Method for operating numerically controlled machine tool

Abstract

A method for operating a numerical control machine to design, create, modify and / or execute a sequence program for machining a workpiece, comprising: presenting a project library having a plurality of project templates on a graphical user interface, each project template comprising a pre-configured sequence of operations for machining the workpiece according to the sequence program; a user selects an item template; a parameter display for setting a plurality of process parameters for the sequence program is displayed on the user interface; a user sets and stores a plurality of process parameters; displaying a schedule having a plurality of operations and an order of the plurality of operations on the user interface; displaying an operation library with a plurality of operation templates on the user interface; the user selects an operation template, and places and / or repositions the operation template at an expected position for operation in scheduling; repeating the selection, placement and / or relocation of the operation template until the scheduling is completed; and generating a sequence program with corresponding processing and / or control functions according to the scheduling and process parameters, and outputting the sequence program to a controller of the machine tool through a control interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a numerically controlled machine tool, an operating device for a numerically controlled machine tool, a control device for a numerically controlled machine tool, and a machine tool. In particular, the present invention can create a program sequence for machining a workpiece directly on the control device of the machine tool, thereby eliminating the need for software applications on a PC. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is well known that workpiece machining on a numerically controlled machine tool is controlled by an NC control device which is usually integrated on the machine tool. In particular, the NC control device controls controllable actuators, such as spindle drives, axis drives of machine tool axes and other machining functions of the machine tool, for example, according to an NC program generated by a CAD / CAM system or compiled by a machine tool operator.

[0003] In EP 2 891 020 A1, an extended controller for a numerically controlled machine tool is proposed, wherein another control device or operating device is provided in a manner superordinate to the NC control device, which extends the operation or control of the machine operator compared to the NC control device.

[0004] European patent application No. EP 3 767 405 A1 discloses an operating device for a numerically controlled machine tool and a system, device and method for operating and controlling one or more numerically controlled machine tools in a production system. The machining operations for machining one or more workpieces on the machine tool are controlled by a machining sequence selected by an operator via a user interface, and the corresponding machine tool or control function is called on the control device via the control interface.

[0005] German patent application number DE 10 2019 215 497 A1 describes a method for controlling a numerically controlled machine tool based on control data having an NC program, the NC program being provided on a control device of the machine tool and analyzed on the control device to identify a subdivision of the NC program as a plurality of program segments indicated in the control data. Based on the subdivision of the NC program, a graphical user interface is generated on the control device based on the program segments.

[0006] Initially, it is sometimes necessary to program a CNC machine tool to process a workpiece using G-code. Due to the high complexity of such programs, even a skilled person can quickly lose their way. Therefore, it is necessary to simplify the programming of machining operations or entire sequences on the controller.

[0007] Issues to be resolved

[0008] According to the current state of the art, the programming of machine tools needs to be simplified. In particular, programming should be made more efficient and intuitive. In addition, programming errors should be avoided, for example, logic tests or plausibility tests have been carried out during the configuration of the program sequence. Summary of the invention

[0009] Problem Solution

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating a numerically controlled machine tool according to claim 1 is provided. A second aspect of the invention relates to an operating device for a numerically controlled machine tool according to claim 18. A third aspect of the invention relates to a control device according to claim 20, and a fourth aspect relates to a machine tool according to claim 21. Further aspects of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the drawings and the following description of exemplary embodiments.

[0011] According to the method of the present invention, a user can generate a sequence program for a numerically controlled machine tool for machining a workpiece directly through a corresponding input device on a machine tool controller in a particularly intuitive manner. To this end, a graphical user interface is provided to the user as a human-machine interface for inputting information by the user and outputting output information to the user.

[0012] The graphical user interface can in particular be displayed on a touch screen of the machine control, which preferably enables gesture control. The program sequence can be displayed intuitively to the user via the graphical user interface, so that the sequence can be created simply and intuitively, is easy to understand and process. Furthermore, the parameters can also be illustrated visually by means of images or animations, so that the processing in this regard is particularly intuitive. More preferably, the operation of the graphical user interface is particularly simple and intuitive. It is further preferred that a specific sequence of a project template can be displayed in a detailed view.

[0013] For example, a project template is an NC program that has a preconfigured sequence for producing a component or machining a workpiece, but does not contain component- or workpiece-specific program content, which the user can then supplement himself.

[0014] More preferably, the graphical user interface can be implemented as part of an app, in particular as a CELOS app or PC software, which can be used via a desktop computer or a cloud-based application to create programs for one or more machine tools. Particularly preferably, the app can even be implemented on a smartphone or tablet.

[0015] In the method step, a user interface displays a project library with a plurality of project templates. Each project template includes a preconfigured sequence of operations for machining a workpiece according to a sequence program. The project templates can preferably also be created, modified and stored by a user.

[0016] For example, if the user selects a project template, the user interface displays a parameter display for setting a plurality of process parameters for the sequence program. The user can edit these plurality of process parameters on the graphical user interface. These process parameters can then be stored. The parameter display can in particular be displayed visually together with an explanatory diagram.

[0017] In an editor window of the user interface, a schedule with a plurality of operations and the order of the plurality of operations is displayed, for example, as a table with a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. Each cell of the table can represent a separate operation (work step or processing step). For example, the rows are executed in the order in which they are displayed from top to bottom. For example, cells in the same row but different columns can represent steps that are executed simultaneously.

[0018] A single operation or an operation may in particular be a single working step, which for example describes how to move a bezel. In other words, a single operation may in particular define a single movement of a machine tool actuator. The entire schedule may describe the machining of a workpiece, for example a cutting operation.

[0019] In addition, an operation library with several operation templates is displayed on the user interface. An operation template corresponds to a single operation or work step, which can be adapted to the required workpiece processing by adjusting the parameters. For example, the movement path, number of coordinates, spindle speed, tool used, etc. can be set as operation parameters.

[0020] The user can generate a sequence program by selecting an operation template and placing it in the desired position (cell) in the schedule. In addition, the user can relocate an operation template that has been placed in the schedule. For example, the selection and placement or relocation can be performed by a "drag and drop" operation. The parameters of the operation template can then be adjusted. If the parameters have already been set in another step, the parameters can also be preferably adjusted automatically.

[0021] The scheduling can be done by repeatedly selecting and placing and / or repositioning the operation template. A sequence program with corresponding machine tools and / or control functions is then generated and output according to the schedule and process parameters, for example, output to the controller of the machine tool via a control interface. In particular, the program can be compiled in G code according to the created schedule. Particularly preferably, the corresponding G code or NC code can be displayed and processed in another window. The processing of the code can also preferably be transferred back to the visual schedule. In other words, the content of the sequence program or operation is preferably synchronized bidirectionally between the visual display and the NC controller. In this case, all changes made can preferably be highlighted and conflicts that occur can be displayed.

[0022] An operating device comprises a processing device for executing a control and operating application, a control interface for connecting the processing device to a control device of a machine tool, and a user interface for displaying a graphical user interface as a human-machine interface for inputting input information to a user and outputting output information to the user. According to the invention, the processing device is configured to perform the method according to the invention.

[0023] According to the control device for a numerically controlled machine tool of the present invention, the numerically controlled machine tool has a control device for controlling the machining functions of the machine tool, and the control device comprises an operating device according to the present invention that is connected or connectable to the control device.

[0024] Preferred embodiments and modifications which can be used alone or in combination with one another are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0025] The visual schedule can preferably be translated into G-code or NC code and displayed in the editor. As an editor for editing the schedule, an intelligent editor can be used in particular, which is able to detect and highlight syntax errors and semantic errors. The NC commands are preferably automatically supplemented or completed during the input process. Particularly preferably, AI can be integrated to help the user generate the sequence program, for example, after the user writes a prompt, for example, by chat input, etc., to generate NC code in the editor.

[0026] The editor for NC codes and / or the editor for editing the visual schedule of a multi-channel CNC machine can be embodied in particular as a browser-based application that can be executed on a user's controller, PC, server or mobile terminal. The editor is preferably used for the design, creation and modification of NC programs that are independent of the graphical support of the machine tool controller. In this context, multi-touch gestures can be used in particular.

[0027] Preconfigured and user-friendly visualization projects and program templates enable fast, intuitive and simple construction of schedules. The resulting NC programs can be constructed in a parametric and structured manner and contain preconfigured operating commands for machine tool peripherals (e.g. rod loaders and robots), raw material and finished workpiece handling (e.g. push rods, part transfer, stopper positioning, finished workpiece unloading, etc.).

[0028] Particularly preferably, as a result, an optimized sequence program is generated for the NC controller and thus the associated program structure, which can be sent to the NC memory of the machine tool controller and always remains bidirectionally synchronized with the scheduled content.

[0029] Preferably, the project template is adopted in a parameterized manner. Preferably, the parameters can be adjusted or set and stored in a separate window in the graphical user interface. In this case, an explanatory diagram can preferably be displayed, for example, on the basis of a sketch or an animation (e.g. a GIF file) or the like, showing the meaning of the individual parameters.

[0030] Each operation template can in particular be a subroutine comprising a preconfigured machining template, allowing a user, for example, to design component-specific or workpiece-specific machining parts. The operation template comprises, for example, basic definitions of machining planes (e.g. end planes, surface planes, etc.). For example, each subroutine may comprise a portion of a preprogrammed NC code. The operation templates can preferably be created, edited and stored by the user. Similar to the case of the project templates, explanatory diagrams such as animations or drawings can be displayed for each operation template, which graphically explain the operation of the operation template so that the user can grasp the functionality within a few seconds. Preferably, the specific content of the operation template or the corresponding NC code, etc. can be displayed in another view.

[0031] In particular, the selection, placement or repositioning of operating templates and operations can preferably be carried out by gesture control, which can include, for example, dragging ("drag and drop"). Thus, the user can carry out a particularly simple and intuitive editing.

[0032] Preferably, during selection and placement and / or repositioning, both the operation templates and the operations can be dynamically adjusted to the desired position in the schedule. This dynamic adjustment can be performed in particular based on the operation templates and operations already in the schedule. This ensures that the individual operation templates and operations are compatible with each other. For example, the check can be performed by a credibility check or a logic test. Here, for example, it is checked whether the operation of a first channel is simultaneously compatible with the operation of another channel, or in what order the individual operations can be conveniently performed. In order to achieve this, the individual operation templates can have NC code segments or check sequences that can be compared with corresponding NC code segments or check sequences of other operation templates in the schedule.

[0033] Particularly preferably, when adding and / or moving operation templates, conflicts can be avoided by checking and evaluating the individual operations, for example, using previously checked movement paths. In addition, the operation templates can also be optimized in advance to make the sequence particularly efficient, low-risk or conflict-free.

[0034] During the selection and placement and / or repositioning of an operation template or an operation, the available positions in the schedule can be adjusted dynamically. For example, when selecting an operation template, the compatibility of the free cells in the table schedule can already be checked. Thus, only technically meaningful (expedient) cells can be displayed as available targets for placement. If the user attempts to place an operation template in an unavailable or incompatible cell, this can be prevented or a corresponding indication can be output.

[0035] Preferably, the sequence program can be automatically generated according to the schedule. To this end, for example, a suitable compiler can be used to convert the graphic schedule into corresponding machine code or NC code.

[0036] During the selection and placement of an operation template in a schedule, a control structure may be automatically and dynamically generated and / or adjusted. The control structure may include, for example, jump markers.

[0037] In particular, the process parameters that can be set can depend on the machine tool used. Particularly preferably, the process parameters that can be set are displayed graphically. The graphical representation makes operation particularly simple and intuitive.

[0038] Preferably, the process parameters include at least one of the following:

[0039] i. The size of the clamping tool of the working spindle;

[0040] ii. Clamping force of the working spindle;

[0041] iii. Workpiece zero point;

[0042] iv. Workpiece size.

[0043] The dimensions and positions are preferably indicated in millimeters or inches. Preferably, a three-dimensional or two-dimensional representation can be displayed to illustrate these dimensions and positions.

[0044] The schedule includes a graphical and interactive representation with a row for each operation and a column for each tool holder (channel) and each workpiece holder (rotating spindle). In a milling machine, a channel may correspond to a tool holder (milling spindle).

[0045] Each schedule can have a column for each tool holder and each workpiece holder. Each workpiece can be clamped on the main spindle and / or the counter-spindle.

[0046] Preferably, the method can be integrated in the controller of the machine tool. Particularly preferably, the method is executed by an application on the control device of the machine tool. In alternative embodiments, the application or a part of the application can also be executed on a computer, in the cloud or on a geographically remote server.

[0047] The plurality of operations may preferably include at least one of the following operations:

[0048] i. accepting a sequence program associated with the schedule;

[0049] ii. Equip or prepare one or more clamping tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool;

[0050] iii. Setting up one or more tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool;

[0051] iv. loading and / or preparing one or more tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool;

[0052] v. Load and / or compile one or more NC codes, NC programs and / or NC program parts required for the sequence program;

[0053] vi. One or more NC codes, NC programs and / or parts of NC programs required to execute a sequence program;

[0054] vii. Execute process monitoring applications;

[0055] viii. Record one or more machining processes associated with a sequence program;

[0056] ix. Automatic quality inspection of one or more machined workpieces;

[0057] x. Output sequence program;

[0058] xi. Automatic assembly of workpiece pallets;

[0059] xii. Automatic loading of workpiece pallets;

[0060] xiii. Automatically sort the workpieces back onto the workpiece pallet;

[0061] xiv. Setting the clamping position of the workpiece;

[0062] xv. Switching from one clamping position to another;

[0063] xvi. Automatic measurement of workpieces;

[0064] xvii. Automatic loading machine tool magazine;

[0065] xviii. Automatically set tools on machine tools;

[0066] xix. Automatically re-sort the tools in the tool magazine; and / or

[0067] xx. Perform one or more cleaning, maintenance, servicing and / or service applications on the machine tool.

[0068] The input information may include one or more elements from the following list:

[0069] i. Model data indicating a CAD model of one or more workpieces, one or more workpiece parts and / or one or more tools;

[0070] ii. NC data indicating one or more NC codes, one or more NC programs and / or one or more NC program parts;

[0071] iii. operation data, indicating operation data associated with workpiece processing;

[0072] iv. tool data, indicating information of one or more related tools;

[0073] v. tool list data, indicating a list of sequence programs or tools associated with workpiece machining, respectively,

[0074] vi. clamping tool data indicating information about one or more clamping tools associated with the clamping tool; and / or

[0075] vii. Clamping tool list data, indicating a list of sequence programs or clamping tools associated with workpiece processing, respectively.

[0076] Each project template can preferably include an explanation in the form of an animation and / or text and / or a diagram of the sequence contained in the project template. In addition, a voice output can explain the operation of the project template. By means of a graphical representation of the operation, the user can particularly quickly and easily understand which operation the machine has performed. The animation or description can particularly preferably also be dynamically adapted according to the changed parameters of the project template.

[0077] Preferably the operating device comprises a network interface for connecting the processing device to the server. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto. The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0079] Figure 1 A graphical user interface for selecting a project template is shown.

[0080] Figure 2 The setting mask of the comprehensive project parameters is shown.

[0081] Figure 3 An exemplary view of a library with operation templates is shown.

[0082] Figure 4 An exemplary view of a graphical user interface for creating a schedule is shown.

[0083] Figure 5 An intelligent editor with intelligent functions is shown.

[0084] Figure 6 An exemplary view with scheduling and G-code is shown.

[0085] Figure 7 An exemplary schedule is shown.

[0086] Figure 8 The parameter settings for the integration process are shown.

[0087] Fig. 9 An operating template for rotation in plane G18 is shown.

[0088] Fig.10 An operating template for slotting is shown.

[0089] Fig.11 An operating template for measuring the outer diameter is shown.

[0090] Fig.12 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention is shown.

[0091] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a machine tool with NC control is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0093] Figure 1 A graphical user interface for selecting a project template is shown. This view can be displayed, for example, as a home screen as a quick entry to creating a schedule. On the left, an overview of project templates is shown, which represents a portion of a library with multiple project templates. For each project template, an explanatory picture is displayed as a visual brief. When a user touches such an overview picture or places the mouse pointer over it, for example, a short animation of the corresponding sequence is displayed.

[0094] exist Figure 1On the right side of the screen, detailed information about the currently selected project template is shown. For example, the author, version, creation date, description text, etc. can be displayed. In the upper area of ​​the screen, a menu option is shown, allowing the user to choose between the selection screen for project templates and the selection screen for operation templates, the settings selection screen, etc. By clicking on the "Create Project" link, a new schedule can be created based on the selected project template.

[0095] Figure 2 A setting mask for synthesizing project or process parameters is shown. This can be displayed, for example, after selecting a project template. In this example, for example, clamping parameters for the main spindle and / or secondary spindle can be set, such as the clamping force or the range of the clamping force. In this case, for example, the size of the clamping tool, the component zero point, the workpiece size, etc. can also be set and / or modified.

[0096] Figure 3 An exemplary view of a library with operation templates is shown. The displayed operation templates can be divided into functional groups such as turning, milling, drilling, measuring, clamping, etc. For each operation template, an explanatory picture is displayed so that the user can recognize and understand the corresponding operation particularly quickly. The operation can be defined by dragging the operation template into the schedule. For example, the user can drag the required operation template to the position of the main or secondary spindle or channel 1 or channel 2 in the schedule. All necessary synchronization marks (wait) or filler operations can be automatically generated here. These synchronization marks (or jump marks) allow a safe interruption and re-entry of the NC program for production.

[0097] For each operation template, a detailed view can be called that describes the operation template in detail and displays additional information.

[0098] Figure 4 An exemplary view of a graphical user interface for creating a schedule for a machine tool having a main spindle SP4 and a secondary spindle SP3 is shown. In the case of a dual-channel machine tool, two additional channels, CH1 and CH2, are shown for each main spindle. Here, the schedule ( Figure 4 The "Operation Schedule" in the ) has multiple rows, which are executed consecutively from top to bottom.

[0099] Figure 5 An intelligent editor with intelligent functions is shown. The editor is part of an application that generates sequence programs, allowing the processing of NC code or G-code. The editor can represent the G-code in a structured way and provide simple navigation between the various operations. To avoid conflicts, the editor can validate the NC commands. The represented code corresponds to the operations in the schedule and can be automatically adjusted according to the remaining operations. In a preferred embodiment, the user can be assisted by AI to automatically generate or complete the G-code.

[0100] Figure 6 An exemplary view with a schedule and G-code is shown. On the left is shown an area showing the schedule when the generated sequence program is executed. On the right is shown the current values ​​of the controller.

[0101] Figure 7 An exemplary schedule is shown. Here, the schedule is a workpiece-specific deployment plan for all used tools. The schedule shows which machining operation is to be performed on which feature on the component with which tool. Due to the simplified representation, the user can easily make changes and adjustments to the sequence (position) and content of the respective operations. The user can easily click on an operation and from there call up or correct the tool used or change parameters.

[0102] In this example, each operation in the schedule is shown as a square or rectangle with a brief description. In addition, icons are shown that display more information about the tool or operation used. By clicking or tapping on the icon, more information can be displayed or changes can be made. By "drag and drop", the individual icons in the schedule can be moved and rearranged.

[0103] Figure 8 The parameter settings for the integrated process are shown. In this case, using the integrated process as a pick-up device requires the input of different setup parameters. These parameters are defined as RG variables. The clear assignment of parameters to the variables visible in the diagram enables safe operation and intuitive handling of the pick-up device for the user. Figure 8 The unloading of the finished workpieces from the secondary spindle (SP3) by means of an unloading device is shown by way of example.

[0104] Fig. 9 An operating template for rotation in plane G18 is shown. The rotation plane G18 is visualized by a marked surface in the XZ plane of the coordinate system on the workpiece. The operating template provides the user with a program envelope containing the essential technological data. These include the selection of the machining plane, the approach and departure movements on the workpiece, and the possibility to include cutting values, coolant instructions and tools in the NC code by entering the "property mask" of the corresponding operating template. The user can subsequently supplement the workpiece-specific program code.

[0105] Fig.10 An operating template for slotting is shown. The specific strategy for radial slotting in the operating template is shown. In order to produce controlled chip breakage in the case of long-chipping materials, the template enables the slotting to be programmed in a single feed sequence. The user can freely define the working and retracting feeds as well as the dwell time at the end of the plunge. The template can be used for radial external and internal slotting.

[0106] Fig.11An operating template for measuring the outer diameter is shown. The operating template contains the complete measuring strategy for the outer diameter, including the possibility to correct the tool with the measured values. The measurement is carried out by differential measurement in the positive and negative Y direction. The content of the cycle used is filled by the parameters in the input mask of the operating template. In addition, the template also includes the generation of a measurement log as a file on the controller.

[0107] Fig.12 A flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for generating a structured NC program (sequence program) according to the present invention is shown. Steps that are no longer required compared to conventional methods are shown in dashed lines. The method for generating a sequence program according to the present invention eliminates many previously necessary steps, so the method is greatly simplified and saves time.

[0108] According to the invention, sequence programs are automatically generated with sequence logic according to a schedule that the user can prepare on a graphical user interface by simple gesture control. For example, stored templates for component processing or automation are prepared parametrically, so that the user only needs to take over them and easily adjust them if necessary. Thus, the generation of sequence programs can be significantly simplified, thereby saving a lot of time and avoiding potential errors.

[0109] Fig.13 An exemplary embodiment of a machine tool 1000 with a corresponding NC controller 1100 is schematically shown. The NC controller 1100 (also referred to as a control device) has a storage device 1130, which is configured to provide control data of the NC controller 1100 of the machine tool 1000. For example, the control data can be transferred to the storage device 1130 from an external computer or via a network (e.g., a computer with multiple connections) to which the NC controller 1100 is connected (not shown here). However, this is only exemplary. The flowchart generated according to the method of the present invention includes control data for controlling the machine tool 1000.

[0110] Of course, there are other possibilities for transferring the control data to the storage device 1130, such as transferring the data to the storage device 1130 via a removable data memory connected to the storage device 1130 (or generally to the NC controller 1100).

[0111] The NC controller 1100 has a data processing device 1140 which can be configured to analyze the control data on the NC controller 1100 to identify the subdivision of the NC program 200 as a plurality of program segments 210 indicated in the control data. For example, the data processing device 1140 can subdivide the NC program 200 according to the operations located therein to be performed on the component / workpiece WS to be manufactured by the machine tool 1000. For this purpose, for example, corresponding commands can be recognized as indicators of new operations, so that the subdivision of the NC program 200 can be performed accordingly.

[0112] In addition, the NC controller 1100 has a human-machine interface 1150 configured to generate and / or provide a graphical user interface 100, and the operator of the machine tool 1000 can operate based on multiple program segments 210 on the NC controller 1100 according to the identification of the subdivision of the NC program 200 indicated in the control data.

[0113] In this case, the human-machine interface 1150 can be designed such that the image / information reproduction of the graphical user interface 100 (e.g., via a screen) is performed separately from the control / command input on the NC controller 1100 (e.g., via a keyboard with a mouse, etc.), or the control / command input is integrated into the image / information reproduction of the graphical user interface 100 (e.g., as a virtual mouse and mouse, which are designed to be controllably generated in the graphical user interface 100 by operator touch).

[0114] In particular, the graphical user interface 100 may include a plurality of control elements 110, wherein each control element 110 is associated with one of the program segments 210 of the NC program 200. The control elements 110 may be displayed separately on the image / information representation of the graphical user interface 100 or may be integrated in the graphical user interface 100 controllably by touch of an operator. In particular, the graphical user interface 100 may represent the above-described schedule.

[0115] Thus, the operator can adjust the NC program 200, for example by configuring at least one control element 110 of the graphical user interface 100, such that the operator can activate or deactivate respectively related program segments 210, for example by adding, moving or deleting individual operations in the schedule.

[0116] In addition to the NC controller 1100, the machine tool 1000 (herein Fig.13 The machine tool 100 also has a machine bed 1400, a machine table 1200 with a workpiece chuck 1210 for clamping a workpiece WS, a working spindle 1300 for driving a tool WZ to process the workpiece WS, and a frame structure 1500.

[0117] In addition, the machine tool 1000 may also be equipped with a tool changer and / or a workpiece tool changer and a corresponding tool magazine and / or workpiece magazine ( Fig.13 Each of these elements may have a dedicated channel or column in the schedule.

[0118] Another consequence of this is that the corresponding relevant program segment 210 can only be activated by the operator if it is determined that the tool WZ required for the machining operation corresponding to the program segment 210 is provided in the tool magazine of the machine tool 1000. If this is not the case (if the tool WZ is not provided), the NC controller 1100 will deactivate the corresponding program segment 210 in the graphical user interface 100. In other words, the schedule will not have a corresponding column, or the cells in the schedule table can be activated or deactivated accordingly.

[0119] As mentioned above, the method of the present invention and the control device according to the present invention (NC controller 200) are also applicable to other types of machine tools (gantry machines, multi-axis milling centers, etc.) and / or machine tool types (e.g. lathes, multi-axis lathes, erosion machines, laser deposition welding machines, etc.). The example list mentioned should not be understood as exhaustive, but can be expanded by various combinations of machine tool types / machine tool models, for example, and should also include other machine tool types / machine tool models of machine tools.

Claims

1. A method for operating a numerically controlled machine tool to design, create, modify and / or execute a sequence program for machining a workpiece, the method comprising the following steps: providing a graphical user interface as a human-machine interface for inputting input information by a user and outputting output information to said user; displaying a project library having a plurality of project templates on the user interface, each project template including a preconfigured sequence of operations for machining the workpiece according to the sequence program; A project template is selected by the user; Displaying a parameter display on the user interface for setting a plurality of process parameters for the sequence program; The user sets the plurality of process parameters and stores the process parameters; displaying on the user interface a schedule having a plurality of operations and an order of the plurality of operations; Displaying an operation library having a plurality of operation templates on the user interface; The user selects an operation template and places the operation template at a desired position of the operation in the schedule; and / or repositioning an operation template within the schedule; Repeating selecting, placing and / or repositioning the operation template until the schedule is completed; and A sequence program having corresponding processing and / or control functions is generated according to the scheduling and the process parameters, and the sequence program is output to the controller of the machine tool through a control interface.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein parametrically adopting said project template, and / or Each operation template is a subroutine that includes a preconfigured processing template.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The selection, placement or repositioning of the operation templates and operations is performed by gesture control. The method of claim 3 , wherein the gesture control comprises dragging and dropping.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: During selection and placement and / or repositioning, the operation templates and operations are dynamically adjusted to the desired locations in the schedule.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: During selection and placement and / or repositioning of the operation templates or operations, the available positions in the schedule are dynamically adjusted.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sequence program is automatically generated according to the schedule.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein control structures are dynamically generated and / or adapted during selection and placement of the operation templates in the schedule.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The process parameters that can be set depend on the machine tool; and / or The adjustable process parameters are displayed graphically.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the process parameters include at least one of the following: The dimensions of the clamping tool for the working spindle; The clamping force of the working spindle; Workpiece zero point; Workpiece size.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the schedule is a graphical interactive presentation having a row for each operation and a column for each tool holder and each workpiece holder.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the schedule has a column for each tool holder and each workpiece holder.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is performed by: An application on a control device of the machine tool, the control device having an input medium for inputting input information by a user; or an application on a computer; or Applications on the cloud or geographically remote servers.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of operations comprises at least one of the following operations: receiving a sequence program associated with the schedule; Equip or prepare one or more clamping tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool; Setting one or more tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool; loading and / or preparing one or more tools required for the sequence program on the machine tool; Loading and / or compiling one or more NC codes, NC programs and / or NC program parts required for the sequence program; one or more NC codes, NC programs and / or NC program parts required to execute the sequence program; Execute process monitoring applications; recording one or more machining processes associated with the sequence program; Automatic quality inspection of one or more machined workpieces; and / or The sequence program is output.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of operations comprises at least one of the following operations: Automatic assembly of workpiece pallets; Automatic loading of workpiece pallets; Automatically sort the workpieces back onto the workpiece pallet; Set the clamping position of the workpiece; changing from one clamping position to another clamping position; Automatic measurement of workpieces; Automatically loading the tool magazine of the machine tool; automatically setting a tool on the machine tool; Automatically re-sorting the tools in the tool magazine; and / or One or more cleaning, maintenance, servicing and / or service applications are performed on the machine tool.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The input information includes one or more of the following: Model data indicating a CAD model of one or more workpieces, one or more workpiece parts and / or one or more tools; NC data indicating one or more NC codes, one or more NC programs and / or one or more NC program parts; Operation data indicating operation data associated with workpiece processing; tool data indicating information about one or more associated tools; tool list data, indicating a list of sequence programs or tools associated with machining a workpiece, respectively, Clamping tool data indicating information about one or more associated clamping tools; and / or The clamping tool list data respectively indicates a list of sequence programs or clamping tools associated with workpiece processing.

17. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each project template comprises an animation and / or an explanation and / or a graphical illustration of the sequence contained in the project template.

18. An operating device for a numerically controlled machine tool, comprising: Processing equipment for executing control and operating applications; a control interface for connecting the processing device to a control device of the machine tool; and A user interface is used to display a graphical user interface as a human-computer interface, where input information is input by the user and output information is output to the user, wherein The processing device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The operating device according to claim 18, further comprising a network interface for connecting the processing device to a server.

20. A control apparatus for a numerically controlled machine tool having a control device for controlling a machining function of the machine tool, and an operating device according to claim 18 or 19, which is connected or connectable to the control device.

21. A machine tool comprising the control device according to claim 20.

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