic operation. Further, in the example of FIG. 6, the change history 56 is deleted periodically as in the example of FIG. 5. Figure 5 Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 6, the change history 56 can be deleted periodically as in the example of FIG. 5.

[0071] (Modified Example 2)

[0072] The determination section 68 can also determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a case where the processing by automatic operation is ended. In this case, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 in a case where the processing by automatic operation is ended.

[0073] The machine tool system 10 can perform second processing after the first processing is completed. Here, the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 can be different between the first processing and the second processing. In this case, the operator performs preparation for the second processing after the first processing is ended. However, when the operator inadvertently instructs Undo / Redo in the preparation work for the second processing, there is a possibility that the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 used in the first processing are set in the control device 14. In this case, there is a possibility that processing failure occurs in the second processing.

[0074] To this point, according to the present modified example, the change history 56 is deleted at the end of the processing by automatic operation. Thus, in a case where the operator performs the setting work of the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54, it is possible to prevent the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 used in the previous automatic operation from being set in the control device 14.

[0075] (Modified Example 3)

[0076] The display control section 60 can cause the display section 44 to display a plurality of screens in a screen migration manner. Here, the plurality of screens include the setting change screen 72. The determination section 68 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a case where screen migration from the setting change screen 72 to another screen is performed. Further, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 when screen migration from the setting change screen 72 to another screen is performed.

[0077] According to the present modified example, it is possible to prevent Undo / Redo that the operator does not intend to be executed based on the change history 56 before the screen migration from the setting change screen 72 to another screen is performed. For example, the operator changes the control parameter 54 while observing the setting change screen 72A (see FIG. 7A). Thereafter, the display control section 60 causes the screen to migrate from the setting change screen 72A to the setting change screen 72B (see FIG. 7B). In this case, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 when the screen migration is performed. Figure 2A Figure 2B ​​) migration. The control parameter 54 changed by the operator in the setting change screen 72A is not displayed in the setting change screen 72B. Here, assume that the change history 56 regarding the control parameter 54 remains in the storage section 48 after the screen migration to the setting change screen 72B. In this case, when the operator inadvertently instructs Undo / Redo on the setting change screen 72B, the control parameter 54 is changed. Since the control parameter 54 is not displayed in the setting change screen 72B, the operator hardly notices that the control parameter 54 is unexpectedly changed. In this regard, according to the present modification example, the change history 56 is deleted in the case where the screen migration from the setting change screen 72A to the other screen (72B) is performed. Thereby, in the other screen at the screen migration destination, the Undo / Redo of the control parameter 54 changed on the setting change screen 72A is prevented from being executed.

[0078] (Modification Example 4)

[0079] The constituent elements of the wire electric discharge machine (machine tool) 12 are not limited to those described in the first embodiment. For example, the control device 14 can also have a constituent element for automatically controlling the wire electrode feeding mechanism (refer to the first embodiment) based on the control parameter 54.

[0080] (Modification Example 5)

[0081] Each of the above-described modification examples can be appropriately combined within a range where no contradiction arises.

[0082] [Second Embodiment]

[0083] Hereinafter, the machine tool system 10' of the second embodiment will be described. However, the description repeated with the first embodiment is omitted as much as possible in the following description. As for the reference symbols of the constituent elements already described in the first embodiment, they are used as they are unless specifically described.

[0084] Figure 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the machine tool system 10' of the second embodiment.

[0085] The machine tool system 10' of the present embodiment has a machine tool 12 and a control device 14'. The machine tool 12 is, for example, a wire electric discharge machine.

[0086] The control device 14' differs from the control device 14 (refer to Figure 1 ) of the first embodiment in that it has an Undo / Redo prohibition section 76 instead of the history deletion control section 70. Therefore, the following mainly describes the Undo / Redo prohibition section 76.

[0087] Like the operation control section 58, the Undo / Redo prohibition section 76 is virtually realized based on a program. The Undo / Redo prohibition section 76 prohibits Undo / Redo during a period from the start to the end of the automatic operation. The Undo / Redo prohibition section 76 prohibits Undo / Redo by instructing the Undo / Redo processing section 66. Further, it is determined whether or not it corresponds to the period from the start to the end of the automatic operation, for example, by the determination section 68. In addition, the end of the above-described automatic operation does not mean a temporary stop of the automatic operation, but means the end of the processing scheduled by the automatic operation.

[0088] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the control method of the second embodiment.

[0089] The control device 14' can execute Figure 7 the control method. Figure 7 The control method includes the change instruction acceptance step S1, the history storage step S2, the first determination step S13, the Undo / Redo prohibition step S14, and the second determination step S15. In addition, the change instruction acceptance step S1 and the history storage step S2 have been described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the change instruction acceptance step S1 and the history storage step S2 is omitted.

[0090] In the first determination step S13, the determination section 68 determines whether or not the automatic operation has started. Here, in a case where it is determined that the automatic operation has started (S13: Yes), the Undo / Redo prohibition step S14 is executed. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the automatic operation has not started (S13: No), the control method of the present embodiment is directly ended (returns).

[0091] In the Undo / Redo prohibition step S14, the Undo / Redo prohibition section 76 prohibits the Undo / Redo processing section 66 from executing Undo / Redo. In the second determination step S15, the determination section 68 determines whether or not the automatic operation has ended. Here, if it is determined that the automatic operation has ended (S15: Yes), the control method of the present embodiment is ended (returns). On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic operation has not ended (S15: No), the Undo / Redo prohibition step S14 is continued.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, without deleting the change history 56, it is possible to prevent the execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator during a period from the start to the end of the automatic operation.

[0093] Further, the control device 14' can also have the history deletion control section 70 (see the first embodiment). In this case, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 during a period from the start to the end of the automatic operation. The period from the start to the end of the automatic operation includes the time of the end of the automatic operation. The timing at which the predetermined condition is satisfied is not particularly limited as long as it is during the period from the start to the end of the automatic operation. That is, the timing at which the change history 56 is deleted is not particularly limited as long as it is during the period from the start to the end of the automatic operation.

[0094] By deleting the change history 56 by the history deletion control section 70, the possibility of erroneous setting of the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 can be reduced. That is, in the present embodiment, the Undo / Redo in the automatic operation is prohibited by the Undo / Redo prohibition section 76. However, the change history 56 generated until before the start of the automatic operation is not deleted. In this case, in the preparation work for the second processing performed after the end of the first automatic operation, by instructing the Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator, there is a possibility that the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 are erroneously set. To this point, the history deletion control section 70 deletes the change history 56 related to the first automatic operation. Thereby, in the preparation work for the second processing, the possibility that the processing program 52 and the control parameter 54 are erroneously set is reduced.

[0095] Further, the above-described modification example of the first embodiment can also be appropriately applied to the present embodiment, within a range in which no contradiction arises.

[0096] [Invention obtained from the embodiments]

[0097] The following describes the invention that can be grasped according to the above-described embodiments and modification examples.

[0098] <First Invention>

[0099] A control device (14) controls a machine tool (12) that processes a workpiece (W) based on a control parameter (54) and a processing program (52), thereby causing the machine tool to automatically operate, the control device (14) includes a change instruction accepting section (62) that accepts a change instruction of the control parameter and the processing program by an operator, a history storage control section (64) that causes a storage section (48) to cumulatively store the change instruction of the operator, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history (56) of the control parameter and the processing program, an Undo / Redo processing section (66) that performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to an instruction of the operator, a determination section (68) that determines whether a predetermined condition for preventing the machine tool from performing an unexpected operation of the operator due to execution of the Undo / Redo is satisfied, and a history deletion control section (70) that deletes the change history stored in the storage section when the determination section determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0100] Thus, a control device that suppresses execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by an operator is provided.

[0101] Also, the determination section can determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the machine tool starts the automatic operation.

[0102] Also, the determination section can periodically determine whether processing by the automatic operation is completed after the automatic operation is started, and determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied each time it is determined that the processing by the automatic operation is not completed. Thus, a change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation can be permitted, and execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator can be prevented.

[0103] Also, the determination section can determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the automatic operation is temporarily stopped. Thus, execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator can be more appropriately prevented.

[0104] Also, the history storage control section can not cause the storage section to store the change instruction of the operator during a period from the start of the automatic operation to completion of processing. Thus, a change instruction desired by the operator during the automatic operation can be permitted, and execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator can be prevented.

[0105] Also, the determination section can determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when processing by the automatic operation is completed. Thus, in a case where the operator performs a setting operation of a processing program and a control parameter, a processing program and a control parameter used in a previous automatic operation are prevented from being set.

[0106] The first invention can also have a display control section (60) that causes a display section (44) to display a setting change screen (72) for an operator to change at least one of the control parameters and the machining program, and the determination section determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a screen transition from the setting change screen to another screen is made by the display control section. Thus, unintended changes to the control parameters and machining program changed on the setting change screen are prevented after the screen transition from the setting change screen.

[0107] <Second Invention>

[0108] A control device (14') that controls a machine tool (12) that machines an object (W) based on control parameters (54) and a machining program (52), thereby causing the machine tool to automatically operate, includes a change instruction acceptance section (62) that accepts an operator's change instruction for the control parameters and the machining program, a history storage control section (64) that causes a storage section (48) to cumulatively store the operator's change instruction, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history (56) of the control parameters and the machining program, an Undo / Redo processing section (66) that performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to the operator's instruction, and an Undo / Redo prohibition section (76) that prohibits the Undo / Redo processing section from performing the Undo / Redo during a period from the start to the end of the automatic operation.

[0109] Thus, a control device that suppresses the execution of Undo / Redo by an operator unexpectedly is provided.

[0110] The second invention can also have a determination section (68) that determines whether a predetermined condition for preventing the machine tool from performing an action that the operator did not expect due to the execution of the Undo / Redo is satisfied, and a history deletion control section (70) that deletes the change history stored in the storage section if the determination section determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Thus, in the case where an operator performs a setting operation of a machining program and control parameters, the machining program and control parameters set in the previous automatic operation are prevented from being used.

[0111] The determination section of the second invention can determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the machine tool starts the automatic operation.

[0112] It can also be that the determination section of the second invention determines whether or not the processing by the automatic operation is finished periodically after the automatic operation is started, and determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied every time it is determined that the processing by the automatic operation is not finished. Thus, it is possible to allow a change instruction desired by an operator during the automatic operation, and it is possible to prevent an execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator.

[0113] It can also be that the determination section of the second invention determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a case where the automatic operation is temporarily stopped. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately prevent an execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by the operator.

[0114] <Third Invention>

[0115] The machine tool system (10, 10') is provided with: the control device (14, 14') of the first invention or the second invention; and a machine tool (12) controlled by the control device to perform an automatic operation.

[0116] Thus, a machine tool system that suppresses an execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by an operator is provided.

[0117] The machine tool can be a wire electric discharge machine.

[0118] <Fourth Invention>

[0119] A control method of controlling a machine tool (12) that performs processing on a processed object (W) based on a control parameter (54) and a processing program (52), thereby causing the machine tool to perform an automatic operation, includes: a change instruction accepting step (S1) of accepting a change instruction of an operator to the control parameter and the processing program; a history storing step (S2) of causing a storage section (48) to cumulatively store the change instruction in order to enable Undo / Redo of the change instruction of the operator, thereby causing the storage section to store a change history (56) of the control parameter and the processing program; a determination step (S3) of determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition being for preventing the machine tool (12) from performing an action unexpected by the operator due to an execution of the Undo / Redo; and a history deletion control step (S4) of deleting the change history stored in the storage section when it is determined in the determination step that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0120] Thus, a control method that suppresses an execution of Undo / Redo unexpected by an operator is provided.

Claims

1. A control device (14) that controls a machine tool (12) for machining an object (W) based on control parameters (54) and a machining program (52), thereby enabling the machine tool to operate automatically. Its features are, The control device (14) includes: The change instruction receiving unit (62) accepts the operator's change instructions for the control parameters and the processing program; The history storage control unit (64) causes the storage unit (48) to cumulatively store the operator's change instructions, thereby causing the storage unit to store the control parameters and the change history (56) of the processing program; Undo / Redo processing unit (66), which performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to the operator's instructions; The determination unit (68) determines whether a predetermined condition is met, the predetermined condition being used to prevent the machine tool from performing actions unexpected by the operator due to the execution of the Undo / Redo. as well as The record deletion control unit (70) deletes the change record stored in the storage unit when the determination unit determines that the predetermined conditions are met. When the machine tool starts automatic operation, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the automatic operation begins, the determination unit periodically determines whether the processing through the automatic operation has ended. Whenever it is determined that the processing through the automatic operation has not ended, the predetermined condition is determined to be met.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the automatic operation is temporarily stopped, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The history storage control unit does not store the operator's change instructions in the storage unit from the start of the automatic operation to the end of the processing.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the automated processing is completed, the determination unit determines that the predetermined conditions have been met.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control device also includes a display control unit (60), which causes the display unit (44) to display a setting change screen (72) for the operator to change at least one of the control parameters and the machining program. When the display control unit performs a screen migration from the setting change screen to another screen, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met.

7. A control device (14') that controls a machine tool (12) for machining an object (W) based on control parameters (54) and a machining program (52), thereby enabling the machine tool to operate automatically. Its features are, The control device (14') includes: The change instruction receiving unit (62) accepts the operator's change instructions for the control parameters and the processing program; The history storage control unit (64) causes the storage unit (48) to cumulatively store the operator's change instructions, thereby causing the storage unit to store the control parameters and the change history (56) of the processing program; Undo / Redo processing unit (66), which performs Undo / Redo based on the change history according to the operator's instructions; The determination unit (68) determines whether the machine tool has started automatic operation; as well as The Undo / Redo prohibition unit (76) prohibits the Undo / Redo processing unit from performing Undo / Redo during the period from the start to the end of the automatic operation when the machine tool starts the automatic operation.

8. The control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The determination unit determines whether a predetermined condition is met. This predetermined condition is used to prevent the machine tool from performing actions unexpected by the operator due to the execution of the Undo / Redo procedure. The control device further includes a history deletion control unit (70), which deletes the change history stored in the storage unit when the determination unit determines that the predetermined conditions are met.

9. The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the machine tool starts automatic operation, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met.

10. The control device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, After the automatic operation begins, the determination unit periodically determines whether the processing through the automatic operation has ended. Whenever it is determined that the processing through the automatic operation has not ended, the predetermined condition is determined to be met.

11. The control device according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the automatic operation is temporarily stopped, the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met.

12. A machine tool system (10, 10'), characterized in that, have: The control device (14, 14') according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and The machine tool (12) is controlled by the control device and thus operates automatically.

13. The machine tool system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The machine tool is a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine.

14. A control method for controlling a machine tool (12) that processes a workpiece (W) based on control parameters (54) and a machining program (52), thereby enabling the machine tool to operate automatically. Its features are, The control method includes: Change instruction acceptance step (S1): Accepting the operator's change instruction for the control parameters and the processing program; In the history storage step (S2), in order to enable the undo / redo of the operator's change instruction, the storage unit (48) accumulates the change instruction, thereby storing the control parameters and the change history of the processing program (56). The determination step (S3) determines whether a predetermined condition is met, the predetermined condition being used to prevent the machine tool from performing actions unexpected by the operator due to the execution of the Undo / Redo. as well as In the record deletion control step (S4), when the predetermined condition is determined to be met in the determination step, the change record stored in the storage unit is deleted. In the determination step, when the machine tool starts automatic operation, it is determined that the predetermined condition is met.

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